Optimized LM Studio + OpenClaw Setup on Fresh Windows Install

I need help setting up an optimized LLM workstation on a fresh Windows install.

Main goal: get LM Studio, OpenClaw or an equivalent agent, SearXNG search, model switching, API routing, GitHub/Cursor/Codex workflow, tool execution, iPhone notifications, and a clean writing project workspace working together.

I want a stable, maintainable setup. Start with the core pieces, then add tools one at a time.

What I need set up:

1. LM Studio

   • Install/configure LM Studio and verify the OpenAI-compatible server is working.

2. OpenClaw or equivalent agent

   • Set up OpenClaw, or recommend a more stable equivalent if OpenClaw is not the best option.
   • Needs to:
     • connect to LM Studio
     • route prompts to available models
     • support tool execution/workflows
     • use a stable version
     • avoid unnecessary startup/plugin spam if possible
     • stay maintainable
     • allow approved workflows/tools to run without constant manual approval prompts
   • I do not want a limited chat-only setup. I want an agent system that can search, read/write project files, run scripts, and perform approved workflows.

3. Model switching + API routing

   • Configure OpenClaw so it can use different LM Studio models depending on the task when possible.
   • Examples:
     • faster local model for simple tasks
     • stronger writing model for drafting or revision
     • coding-capable model for setup/workflow help
   • If OpenClaw supports routing profiles, model selection, or task-based local model switching, set that up and document how it works. If automatic switching is not reliable, set up the cleanest manual switching workflow instead.
   • API/cloud models should be available, but OpenClaw should ask for permission before using them. I do not want API models used automatically in the background.

4. API cost controls

   • For API models, configure available cost tracking, usage alerts, and spend guardrails. API routes should require confirmation before use.

5. SearXNG search

   • Set up SearXNG or a comparable neutral metasearch setup.
   • Requirements:
     • usable by the agent
     • not locked to Google, Bing, or Brave-only search
     • not exposed publicly
     • documented start/stop instructions
     • clear config location
     • tested with a basic search query

6. GitHub + Cursor/Codex workflow

   • Set up a basic repo and workflow for the workstation/project files.
   • Needs to include:
     • initialize GitHub repo
     • add .gitignore
     • separate config/examples from secrets
     • create a basic README with start/stop notes
     • show me how to open the project in Cursor/Codex
     • show me a simple edit/review workflow using Cursor/Codex

7. iPhone notifications

   • Set up one reliable way for the agent/workstation to message me on my iPhone for task completion, errors, input requests, long-running job updates, and automation results.
   • Preferred options: Pushover, Telegram bot, Discord webhook, ntfy, or email fallback.

8. Writing project template

   • Create a writing project template folder such as:

     projects/book-1/
     

   • With:
     • WRITING_PROFILE.md
     • NOVEL_CORE.md
     • SYSTEM_RULES.md
     • WORLD_AND_CULTIVATION.md
     • CAST.md
     • SEASON_1_OUTLINE.md
     • CHAPTER_TEMPLATE.md
     • chapters/
     • notes/
     • prompts/
   • Story/chapter files should stay inside the project folder.

9. Writing / agent templates

   • Create reusable templates for:
     • beat sheet generation
     • chapter drafting
     • revision pass
     • continuity check
     • project bible update
     • prepare chapter for posting
     • web research summary
     • file cleanup/update task
     • notify me when done

10. Handoff notes

    • Provide concise handoff notes covering installs/versions, config locations, start/stop, model switching, API routing, tool execution, notifications, cost controls, and the GitHub/Cursor/Codex workflow.

Preferred approach:

Build the stable core first, then add tools one at a time. Keep it clean and understandable enough that I can maintain it.

Looking for someone comfortable with:

Windows LLM setups, LM Studio, OpenAI-compatible endpoints, OpenClaw or similar agents, SearXNG, model switching/routing, API usage controls, GitHub, Cursor/Codex workflows, scripting, and iPhone notifications.

Nice to have: Playwright, EPUB tooling, browser automation, advanced agent workflows.

Success criteria:

The setup is done when LM Studio, OpenClaw/equivalent, SearXNG, model switching/API routing, GitHub/Cursor/Codex workflow, iPhone notifications, and the writing project template are all working and documented.

I should be able to start the system, switch between LM Studio models, use API models only after confirmation, run a basic tool workflow, search, receive a notification, and understand how to maintain it.

Note:

At the end of the day, I'm open to changes or other optimization that I don't know about if you did this thing for writers before. My system is 4090 GPU with i9 14900k TForce 48G RAM. Local setup is my priority.