---
title: "v2026.8.2"
summary: "Home beside your work, a Linux desktop companion, background sessions, safer upgrades, dependable replies and voice, and four new themes."
description: "OpenClaw v2026.8.2 release highlights, important upgrade changes, selected fixes, Plugin SDK migration notes, and contributor credits."
keywords:
  - OpenClaw
  - v2026.8.2
  - release notes
  - Control UI
  - Gateway
  - Linux
---

# OpenClaw v2026.8.2 Release Notes

OpenClaw v2026.8.2 brings your Home conversation alongside the page you are working on, adds a Linux desktop companion, and lets you start background sessions without leaving your current page. It also makes upgrades, replies, voice, and interrupted chats more dependable. Four new themes give the Control UI a different look, while supported Chrome extension builds can keep browser control available without a running Gateway.

Release links: [GitHub release](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/releases/tag/v2026.8.2), [npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/openclaw/v/2026.8.2), and the [full tagged changelog](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/blob/v2026.8.2/CHANGELOG.md#202682).

## Highlights

### Your Home agent, beside your work

Open Home in a right or bottom dock with `Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+H`, keep your current page in view, and preview or remove its work-context snapshot or attach selected text to your message. Related [#133632](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133632). ([#133676](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133676))

### A desktop companion for Linux

Install the `.deb` or AppImage on x86-64 Linux, connect to a local or remote Gateway, and open Quick Chat from the system tray or an X11 keyboard shortcut. AppImage updates are signature-verified; `.deb` installs remain under your package manager. See the [Linux guide](/platforms/linux).

### Start work without switching pages

Create and run a background session from New Session, keep its selected local, cloud, or paired-device placement, and open it from the completion notice. Related [#128037](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/128037). ([#128050](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/128050)) Thanks @Takhoffman.

### Safer upgrades

Updates preserve newer configuration, stop incomplete session migrations before claiming success, and recover a stopped Gateway after a failed update when the installed package or rollback is verified safe. Related [#118244](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/118244), [#90551](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/90551), [#134206](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134206). ([#134025](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134025), [#134228](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134228), [#119516](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/119516)) Thanks @obviyus, @stuart-minion-ai, @shakkernerd, @zyw02, @Issue-Hunter, @cursoragent, and @sercada.

### Replies that finish the job

The agent returns a final answer after settled tool work and surfaces failures after an accepted turn. This fixes conversations that stopped at tool output or an initial acknowledgement. Related [#133960](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133960). ([#133520](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133520), [#133979](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133979)) Thanks @fuller-stack-dev.

### More dependable voice

Voice delivery keeps internal reasoning out of speech and preserves tool-generated audio. Browser Talk also keeps later voice turns working after call setup. Related [#90364](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/90364), [#83636](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/83636), [#134081](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134081). ([#133615](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133615), [#133324](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133324), [#134170](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134170), [#134138](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134138)) Thanks @camball-strategies, @obviyus, @TurboTheTurtle, @clawSean, @Conan-Scott, and @mastertyko.

### Browser control without a running Gateway

Supported macOS and Linux Chrome extension builds can wake their paired local relay for authenticated CDP clients. This needs the updated native host and an extension build with relay wake-up support; see the [Chrome extension guide](/tools/chrome-extension#standalone-direct-loopback-relay) for setup. ([#128379](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/128379))

### Four new looks

Personalize the Control UI with CRT, Manuscript, Rosé, or Miami, with theme choices preserved offline and applied without flashing the wrong theme during reload. Related [#133416](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133416), [#132785](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/132785). ([#133495](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133495), [#133593](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133593), [#133417](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133417), [#132789](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/132789)) Thanks @vyctorbrzezowski.

## Before updating

See the [updating guide](/install/updating) for your installation method. These changes are useful to know before repairing or updating an existing Gateway.

- **Recovery cleanup:** preview retained migration originals with `openclaw update cleanup --dry-run`, then explicitly remove eligible originals while the selected Gateway is stopped; cleanup preserves current SQLite history but permanently gives up rollback to removed originals. Related [#133805](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133805). ([#133864](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133864))
- **Session visibility default:** let unsandboxed sessions work with other sessions of the same agent by default, including retained cron sessions; shared-agent operators should set `tools.sessions.visibility` to `tree` or `self` when they need narrower access, while sandbox and cross-agent restrictions remain enforced. Related [#133456](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133456). ([#133469](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133469))
- **Update capability consent:** block a requested Gateway restart and return an actionable failure when a plugin update needs capability review; retain the previous plugin and finish with `openclaw update repair` after review. Related [#134156](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134156). ([#134183](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134183)) Thanks @obviyus and @BrunoCerberus.
- **Hardened npm updates:** complete OpenClaw’s verified package lifecycle on hosts using npm `ignore-scripts=true` without enabling scripts for unrelated packages or rolling a valid update back. Related [#134177](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134177). ([#134193](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134193)) Thanks @obviyus and @botatdovly.
- **Doctor maintenance:** coordinate state repair with the matching managed Gateway, preserve its installed service definition, and verify it after any restart; use `openclaw gateway install --force` when you explicitly want to replace the managed launcher. Related [#133957](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133957). ([#134031](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134031))
- **Gateway restart after repair:** release Doctor’s database handles before restarting, so completed session migrations no longer leave the Gateway blocked by Doctor’s own database leases. ([#134429](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134429))
- **Update restart ordering:** let the updater control Gateway restarts through Doctor repairs and plugin setup, preventing Doctor from restarting it before the update is ready. ([#134470](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134470))
- **Automatic update policy:** keep the saved update channel authoritative after a one-off package tag, cancel discovery when checks are disabled, record failed automatic updates, and preserve recovery actions across dashboard reloads; unattended installation requires a managed Gateway service. ([#134566](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134566))
- **Install and channel switches:** finish update-channel and installation switches using the verified installation, recover only when the installed package is safe to restart, and recognize npm installations that have no installer metadata. Related [#134203](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134203). ([#134397](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134397), [#134475](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134475)) Thanks @Patrick-Erichsen and @vyctorbrzezowski.
- **Runtime capability review:** show the runtime plugin source and capabilities before model activation, keep installation and the live model check in the same setup flow, and let declining or canceling end that attempt without silently choosing another connection. ([#134101](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134101)) Thanks @VACInc.
- **Linux and npm installation:** preserve Fedora and other RPM-owned Node packages when OpenClaw needs a separate SQLite-safe runtime, restore npm conflict recovery and failure diagnostics, and keep installer dry runs from downloading the terminal UI helper. Related [#132828](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/132828), [#134201](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134201). ([#134166](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134166), [#134236](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134236), [#134388](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134388)) Thanks @beedell-roke, @ly85206559, @mohamedelrefaiy, @sallyom, and @SunnyShu0925.

## More ways to work

- **Cross-session conversations:** render forwarded messages as distinct speech bubbles with source-session links and sending-agent identity, preserving attribution when messages steer an active conversation. ([#132054](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/132054), [#133439](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133439))
- **Session organization:** group session actions into clearer menus, copy transcripts as Markdown, open sessions in tabs, windows, or splits, edit icons and colors together, and optionally hide empty session groups. Related [#133480](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133480), [#133629](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133629). ([#133490](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133490), [#133638](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133638))
- **Prepared cloud projects:** reuse prepared project snapshots and validated workspace hashes before starting a cloud session, and preserve the required stop, snapshot, and restart cycle for Daytona-backed projects. Related [#133436](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133436), [#133450](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133450). ([#133447](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133447), [#134026](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134026), [#134043](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134043))
- **Readable Beam links:** share transcripts through readable `/beam/` URLs named after their sessions, with existing access checks and contextual navigation preserved. Related [#125752](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/125752). ([#125755](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/125755), [#133463](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133463))
- **Background sessions:** start work from New Session without leaving the page with `Cmd/Ctrl+Enter`, retain the selected local, cloud, or paired-device placement, and open the session from its completion notice; use `Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+Enter` when Modifier+Enter is already your normal send shortcut, while explicit Draft visibility still creates a draft. Related [#128037](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/128037). ([#128050](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/128050)) Thanks @Takhoffman.
- **iOS composer:** bring inline model, thinking, permission, attachment, and context controls closer to the web experience, keeping queued sends bound to the session settings that authorized them. ([#132683](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/132683)) Thanks @Solvely-Colin.

## More fixes

- **Optional image decoding:** update the release’s managed Sharp dependency to 0.35.4 with libheif 1.23.2, fixing vulnerabilities in image decoding while preserving optional installation. See the plugin dependency caveat under Known issues.
- **Workspace permissions:** apply permission changes to active runs and preserve session tool policies on cloud workers, so changing where work runs does not widen what it may do. Related [#131947](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/131947), [#131661](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/131661). ([#132407](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/132407), [#131669](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/131669)) Thanks @jalehman, @anyech, and @sallyom.
- **Private diagnostics:** redact values explicitly marked private in macOS app logs, keep credential values and prefixes out of routine Clawdock diagnostics, and preserve safe redaction of long secrets. Related [#133736](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133736), [#133535](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133535). ([#133739](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133739), [#133547](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133547), [#134168](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134168))
- **Safe session recovery:** preserve independently created files and symlinks during archive restore, repair supported legacy v17 agent databases, and fail updates clearly when session migration still blocks startup. Related [#134163](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134163), [#134206](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134206). ([#133921](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133921), [#134208](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134208), [#134228](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134228)) Thanks @EthDing, @obviyus, @abacha, and @shakkernerd.
- **Scheduled jobs:** preserve and recover valid migrated cron jobs, avoid needless schedule-repair writes, and emit complete JSON when cron output is piped; heartbeat jobs now report the actual completed, skipped, or failed outcome after the heartbeat settles. Related [#133347](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133347), [#133442](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133442), [#134327](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134327). ([#133858](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133858), [#133552](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133552), [#133661](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133661), [#134464](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134464)) Thanks @fuller-stack-dev, @ejc3, @vincentkoc, @josephbergvinson, and @goslingmanagment.
- **Channel recovery:** resume recovery after crash-loop suppression, isolate unavailable accounts in diagnostics, and explain why an account recovery start was skipped. Related [#134134](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134134), [#133977](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133977), [#133954](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133954). ([#134165](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134165), [#134044](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134044), [#133973](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133973)) Thanks @shakkernerd, @lsr911, @obviyus, @chelsealong, @ZengWen-DT, and @SebTardif.
- **Matrix shutdown:** drain active monitor tasks before retiring shared clients, preventing shutdown deadlocks and late reuse of a closed client. ([#134033](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134033)) Thanks @lsr911, @obviyus, @chelsealong, @ZengWen-DT, and @SebTardif.
- **Human priority and cancellation:** prioritize human messages over inter-session work, stop queued Swarm collectors with their parent, and persist blocked completion alerts atomically. Related [#70634](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/70634), [#131553](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/131553), [#133058](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133058). ([#132738](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/132738), [#133076](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133076), [#133192](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133192)) Thanks @sylvesterkaczmarek, @obviyus, @ewrurwteurwU, @shojikumaru, @vincentkoc, and @potterdigital.
- **Conversation context:** reject summaries that revive superseded tasks, stop repeated byte-triggered compaction, retain policy ownership, and carry saved conversation summaries into a fresh Codex thread when switching runtimes. Related [#123668](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/123668), [#126900](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/126900), [#134224](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134224). ([#123737](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/123737), [#127110](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/127110), [#133912](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133912), [#134259](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134259)) Thanks @wangyan2026, @obviyus, @andersonjeccel, @yu-xin-c, @fede-kamel, @lsr911, @chelsealong, @ZengWen-DT, and @SebTardif.
- **Chat refresh and reconnect:** keep images visible while refreshed history loads, recover suspended tabs after Gateway updates, and keep the earlier-history action steady during pagination. Related [#134237](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134237). ([#134310](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134310), [#134189](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134189), [#132445](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/132445)) Thanks @Takhoffman and @RomneyDa.
- **Microphone and transcription:** explain pending microphone permission, avoid expiring a voice session while permission is pending, report transcription failures, and honor the selected transcription model. Related [#133348](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133348), [#133359](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133359), [#133448](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133448). ([#133353](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133353), [#133384](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133384), [#133473](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133473), [#133613](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133613)) Thanks @lsr911.
- **Native Codex sessions:** continue selected native sessions without scanning an entire large Codex home, preserve conversations across app-server restarts, and avoid intermittent Linux startup failures. Related [#133929](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133929). ([#134073](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134073), [#134098](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134098), [#133485](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133485))
- **Long-history performance:** avoid excessive context copies, release transcript backing storage after eviction, reuse prepared batch writers, and reduce repeated Control UI history processing while preserving full-fidelity fork evidence. Related [#133738](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133738), [#133939](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133939), [#123540](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/123540), [#133941](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133941). ([#133753](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133753), [#133565](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133565), [#133680](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133680), [#133965](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133965), [#123541](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/123541), [#134238](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134238), [#133988](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133988), [#134252](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134252), [#134209](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134209)) Thanks @njuboy11 and @obviyus.
- **Windows support:** preserve PowerShell profile encoding and pnpm shim arguments, and retain resource scope across Windows path casing differences. ([#133729](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133729), [#133395](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133395), [#134052](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134052)) Thanks @ly85206559 and @vincentkoc.
- **Bun Gateway compatibility:** restore authenticated Gateway connections under Bun 1.4 while preserving payload limits and request scheduling. ([#134282](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134282))
- **Docker image builds:** prevent dependency installation from failing on missing package-lifecycle files. ([#134231](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134231))
- **Draft and queue recovery:** preserve offline drafts and restored draft text, resume draining after canceling a queued edit, and let you discard unconfirmed messages that block the queue. Related [#133555](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133555), [#133603](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133603). ([#133628](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133628), [#133575](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133575), [#133440](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133440)) Thanks @vincentkoc.
- **Cloud result recovery:** retain worker results before retiring stale owners, recover cloud sessions across Gateway restarts and cancellation, and scope recovery to the requested environment. Related [#131713](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/131713). ([#132128](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/132128), [#133728](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133728), [#134448](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134448)) Thanks @jalehman and @shakkernerd.
- **Cloud cancellation:** persist canceled queued turns, stop work without waiting for unrelated provider inspection, fence canceled bundle installation, and wait for pending SSH workspace cleanup. Related [#133455](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133455). ([#133241](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133241), [#133476](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133476), [#133976](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133976), [#133472](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133472)) Stop also cancels pending worker provisioning and project preparation while allowing owned cleanup to finish. ([#133735](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133735))
- **Cloud lifecycle:** prevent archive, delete, and recovery from hanging behind worker moves, preserve actionable execution and workspace-recovery failures, fix bootstrap archive races, and release idle desktops before reuse; settle project snapshots before enrollment, reuse prepared worker archives, and reclaim unused snapshots during idle maintenance. Related [#133654](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133654), [#134199](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134199). ([#133551](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133551), [#133663](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133663), [#133655](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133655), [#133451](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133451), [#134200](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134200), [#134043](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134043), [#134181](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134181), [#134326](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134326), [#134088](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134088)) Thanks @Takhoffman.
- **Retained conversation inputs:** keep retained inputs in transcript order and prevent retired prompts from reappearing after history refresh or remount. ([#134261](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134261), [#134059](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134059)) Thanks @VACInc.
- **Model availability and routing:** pair full model catalogs with native authentication results and retain the selected completion transport, so discovered models and completion requests use the intended provider. Related [#134325](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134325). ([#134463](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134463), [#134521](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134521)) Thanks @fuller-stack-dev and @goslingmanagment.
- **macOS installation and sign-in:** relaunch the verified app after installation and let stalled provider sign-in exit without late authentication replies reopening a retired flow. Related [#134034](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134034), [#134347](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134347). ([#134074](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134074), [#134380](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134380)) Thanks @Sedrak-Hovhannisyan and @VACInc.
- **IPv6 Gateway access:** keep canvas, boards, and other plugin-hosted surfaces reachable when the Gateway uses bracketed IPv6 hosts, including forwarded host headers. ([#134050](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134050)) Thanks @yangxiansheng.
- **Browser relay admission:** limit pending relay authentication and replay records per client source so one source cannot consume the shared capacity. ([#134241](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134241)) Thanks @mmaps.
- **Credential reloads and inspection:** stop SMS webhook, media, and Twilio work when its account credentials become unavailable or are superseded, and keep inactive channel credentials out of inspection. Related [#133924](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133924). ([#134145](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134145), [#134418](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134418)) Thanks @shakkernerd.
- **LINE conversations:** list configured peers and groups, keep typing indicators working for Gateway-driven replies, and avoid answering standby events while another channel owns the conversation. Related [#133576](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133576), [#133597](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133597), [#133677](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133677). ([#133599](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133599), [#133679](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133679), [#133577](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133577)) Thanks @edenfunf.
- **Slack image downloads:** honor the configured image size limit when downloaded Slack files become tool results. ([#134242](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134242)) Thanks @marmar9615-cloud.
- **Tool output fidelity:** keep grep matches whose paths arrive as bytes and stop shell redirections or `rg --files` arguments from appearing as misleading search targets. ([#133358](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133358), [#133783](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133783)) Thanks @darioandyoshi-tech and @ly85206559.
- **HTML exports:** omit hidden messages from conversation cards while retaining their labeled debugging records; the HTML archive and JSONL download still contain hidden messages, so hiding is not redaction. ([#134561](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134561))
- **Hermes migration:** preserve the selected agent’s model, supported provider metadata, MCP tool restrictions, active organization skills, and disabled skill settings; partial apply failures return a complete JSON report with a nonzero exit. ([#134426](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134426))
- **Skills and memory wiki:** recover colon-rich skill frontmatter, allow disposal of malformed proposals, and reject unsupported wiki operations and self-imported source pages; discover skill roots created after Gateway startup so newly added skills can refresh normally. Related [#124486](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/124486), [#125139](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/125139). ([#122884](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/122884), [#124488](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/124488), [#123448](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/123448), [#125160](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/125160), [#134136](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134136)) Thanks @xydt-tanshanshan, @obviyus, @woodym-dotcom, @wanyongstar, @rajmp999, @YouBeerMe, and @shakkernerd.
- **Plugin repair guidance:** verify exact npm repair targets before suggesting a plugin update, and show a retry diagnostic when the target is unavailable. ([#133617](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133617)) Thanks @vladimirkrdzic.
- **Gateway session memory:** bound the session data loaded for lists, health, status, lookup, and cleanup, avoid retaining unused prompt snapshots, and refresh query planning after bulk deletion. ([#134395](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134395), [#134554](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134554), [#134488](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134488), [#133925](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133925)) Thanks @VACInc.
- **Usage accuracy:** keep output-token counts cumulative and recoverable, restore native-session usage after `/new`, refresh native pricing without pinning defaults, and correct cached long-context costs; refresh Cerebras and Chutes estimates from provider pricing while preserving explicit user rates, and keep usage pricing on static model metadata. Related [#133562](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133562), [#133346](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133346), [#133343](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133343). ([#133605](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133605), [#133441](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133441), [#133695](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133695), [#133349](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133349)) Related [#134248](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134248). ([#134311](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134311), [#133699](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133699))
- **Failure diagnostics:** retain the real reason in JSON log errors, preserve useful stdout alongside stderr on command failure, and report quiet npm timeouts or termination instead of blank errors. Related [#127448](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/127448), [#134427](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134427), [#134533](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134533). ([#134534](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134534), [#134428](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134428), [#133845](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133845)) Thanks @aniruddhaadak80 and @vincentkoc.
- **Status and restart diagnostics:** honor usage and agent-scope options in full status reports, identify active work delaying a restart, and report declared configuration accurately in triage. Related [#134267](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134267). ([#134269](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134269), [#133154](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133154), [#134416](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134416)) Thanks @VACInc.
- **Text fidelity:** preserve Unicode when truncating email and runtime text, retain HTML paragraph boundaries, and avoid leaking code-span placeholders into outbound messages; preserve trailing whitespace inside inline code and keep astral Unicode letters separated when stripping model control tokens. Related [#132969](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/132969), [#134450](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134450). ([#132170](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/132170), [#132366](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/132366), [#132998](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/132998), [#125184](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/125184), [#134451](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134451), [#134357](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134357)) Thanks @harjothkhara, @ly85206559, @pengzh1, @yifanxiong272, and @wanyongstar.
- **Speech providers:** resolve persona-level TTS secret references, report malformed MiniMax speech responses clearly, and consume interrupted Google voice-turn completion correctly; support the configured xAI speech origin consistently for synthesis and voice discovery while checking redirects to other origins, and handle silent transcripts correctly. Related [#89607](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/89607), [#133351](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133351). ([#89636](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/89636), [#123245](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/123245), [#133365](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133365), [#134214](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134214), [#134377](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134377)) Thanks @SebTardif, @lsr911, @obviyus, @chelsealong, @ZengWen-DT, @pablonunoutande-source, @coaiMax, and @marmar9615-cloud.
- **Home and composer continuity:** derive Home titles from the user message rather than its work-context snapshot, keep steady composer edits local in long conversations, and give scheduled-job controls distinct accessible names. Related [#127330](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/127330). ([#134591](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134591), [#133465](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133465), [#134225](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134225)) Thanks @SunnyShu0925 and @VACInc.
- **Systemd version metadata:** refresh obsolete version metadata during safe restarts without replacing the installed service or suppressing the restart when metadata maintenance fails. Related [#134202](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134202). ([#134482](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134482)) Thanks @Patrick-Erichsen and @vyctorbrzezowski.
- **Legacy state validation:** reject unexpected JSON fields even when their key is empty during supported push, node-host, outgoing-image, and TUI state migrations. ([#134577](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134577)) Thanks @vincentkoc.
- **Command help and completion:** keep hidden commands and options out of shell suggestions, retain the accepted legacy `message read --include-thread` spelling without advertising a no-op, and reject blank Gateway probe timeouts. ([#134247](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134247), [#134212](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134212), [#134040](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134040)) Thanks @marmar9615-cloud and @SunnyShu0925.
- **Session and shutdown ownership:** retain the selected agent through global native-session operations, keep sends on the selected channel plugin, stop new outbound retry admission during shutdown, and reject language-server tools after their bundle is disposed. Related [#127260](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/127260), [#134313](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/134313). ([#134314](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134314), [#134564](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134564), [#134381](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134381), [#133340](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133340)) Thanks @qingminglong and @VACInc.

## For plugin authors

- **Plugin SDK compatibility:** preserve the published conversation-binding inspection API and existing command definitions when upgrading from 2026.8.1; legacy `docks` categories remain visible under Tools without restoring retired docking features.
- **Plugin SDK types:** type Telegram `botToken` as `SecretInput` (`string | SecretRef`), matching existing secret-reference support; plugin authors should use the resolved account `token` and read finalization-context `messages` only when `source === "openclaw-transcript"`. ([#133988](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133988), [#134238](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/134238))
- **Plugin loading and updates:** load packaged TypeScript plugins consistently, normalize file URLs for native loading, preserve bundled provider compatibility, and keep official plugins aligned with targeted beta updates. Related [#133306](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/133306), [#123297](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/123297), [#97680](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/97680). ([#117199](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/117199), [#133337](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/133337), [#123416](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/123416), [#124415](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/124415)) Thanks @sunlit-deng, @easyteacher, @lonexreb, @obviyus, @bradenmcleish, @synthalorian, and @chac4l.

- **Plugin approval verification:** let plugins describe an external verification choice in approval presentations while OpenClaw retains approval identity, authorization, timeouts, and the final decision. ([#113517](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/113517)) Thanks @Guardiola31337.

### Upcoming deprecations

These already-deprecated Plugin SDK import paths remain available in **2026.8.2**. Their recorded removal target is **2026-09-01**; plugin authors should prepare the following migrations using the [Plugin SDK migration guide](/plugins/sdk-migration).

- **`openclaw/plugin-sdk/config-runtime`:** use `api.pluginConfig` for plugin configuration, `openclaw/plugin-sdk/config-contracts` for types, `openclaw/plugin-sdk/runtime-config-snapshot` for snapshot reads, and `openclaw/plugin-sdk/config-mutation` for writes. (`plugin-sdk-config-runtime-subpath`)
- **`openclaw/plugin-sdk/channel-reply-pipeline`:** import reply pipeline helpers from `openclaw/plugin-sdk/channel-outbound`. (`plugin-sdk-channel-reply-pipeline-subpath`)
- **`openclaw/plugin-sdk/infra-runtime`:** move helpers to focused imports, including `openclaw/plugin-sdk/delivery-queue-runtime`, `openclaw/plugin-sdk/diagnostic-runtime`, `openclaw/plugin-sdk/error-runtime`, `openclaw/plugin-sdk/exec-approvals-runtime`, `openclaw/plugin-sdk/fetch-runtime`, and `openclaw/plugin-sdk/ssrf-runtime`. The migration guide records that system-event snapshot inspection and consumption still have no modern public replacement. (`plugin-sdk-infra-runtime-subpath`)
- **`openclaw/plugin-sdk/channel-lifecycle`:** use `openclaw/plugin-sdk/channel-outbound`. (`plugin-sdk-channel-lifecycle-subpath`)
- **`openclaw/plugin-sdk/channel-message`:** use `openclaw/plugin-sdk/channel-outbound` and `openclaw/plugin-sdk/channel-inbound`. (`plugin-sdk-channel-message-subpath`)

## Known issues

- **Optional memory plugin dependency:** standalone `@openclaw/memory-lancedb` installs can still resolve an older vulnerable Sharp version through an optional Transformers dependency. The plugin’s reviewed text-embedding and vector-storage path does not load that image adapter; this dependency exposure remains a packaging follow-up.
- **Hindi and Korean token labels:** the native app’s token-usage label reverses the wording for used and total tokens; the counts and calculations are unchanged.

## Full changelog and contributors

These notes focus on the changes most useful to readers. The [complete contribution record](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/blob/v2026.8.2/CHANGELOG.md#complete-contribution-record) lists every included pull request with source links and contributor credits. The [tagged changelog](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/blob/v2026.8.2/CHANGELOG.md#202682) includes the remaining fixes and direct release repairs.