Why did OpenClaw v2026.4.1 break exec for existing users?

The update silently enabled sandbox mode by default with no migration guide, warning, or opt-out mechanism, causing all exec commands to fail in existing single-operator setups.

How do I fix exec after upgrading to OpenClaw 2026.4.1?

You need to manually destroy Docker sandbox containers with docker rm -f openclaw-sbx-agent-main-* and reconfigure exec-approvals.json, which was undocumented at release.

Can I downgrade to avoid the v2026.4.1 exec bug?

Yes, users reported that downgrading to v2026.3.7 or v2026.3.31 restores normal exec behavior as a temporary workaround.

What is the exec-approvals.json file in OpenClaw?

It is a new config file introduced in v2026.4.1 for controlling exec permissions. It was initially undocumented and the valid values (deny, allowlist, full) were not shown in help or docs.

How many users were affected by the v2026.4.1 exec breakage?

Three separate GitHub issues were filed within 24 hours by different users, and the community discussion Openclaw useless now after update received 17 comments, suggesting widespread impact across single-operator deployments.

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⚠ IssueWide OpenLive

OpenClaw v2026.4.1 Silently Enables Sandbox and Breaks Exec for Every Existing Single-Operator Setup

The v2026.4.1 update enables sandboxing by default with no migration guide, warning, or opt-out, breaking exec for all existing single-operator setups. Users lost full days of work. Docker sandbox containers persist across restarts, config changes have no effect, and exec-approvals.json is undocumented. Three separate GitHub issues filed within 24 hours.

Product Idea from this Signal

A CLI tool that validates OpenClaw updates against your live config, skills, and channels in a disposable sandbox before you commit to the upgrade

1.4k ▲

OpenClaw shipped 13 point releases in March 2026 alone, each carrying real risk of breaking Dashboard, WhatsApp, cron jobs, dreaming, or multi-provider configs. Self-hosters currently have no way to test an update against their specific setup before applying it. This tool spins up a disposable container mirroring your production config, applies the pending update, runs your skills and channel integrations against smoke tests, and reports exactly what will break before you touch your live instance.

CLIOPEN-SOURCEDEVOPSSELF-HOSTING

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