diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index e928c80cb..e942ffc75 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -9,11 +9,16 @@ Docs: https://docs.clawd.bot
 - Exec: add `/exec` directive for per-session exec defaults (host/security/ask/node).
 - macOS: migrate exec approvals to `~/.clawdbot/exec-approvals.json` with per-agent allowlists and skill auto-allow toggle.
 - macOS: add approvals socket UI server + node exec lifecycle events.
+- Nodes: add headless node host (`clawdbot node start`) for `system.run`/`system.which`.
+- Nodes: add node daemon service install/status/start/stop/restart.
+- Bridge: add `skills.bins` RPC to support node host auto-allow skill bins.
 - Slash commands: replace `/cost` with `/usage off|tokens|full` to control per-response usage footer; `/usage` no longer aliases `/status`. (Supersedes #1140) — thanks @Nachx639.
 - Sessions: add daily reset policy with per-type overrides and idle windows (default 4am local), preserving legacy idle-only configs. (#1146) — thanks @austinm911.
 - Docs: refresh exec/elevated/exec-approvals docs for the new flow. https://docs.clawd.bot/tools/exec-approvals
+- Docs: add node host CLI + update exec approvals/bridge protocol docs. https://docs.clawd.bot/cli/node
 
 ### Fixes
+- Exec approvals: enforce allowlist when ask is off; prefer raw command for node approvals/events.
 - Tools: return a companion-app-required message when node exec is requested with no paired node.
 - Streaming: emit assistant deltas for OpenAI-compatible SSE chunks. (#1147) — thanks @alauppe.
 
diff --git a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdbot/ExecApprovals.swift b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdbot/ExecApprovals.swift
index 03e552bdb..adec360a9 100644
--- a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdbot/ExecApprovals.swift
+++ b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdbot/ExecApprovals.swift
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ enum ExecApprovalsStore {
             let data = try Data(contentsOf: url)
             let decoded = try JSONDecoder().decode(ExecApprovalsFile.self, from: data)
             if decoded.version != 1 {
-                return ExecApprovalsFile(version: 1, socket: decoded.socket, defaults: decoded.defaults, agents: decoded.agents)
+                return ExecApprovalsFile(version: 1, socket: nil, defaults: nil, agents: [:])
             }
             return decoded
         } catch {
@@ -397,11 +397,32 @@ struct ExecCommandResolution: Sendable {
     let executableName: String
     let cwd: String?
 
+    static func resolve(
+        command: [String],
+        rawCommand: String?,
+        cwd: String?,
+        env: [String: String]?
+    ) -> ExecCommandResolution? {
+        let trimmedRaw = rawCommand?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines) ?? ""
+        if !trimmedRaw.isEmpty, let token = self.parseFirstToken(trimmedRaw) {
+            return self.resolveExecutable(rawExecutable: token, cwd: cwd, env: env)
+        }
+        return self.resolve(command: command, cwd: cwd, env: env)
+    }
+
     static func resolve(command: [String], cwd: String?, env: [String: String]?) -> ExecCommandResolution? {
         guard let raw = command.first?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines), !raw.isEmpty else {
             return nil
         }
-        let expanded = raw.hasPrefix("~") ? (raw as NSString).expandingTildeInPath : raw
+        return self.resolveExecutable(rawExecutable: raw, cwd: cwd, env: env)
+    }
+
+    private static func resolveExecutable(
+        rawExecutable: String,
+        cwd: String?,
+        env: [String: String]?
+    ) -> ExecCommandResolution? {
+        let expanded = rawExecutable.hasPrefix("~") ? (rawExecutable as NSString).expandingTildeInPath : rawExecutable
         let hasPathSeparator = expanded.contains("/") || expanded.contains("\\")
         let resolvedPath: String? = {
             if hasPathSeparator {
@@ -419,6 +440,20 @@ struct ExecCommandResolution: Sendable {
         return ExecCommandResolution(rawExecutable: expanded, resolvedPath: resolvedPath, executableName: name, cwd: cwd)
     }
 
+    private static func parseFirstToken(_ command: String) -> String? {
+        let trimmed = command.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+        guard !trimmed.isEmpty else { return nil }
+        guard let first = trimmed.first else { return nil }
+        if first == "\"" || first == "'" {
+            let rest = trimmed.dropFirst()
+            if let end = rest.firstIndex(of: first) {
+                return String(rest[..<end])
+            }
+            return String(rest)
+        }
+        return trimmed.split(whereSeparator: { $0.isWhitespace }).first.map(String.init)
+    }
+
     private static func searchPaths(from env: [String: String]?) -> [String] {
         let raw = env?["PATH"]
         if let raw, !raw.isEmpty {
@@ -439,6 +474,12 @@ enum ExecCommandFormatter {
             return "\"\(escaped)\""
         }.joined(separator: " ")
     }
+
+    static func displayString(for argv: [String], rawCommand: String?) -> String {
+        let trimmed = rawCommand?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines) ?? ""
+        if !trimmed.isEmpty { return trimmed }
+        return self.displayString(for: argv)
+    }
 }
 
 enum ExecAllowlistMatcher {
@@ -522,7 +563,7 @@ struct ExecEventPayload: Codable, Sendable {
         guard !trimmed.isEmpty else { return nil }
         if trimmed.count <= maxChars { return trimmed }
         let suffix = trimmed.suffix(maxChars)
-        return "… (truncated) \(suffix)"
+        return "... (truncated) \(suffix)"
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdbot/NodeMode/MacNodeRuntime.swift b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdbot/NodeMode/MacNodeRuntime.swift
index 710a125b1..502b29a46 100644
--- a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdbot/NodeMode/MacNodeRuntime.swift
+++ b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdbot/NodeMode/MacNodeRuntime.swift
@@ -432,6 +432,7 @@ actor MacNodeRuntime {
         guard !command.isEmpty else {
             return Self.errorResponse(req, code: .invalidRequest, message: "INVALID_REQUEST: command required")
         }
+        let displayCommand = ExecCommandFormatter.displayString(for: command, rawCommand: params.rawCommand)
 
         let trimmedAgent = params.agentId?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines) ?? ""
         let agentId = trimmedAgent.isEmpty ? nil : trimmedAgent
@@ -444,7 +445,12 @@ actor MacNodeRuntime {
             ? params.sessionKey!.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
             : self.mainSessionKey
         let runId = UUID().uuidString
-        let resolution = ExecCommandResolution.resolve(command: command, cwd: params.cwd, env: params.env)
+        let env = Self.sanitizedEnv(params.env)
+        let resolution = ExecCommandResolution.resolve(
+            command: command,
+            rawCommand: params.rawCommand,
+            cwd: params.cwd,
+            env: env)
         let allowlistMatch = security == .allowlist
             ? ExecAllowlistMatcher.match(entries: approvals.allowlist, resolution: resolution)
             : nil
@@ -463,7 +469,7 @@ actor MacNodeRuntime {
                     sessionKey: sessionKey,
                     runId: runId,
                     host: "node",
-                    command: ExecCommandFormatter.displayString(for: command),
+                    command: displayCommand,
                     reason: "security=deny"))
             return Self.errorResponse(
                 req,
@@ -477,12 +483,13 @@ actor MacNodeRuntime {
             return false
         }()
 
+        var approvedByAsk = false
         if requiresAsk {
             let decision = await ExecApprovalsSocketClient.requestDecision(
                 socketPath: approvals.socketPath,
                 token: approvals.token,
                 request: ExecApprovalPromptRequest(
-                    command: ExecCommandFormatter.displayString(for: command),
+                    command: displayCommand,
                     cwd: params.cwd,
                     host: "node",
                     security: security.rawValue,
@@ -498,21 +505,40 @@ actor MacNodeRuntime {
                         sessionKey: sessionKey,
                         runId: runId,
                         host: "node",
-                        command: ExecCommandFormatter.displayString(for: command),
+                        command: displayCommand,
                         reason: "user-denied"))
                 return Self.errorResponse(
                     req,
                     code: .unavailable,
                     message: "SYSTEM_RUN_DENIED: user denied")
             case nil:
-                if askFallback == .deny || (askFallback == .allowlist && allowlistMatch == nil && !skillAllow) {
+                if askFallback == .full {
+                    approvedByAsk = true
+                } else if askFallback == .allowlist {
+                    if allowlistMatch != nil || skillAllow {
+                        approvedByAsk = true
+                    } else {
+                        await self.emitExecEvent(
+                            "exec.denied",
+                            payload: ExecEventPayload(
+                                sessionKey: sessionKey,
+                                runId: runId,
+                                host: "node",
+                                command: displayCommand,
+                                reason: "approval-required"))
+                        return Self.errorResponse(
+                            req,
+                            code: .unavailable,
+                            message: "SYSTEM_RUN_DENIED: approval required")
+                    }
+                } else {
                     await self.emitExecEvent(
                         "exec.denied",
                         payload: ExecEventPayload(
                             sessionKey: sessionKey,
                             runId: runId,
                             host: "node",
-                            command: ExecCommandFormatter.displayString(for: command),
+                            command: displayCommand,
                             reason: "approval-required"))
                     return Self.errorResponse(
                         req,
@@ -520,6 +546,7 @@ actor MacNodeRuntime {
                         message: "SYSTEM_RUN_DENIED: approval required")
                 }
             case .allowAlways?:
+                approvedByAsk = true
                 if security == .allowlist {
                     let pattern = resolution?.resolvedPath ??
                         resolution?.rawExecutable ??
@@ -530,20 +557,33 @@ actor MacNodeRuntime {
                     }
                 }
             case .allowOnce?:
-                break
+                approvedByAsk = true
             }
         }
 
+        if security == .allowlist && allowlistMatch == nil && !skillAllow && !approvedByAsk {
+            await self.emitExecEvent(
+                "exec.denied",
+                payload: ExecEventPayload(
+                    sessionKey: sessionKey,
+                    runId: runId,
+                    host: "node",
+                    command: displayCommand,
+                    reason: "allowlist-miss"))
+            return Self.errorResponse(
+                req,
+                code: .unavailable,
+                message: "SYSTEM_RUN_DENIED: allowlist miss")
+        }
+
         if let match = allowlistMatch {
             ExecApprovalsStore.recordAllowlistUse(
                 agentId: agentId,
                 pattern: match.pattern,
-                command: ExecCommandFormatter.displayString(for: command),
+                command: displayCommand,
                 resolvedPath: resolution?.resolvedPath)
         }
 
-        let env = Self.sanitizedEnv(params.env)
-
         if params.needsScreenRecording == true {
             let authorized = await PermissionManager
                 .status([.screenRecording])[.screenRecording] ?? false
@@ -554,7 +594,7 @@ actor MacNodeRuntime {
                         sessionKey: sessionKey,
                         runId: runId,
                         host: "node",
-                        command: ExecCommandFormatter.displayString(for: command),
+                        command: displayCommand,
                         reason: "permission:screenRecording"))
                 return Self.errorResponse(
                     req,
@@ -570,7 +610,7 @@ actor MacNodeRuntime {
                 sessionKey: sessionKey,
                 runId: runId,
                 host: "node",
-                command: ExecCommandFormatter.displayString(for: command)))
+                command: displayCommand))
         let result = await ShellExecutor.runDetailed(
             command: command,
             cwd: params.cwd,
@@ -583,7 +623,7 @@ actor MacNodeRuntime {
                 sessionKey: sessionKey,
                 runId: runId,
                 host: "node",
-                command: ExecCommandFormatter.displayString(for: command),
+                command: displayCommand,
                 exitCode: result.exitCode,
                 timedOut: result.timedOut,
                 success: result.success,
diff --git a/apps/shared/ClawdbotKit/Sources/ClawdbotKit/SystemCommands.swift b/apps/shared/ClawdbotKit/Sources/ClawdbotKit/SystemCommands.swift
index f41f56f13..1db944d91 100644
--- a/apps/shared/ClawdbotKit/Sources/ClawdbotKit/SystemCommands.swift
+++ b/apps/shared/ClawdbotKit/Sources/ClawdbotKit/SystemCommands.swift
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ public enum ClawdbotNotificationDelivery: String, Codable, Sendable {
 
 public struct ClawdbotSystemRunParams: Codable, Sendable, Equatable {
     public var command: [String]
+    public var rawCommand: String?
     public var cwd: String?
     public var env: [String: String]?
     public var timeoutMs: Int?
@@ -29,6 +30,7 @@ public struct ClawdbotSystemRunParams: Codable, Sendable, Equatable {
 
     public init(
         command: [String],
+        rawCommand: String? = nil,
         cwd: String? = nil,
         env: [String: String]? = nil,
         timeoutMs: Int? = nil,
@@ -37,6 +39,7 @@ public struct ClawdbotSystemRunParams: Codable, Sendable, Equatable {
         sessionKey: String? = nil)
     {
         self.command = command
+        self.rawCommand = rawCommand
         self.cwd = cwd
         self.env = env
         self.timeoutMs = timeoutMs
diff --git a/docs/cli/index.md b/docs/cli/index.md
index 760924519..2af75ccdc 100644
--- a/docs/cli/index.md
+++ b/docs/cli/index.md
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ This page describes the current CLI behavior. If commands change, update this do
 - [`models`](/cli/models)
 - [`memory`](/cli/memory)
 - [`nodes`](/cli/nodes)
+- [`node`](/cli/node)
 - [`sandbox`](/cli/sandbox)
 - [`tui`](/cli/tui)
 - [`browser`](/cli/browser)
@@ -168,21 +169,15 @@ clawdbot [--dev] [--profile <name>] <command>
     runs
     run
   nodes
-    status
-    describe
-    list
-    pending
-    approve
-    reject
-    rename
-    invoke
-    run
-    notify
-    camera list|snap|clip
-    canvas snapshot|present|hide|navigate|eval
-    canvas a2ui push|reset
-    screen record
-    location get
+  node
+    start
+    daemon
+      status
+      install
+      uninstall
+      start
+      stop
+      restart
   browser
     status
     start
@@ -772,6 +767,20 @@ Subcommands:
 
 All `cron` commands accept `--url`, `--token`, `--timeout`, `--expect-final`.
 
+## Node host
+
+`node` runs a **headless node host** or manages it as a background service. See
+[`clawdbot node`](/cli/node).
+
+Subcommands:
+- `node start --host <gateway-host> --port 18790`
+- `node daemon status`
+- `node daemon install [--host <gateway-host>] [--port <port>] [--tls] [--tls-fingerprint <sha256>] [--node-id <id>] [--display-name <name>] [--runtime <node|bun>] [--force]`
+- `node daemon uninstall`
+- `node daemon start`
+- `node daemon stop`
+- `node daemon restart`
+
 ## Nodes
 
 `nodes` talks to the Gateway and targets paired nodes. See [/nodes](/nodes).
@@ -788,7 +797,7 @@ Subcommands:
 - `nodes reject <requestId>`
 - `nodes rename --node <id|name|ip> --name <displayName>`
 - `nodes invoke --node <id|name|ip> --command <command> [--params <json>] [--invoke-timeout <ms>] [--idempotency-key <key>]`
-- `nodes run --node <id|name|ip> [--cwd <path>] [--env KEY=VAL] [--command-timeout <ms>] [--needs-screen-recording] [--invoke-timeout <ms>] <command...>` (mac only)
+- `nodes run --node <id|name|ip> [--cwd <path>] [--env KEY=VAL] [--command-timeout <ms>] [--needs-screen-recording] [--invoke-timeout <ms>] <command...>` (mac node or headless node host)
 - `nodes notify --node <id|name|ip> [--title <text>] [--body <text>] [--sound <name>] [--priority <passive|active|timeSensitive>] [--delivery <system|overlay|auto>] [--invoke-timeout <ms>]` (mac only)
 
 Camera:
diff --git a/docs/cli/node.md b/docs/cli/node.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..5c05303e7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/cli/node.md
@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+---
+summary: "CLI reference for `clawdbot node` (headless node host)"
+read_when:
+  - Running the headless node host
+  - Pairing a non-macOS node for system.run
+---
+
+# `clawdbot node`
+
+Run a **headless node host** that connects to the Gateway bridge and exposes
+`system.run` / `system.which` on this machine.
+
+## Start (foreground)
+
+```bash
+clawdbot node start --host <gateway-host> --port 18790
+```
+
+Options:
+- `--host <host>`: Gateway bridge host (default: `127.0.0.1`)
+- `--port <port>`: Gateway bridge port (default: `18790`)
+- `--tls`: Use TLS for the bridge connection
+- `--tls-fingerprint <sha256>`: Pin the bridge certificate fingerprint
+- `--node-id <id>`: Override node id (clears pairing token)
+- `--display-name <name>`: Override the node display name
+
+## Daemon (background service)
+
+Install a headless node host as a user service.
+
+```bash
+clawdbot node daemon install --host <gateway-host> --port 18790
+```
+
+Options:
+- `--host <host>`: Gateway bridge host (default: `127.0.0.1`)
+- `--port <port>`: Gateway bridge port (default: `18790`)
+- `--tls`: Use TLS for the bridge connection
+- `--tls-fingerprint <sha256>`: Pin the bridge certificate fingerprint
+- `--node-id <id>`: Override node id (clears pairing token)
+- `--display-name <name>`: Override the node display name
+- `--runtime <runtime>`: Service runtime (`node` or `bun`)
+- `--force`: Reinstall/overwrite if already installed
+
+Manage the service:
+
+```bash
+clawdbot node daemon status
+clawdbot node daemon start
+clawdbot node daemon stop
+clawdbot node daemon restart
+clawdbot node daemon uninstall
+```
+
+## Pairing
+
+The first connection creates a pending node pair request on the Gateway.
+Approve it via:
+
+```bash
+clawdbot nodes pending
+clawdbot nodes approve <requestId>
+```
+
+The node host stores its node id + token in `~/.clawdbot/node.json`.
+
+## Exec approvals
+
+`system.run` is gated by local exec approvals:
+
+- `~/.clawdbot/exec-approvals.json`
+- [Exec approvals](/tools/exec-approvals)
diff --git a/docs/gateway/bridge-protocol.md b/docs/gateway/bridge-protocol.md
index c5ef56016..ff5ad56a6 100644
--- a/docs/gateway/bridge-protocol.md
+++ b/docs/gateway/bridge-protocol.md
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ When TLS is enabled, discovery TXT records include `bridgeTls=1` plus
 ## Frames
 
 Client → Gateway:
-- `req` / `res`: scoped gateway RPC (chat, sessions, config, health, voicewake)
+- `req` / `res`: scoped gateway RPC (chat, sessions, config, health, voicewake, skills.bins)
 - `event`: node signals (voice transcript, agent request, chat subscribe)
 
 Gateway → Client:
diff --git a/docs/gateway/security.md b/docs/gateway/security.md
index 4625ed610..e18936fd2 100644
--- a/docs/gateway/security.md
+++ b/docs/gateway/security.md
@@ -65,8 +65,8 @@ stronger isolation between agents, run them under separate OS users or separate
 If a macOS node is paired, the Gateway can invoke `system.run` on that node. This is **remote code execution** on the Mac:
 
 - Requires node pairing (approval + token).
-- Controlled on the Mac via **Settings → "Node Run Commands"**: "Always Ask" (default), "Always Allow", or "Never".
-- If you don’t want remote execution, set the policy to "Never" and remove node pairing for that Mac.
+- Controlled on the Mac via **Settings → Exec approvals** (security + ask + allowlist).
+- If you don’t want remote execution, set security to **deny** and remove node pairing for that Mac.
 
 ## Dynamic skills (watcher / remote nodes)
 
diff --git a/docs/nodes/index.md b/docs/nodes/index.md
index 08aa643d9..bf1af742b 100644
--- a/docs/nodes/index.md
+++ b/docs/nodes/index.md
@@ -147,9 +147,10 @@ Notes:
 - The permission prompt must be accepted on the Android device before the capability is advertised.
 - Wi-Fi-only devices without telephony will not advertise `sms.send`.
 
-## System commands (mac node)
+## System commands (node host / mac node)
 
-The macOS node exposes `system.run` and `system.notify`.
+The macOS node exposes `system.run` and `system.notify`. The headless node host
+exposes `system.run` and `system.which`.
 
 Examples:
 
@@ -163,12 +164,33 @@ Notes:
 - `system.notify` respects notification permission state on the macOS app.
 - `system.run` supports `--cwd`, `--env KEY=VAL`, `--command-timeout`, and `--needs-screen-recording`.
 - `system.notify` supports `--priority <passive|active|timeSensitive>` and `--delivery <system|overlay|auto>`.
-- `system.run` is gated by the macOS app policy (Settings → "Node Run Commands"): "Always Ask" prompts per command, "Always Allow" runs without prompts, and "Never" disables the tool. Denied prompts return `SYSTEM_RUN_DENIED`; disabled returns `SYSTEM_RUN_DISABLED`.
+- On macOS node mode, `system.run` is gated by exec approvals in the macOS app (Settings → Exec approvals).
+  Ask/allowlist/full behave the same as the headless node host; denied prompts return `SYSTEM_RUN_DENIED`.
+- On headless node host, `system.run` is gated by exec approvals (`~/.clawdbot/exec-approvals.json`).
 
 ## Permissions map
 
 Nodes may include a `permissions` map in `node.list` / `node.describe`, keyed by permission name (e.g. `screenRecording`, `accessibility`) with boolean values (`true` = granted).
 
+## Headless node host (cross-platform)
+
+Clawdbot can run a **headless node host** (no UI) that connects to the Gateway
+bridge and exposes `system.run` / `system.which`. This is useful on Linux/Windows
+or for running a minimal node alongside a server.
+
+Start it:
+
+```bash
+clawdbot node start --host <gateway-host> --port 18790
+```
+
+Notes:
+- Pairing is still required (the Gateway will show a node approval prompt).
+- The node host stores its node id + pairing token in `~/.clawdbot/node.json`.
+- Exec approvals are enforced locally via `~/.clawdbot/exec-approvals.json`
+  (see [Exec approvals](/tools/exec-approvals)).
+- Add `--tls` / `--tls-fingerprint` when the bridge requires TLS.
+
 ## Mac node mode
 
 - The macOS menubar app connects to the Gateway bridge as a node (so `clawdbot nodes …` works against this Mac).
diff --git a/docs/platforms/macos.md b/docs/platforms/macos.md
index c54ccdba2..cc873556e 100644
--- a/docs/platforms/macos.md
+++ b/docs/platforms/macos.md
@@ -54,29 +54,32 @@ The macOS app presents itself as a node. Common commands:
 
 The node reports a `permissions` map so agents can decide what’s allowed.
 
-## Node run policy + allowlist
+## Exec approvals (system.run)
 
-`system.run` is controlled by the macOS app **Node Run Commands** policy:
-
-- `Always Ask`: prompt per command (default).
-- `Always Allow`: run without prompts.
-- `Never`: disable `system.run` (tool not advertised).
-
-The policy + allowlist live on the Mac in:
+`system.run` is controlled by **Exec approvals** in the macOS app (Settings → Exec approvals).
+Security + ask + allowlist are stored locally on the Mac in:
 
 ```
-~/.clawdbot/macos-node.json
+~/.clawdbot/exec-approvals.json
 ```
 
-Schema:
+Example:
 
 ```json
 {
-  "systemRun": {
-    "policy": "ask",
-    "allowlist": [
-      "[\"/bin/echo\",\"hello\"]"
-    ]
+  "version": 1,
+  "defaults": {
+    "security": "deny",
+    "ask": "on-miss"
+  },
+  "agents": {
+    "main": {
+      "security": "allowlist",
+      "ask": "on-miss",
+      "allowlist": [
+        { "pattern": "/opt/homebrew/bin/rg" }
+      ]
+    }
   }
 }
 ```
diff --git a/docs/refactor/exec-host.md b/docs/refactor/exec-host.md
index b51882a38..7419cd013 100644
--- a/docs/refactor/exec-host.md
+++ b/docs/refactor/exec-host.md
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ read_when:
 - **Runner:** headless system service; UI app hosts a Unix socket for approvals.
 - **Node identity:** use existing `nodeId`.
 - **Socket auth:** Unix socket + token (cross-platform); split later if needed.
+- **Node host state:** `~/.clawdbot/node.json` (node id + pairing token).
 
 ## Key concepts
 ### Host
diff --git a/docs/start/faq.md b/docs/start/faq.md
index 9f185b0e4..7dca8ee87 100644
--- a/docs/start/faq.md
+++ b/docs/start/faq.md
@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ Quick answers plus deeper troubleshooting for real-world setups (local dev, VPS,
 - [Remote gateways + nodes](#remote-gateways-nodes)
   - [How do commands propagate between Telegram, the gateway, and nodes?](#how-do-commands-propagate-between-telegram-the-gateway-and-nodes)
   - [Do nodes run a gateway daemon?](#do-nodes-run-a-gateway-daemon)
+  - [Can I run a headless node host without the macOS app?](#can-i-run-a-headless-node-host-without-the-macos-app)
   - [Is there an API / RPC way to apply config?](#is-there-an-api-rpc-way-to-apply-config)
   - [What’s a minimal “sane” config for a first install?](#whats-a-minimal-sane-config-for-a-first-install)
   - [How do I set up Tailscale on a VPS and connect from my Mac?](#how-do-i-set-up-tailscale-on-a-vps-and-connect-from-my-mac)
@@ -405,7 +406,7 @@ You have three supported patterns:
 Run the Gateway where the macOS binaries exist, then connect from Linux in [remote mode](#how-do-i-run-clawdbot-in-remote-mode-client-connects-to-a-gateway-elsewhere) or over Tailscale. The skills load normally because the Gateway host is macOS.
 
 **Option B - use a macOS node (no SSH).**  
-Run the Gateway on Linux, pair a macOS node (menubar app), and set **Node Run Commands** to "Always Ask" or "Always Allow" on the Mac. Clawdbot can treat macOS-only skills as eligible when the required binaries exist on the node. The agent runs those skills via the `nodes` tool. If you choose "Always Ask", approving "Always Allow" in the prompt adds that command to the allowlist.
+Run the Gateway on Linux, pair a macOS node (menubar app), and configure **Exec approvals** (Settings → Exec approvals) to "Ask" or "Always Allow". Clawdbot can treat macOS-only skills as eligible when the required binaries exist on the node. The agent runs those skills via the `nodes` tool. If you choose "Ask", selecting "Always Allow" in the prompt adds that command to the allowlist.
 
 **Option C - proxy macOS binaries over SSH (advanced).**  
 Keep the Gateway on Linux, but make the required CLI binaries resolve to SSH wrappers that run on a Mac. Then override the skill to allow Linux so it stays eligible.
@@ -742,6 +743,23 @@ to the gateway (iOS/Android nodes, or macOS “node mode” in the menubar app).
 
 A full restart is required for `gateway`, `bridge`, `discovery`, and `canvasHost` changes.
 
+### Can I run a headless node host without the macOS app?
+
+Yes. The headless node host is a **command-only** node that exposes `system.run` / `system.which`
+without any UI. It has no screen/camera/notify support (use the macOS app for those).
+
+Start it:
+```bash
+clawdbot node start --host <gateway-host> --port 18790
+```
+
+Notes:
+- Pairing is still required (`clawdbot nodes pending` → `clawdbot nodes approve <requestId>`).
+- Exec approvals still apply via `~/.clawdbot/exec-approvals.json`.
+- If prompts are enabled but no companion UI is reachable, `askFallback` decides (default: deny).
+
+Docs: [Node CLI](/cli/node), [Nodes](/nodes), [Exec approvals](/tools/exec-approvals).
+
 ### Is there an API / RPC way to apply config?
 
 Yes. `config.apply` validates + writes the full config and restarts the Gateway as part of the operation.
diff --git a/docs/tools/exec-approvals.md b/docs/tools/exec-approvals.md
index 495a0d838..5ba049299 100644
--- a/docs/tools/exec-approvals.md
+++ b/docs/tools/exec-approvals.md
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ read_when:
 
 # Exec approvals
 
-Exec approvals are the **companion app guardrail** for letting a sandboxed agent run
+Exec approvals are the **companion app / node host guardrail** for letting a sandboxed agent run
 commands on a real host (`gateway` or `node`). Think of it like a safety interlock:
 commands are allowed only when policy + allowlist + (optional) user approval all agree.
 Exec approvals are **in addition** to tool policy and elevated gating.
@@ -20,11 +20,11 @@ resolved by the **ask fallback** (default: deny).
 
 Exec approvals are enforced locally on the execution host:
 - **gateway host** → `clawdbot` process on the gateway machine
-- **node host** → node runner (macOS companion app or headless node)
+- **node host** → node runner (macOS companion app or headless node host)
 
 ## Settings and storage
 
-Approvals live in a local JSON file:
+Approvals live in a local JSON file on the execution host:
 
 `~/.clawdbot/exec-approvals.json`
 
@@ -97,8 +97,8 @@ Each allowlist entry tracks:
 ## Auto-allow skill CLIs
 
 When **Auto-allow skill CLIs** is enabled, executables referenced by known skills
-are treated as allowlisted (node hosts only). Disable this if you want strict
-manual allowlists.
+are treated as allowlisted on nodes (macOS node or headless node host). This uses the Bridge RPC to ask the
+gateway for the skill bin list. Disable this if you want strict manual allowlists.
 
 ## Approval flow
 
diff --git a/docs/tools/exec.md b/docs/tools/exec.md
index a021d3c21..ee07945a7 100644
--- a/docs/tools/exec.md
+++ b/docs/tools/exec.md
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ Notes:
 - `host` defaults to `sandbox`.
 - `elevated` is ignored when sandboxing is off (exec already runs on the host).
 - `gateway`/`node` approvals are controlled by `~/.clawdbot/exec-approvals.json`.
-- `node` requires a paired node (macOS companion app).
+- `node` requires a paired node (companion app or headless node host).
 - If multiple nodes are available, set `exec.node` or `tools.exec.node` to select one.
 
 ## Config
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ Example:
 /exec host=gateway security=allowlist ask=on-miss node=mac-1
 ```
 
-## Exec approvals (macOS app)
+## Exec approvals (companion app / node host)
 
 Sandboxed agents can require per-request approval before `exec` runs on the gateway or node host.
 See [Exec approvals](/tools/exec-approvals) for the policy, allowlist, and UI flow.
diff --git a/docs/tools/index.md b/docs/tools/index.md
index 7bd954179..e702f3951 100644
--- a/docs/tools/index.md
+++ b/docs/tools/index.md
@@ -181,6 +181,7 @@ Notes:
 - If `process` is disallowed, `exec` runs synchronously and ignores `yieldMs`/`background`.
 - `elevated` is gated by `tools.elevated` plus any `agents.list[].tools.elevated` override (both must allow) and is an alias for `host=gateway` + `security=full`.
 - `elevated` only changes behavior when the agent is sandboxed (otherwise it’s a no-op).
+- `host=node` can target a macOS companion app or a headless node host (`clawdbot node start`).
 - gateway/node approvals and allowlists: [Exec approvals](/tools/exec-approvals).
 
 ### `process`
diff --git a/docs/tools/skills.md b/docs/tools/skills.md
index feec2c4d2..36abdc66a 100644
--- a/docs/tools/skills.md
+++ b/docs/tools/skills.md
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ Skills can also refresh mid-session when the skills watcher is enabled or when a
 
 ## Remote macOS nodes (Linux gateway)
 
-If the Gateway is running on Linux but a **macOS node** is connected **with `system.run` allowed** (Node Run Commands policy not set to "Never"), Clawdbot can treat macOS-only skills as eligible when the required binaries are present on that node. The agent should execute those skills via the `nodes` tool (typically `nodes.run`).
+If the Gateway is running on Linux but a **macOS node** is connected **with `system.run` allowed** (Exec approvals security not set to `deny`), Clawdbot can treat macOS-only skills as eligible when the required binaries are present on that node. The agent should execute those skills via the `nodes` tool (typically `nodes.run`).
 
 This relies on the node reporting its command support and on a bin probe via `system.run`. If the macOS node goes offline later, the skills remain visible; invocations may fail until the node reconnects.
 
diff --git a/src/agents/bash-tools.exec.ts b/src/agents/bash-tools.exec.ts
index 7d59b7578..0847273f4 100644
--- a/src/agents/bash-tools.exec.ts
+++ b/src/agents/bash-tools.exec.ts
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import {
   resolveExecApprovals,
 } from "../infra/exec-approvals.js";
 import { requestHeartbeatNow } from "../infra/heartbeat-wake.js";
+import { buildNodeShellCommand } from "../infra/node-shell.js";
 import { enqueueSystemEvent } from "../infra/system-events.js";
 import { logInfo } from "../logger.js";
 import {
@@ -392,7 +393,7 @@ export function createExecTool(
         const nodes = await listNodes({});
         if (nodes.length === 0) {
           throw new Error(
-            "exec host=node requires a paired node (none available). This requires the macOS companion app.",
+            "exec host=node requires a paired node (none available). This requires a companion app or node host.",
           );
         }
         let nodeId: string;
@@ -411,14 +412,17 @@ export function createExecTool(
           ? nodeInfo?.commands?.includes("system.run")
           : false;
         if (!supportsSystemRun) {
-          throw new Error("exec host=node requires a node that supports system.run.");
+          throw new Error(
+            "exec host=node requires a node that supports system.run (companion app or node host).",
+          );
         }
-        const argv = ["/bin/sh", "-lc", params.command];
+        const argv = buildNodeShellCommand(params.command, nodeInfo?.platform);
         const invokeParams: Record<string, unknown> = {
           nodeId,
           command: "system.run",
           params: {
             command: argv,
+            rawCommand: params.command,
             cwd: workdir,
             env: params.env,
             timeoutMs: typeof params.timeout === "number" ? params.timeout * 1000 : undefined,
@@ -471,6 +475,7 @@ export function createExecTool(
           hostAsk === "always" ||
           (hostAsk === "on-miss" && hostSecurity === "allowlist" && !allowlistMatch);
 
+        let approvedByAsk = false;
         if (requiresAsk) {
           const decision =
             (await requestExecApprovalViaSocket({
@@ -491,31 +496,43 @@ export function createExecTool(
             throw new Error("exec denied: user denied");
           }
           if (!decision) {
-            if (askFallback === "deny") {
-              throw new Error(
-                "exec denied: approval required (companion app approval UI not available)",
-              );
-            }
-            if (askFallback === "allowlist") {
+            if (askFallback === "full") {
+              approvedByAsk = true;
+            } else if (askFallback === "allowlist") {
               if (!allowlistMatch) {
                 throw new Error(
                   "exec denied: approval required (companion app approval UI not available)",
                 );
               }
+              approvedByAsk = true;
+            } else {
+              throw new Error(
+                "exec denied: approval required (companion app approval UI not available)",
+              );
             }
           }
-          if (decision === "allow-always" && hostSecurity === "allowlist") {
-            const pattern =
-              resolution?.resolvedPath ??
-              resolution?.rawExecutable ??
-              params.command.split(/\s+/).shift() ??
-              "";
-            if (pattern) {
-              addAllowlistEntry(approvals.file, defaults?.agentId, pattern);
+          if (decision === "allow-once") {
+            approvedByAsk = true;
+          }
+          if (decision === "allow-always") {
+            approvedByAsk = true;
+            if (hostSecurity === "allowlist") {
+              const pattern =
+                resolution?.resolvedPath ??
+                resolution?.rawExecutable ??
+                params.command.split(/\s+/).shift() ??
+                "";
+              if (pattern) {
+                addAllowlistEntry(approvals.file, defaults?.agentId, pattern);
+              }
             }
           }
         }
 
+        if (hostSecurity === "allowlist" && !allowlistMatch && !approvedByAsk) {
+          throw new Error("exec denied: allowlist miss");
+        }
+
         if (allowlistMatch) {
           recordAllowlistUse(
             approvals.file,
diff --git a/src/agents/tools/nodes-tool.ts b/src/agents/tools/nodes-tool.ts
index 3b4a44d91..63f8a41d0 100644
--- a/src/agents/tools/nodes-tool.ts
+++ b/src/agents/tools/nodes-tool.ts
@@ -388,7 +388,7 @@ export function createNodesTool(options?: {
           const nodes = await listNodes(gatewayOpts);
           if (nodes.length === 0) {
             throw new Error(
-              "system.run requires a paired macOS companion app (no nodes available).",
+              "system.run requires a paired companion app or node host (no nodes available).",
             );
           }
           const nodeId = resolveNodeIdFromList(nodes, node);
@@ -398,7 +398,7 @@ export function createNodesTool(options?: {
             : false;
           if (!supportsSystemRun) {
             throw new Error(
-              "system.run requires the macOS companion app; the selected node does not support system.run.",
+              "system.run requires a companion app or node host; the selected node does not support system.run.",
             );
           }
           const commandRaw = params.command;
diff --git a/src/cli/node-cli.ts b/src/cli/node-cli.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b03b70b08
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/node-cli.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+export { registerNodeCli } from "./node-cli/register.js";
+
diff --git a/src/cli/node-cli/daemon.ts b/src/cli/node-cli/daemon.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..874e7b39d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/node-cli/daemon.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,577 @@
+import { buildNodeInstallPlan } from "../../commands/node-daemon-install-helpers.js";
+import {
+  DEFAULT_NODE_DAEMON_RUNTIME,
+  isNodeDaemonRuntime,
+} from "../../commands/node-daemon-runtime.js";
+import {
+  resolveNodeLaunchAgentLabel,
+  resolveNodeSystemdServiceName,
+  resolveNodeWindowsTaskName,
+} from "../../daemon/constants.js";
+import { resolveGatewayLogPaths } from "../../daemon/launchd.js";
+import { resolveNodeService } from "../../daemon/node-service.js";
+import { isSystemdUserServiceAvailable } from "../../daemon/systemd.js";
+import { renderSystemdUnavailableHints } from "../../daemon/systemd-hints.js";
+import { resolveIsNixMode } from "../../config/paths.js";
+import { isWSL } from "../../infra/wsl.js";
+import { loadNodeHostConfig } from "../../node-host/config.js";
+import { defaultRuntime } from "../../runtime.js";
+import { colorize, isRich, theme } from "../../terminal/theme.js";
+import {
+  buildDaemonServiceSnapshot,
+  createNullWriter,
+  emitDaemonActionJson,
+} from "../daemon-cli/response.js";
+import { formatRuntimeStatus, parsePort } from "../daemon-cli/shared.js";
+
+type NodeDaemonInstallOptions = {
+  host?: string;
+  port?: string | number;
+  tls?: boolean;
+  tlsFingerprint?: string;
+  nodeId?: string;
+  displayName?: string;
+  runtime?: string;
+  force?: boolean;
+  json?: boolean;
+};
+
+type NodeDaemonLifecycleOptions = {
+  json?: boolean;
+};
+
+type NodeDaemonStatusOptions = {
+  json?: boolean;
+};
+
+function renderNodeServiceStartHints(): string[] {
+  const base = ["clawdbot node daemon install", "clawdbot node start"];
+  switch (process.platform) {
+    case "darwin":
+      return [
+        ...base,
+        `launchctl bootstrap gui/$UID ~/Library/LaunchAgents/${resolveNodeLaunchAgentLabel()}.plist`,
+      ];
+    case "linux":
+      return [...base, `systemctl --user start ${resolveNodeSystemdServiceName()}.service`];
+    case "win32":
+      return [...base, `schtasks /Run /TN "${resolveNodeWindowsTaskName()}"`];
+    default:
+      return base;
+  }
+}
+
+function buildNodeRuntimeHints(env: NodeJS.ProcessEnv = process.env): string[] {
+  if (process.platform === "darwin") {
+    const logs = resolveGatewayLogPaths(env);
+    return [
+      `Launchd stdout (if installed): ${logs.stdoutPath}`,
+      `Launchd stderr (if installed): ${logs.stderrPath}`,
+    ];
+  }
+  if (process.platform === "linux") {
+    const unit = resolveNodeSystemdServiceName();
+    return [`Logs: journalctl --user -u ${unit}.service -n 200 --no-pager`];
+  }
+  if (process.platform === "win32") {
+    const task = resolveNodeWindowsTaskName();
+    return [`Logs: schtasks /Query /TN "${task}" /V /FO LIST`];
+  }
+  return [];
+}
+
+function resolveNodeDefaults(opts: NodeDaemonInstallOptions, config: Awaited<ReturnType<typeof loadNodeHostConfig>>) {
+  const host = opts.host?.trim() || config?.gateway?.host || "127.0.0.1";
+  const portOverride = parsePort(opts.port);
+  if (opts.port !== undefined && portOverride === null) {
+    return { host, port: null };
+  }
+  const port = portOverride ?? config?.gateway?.port ?? 18790;
+  return { host, port };
+}
+
+export async function runNodeDaemonInstall(opts: NodeDaemonInstallOptions) {
+  const json = Boolean(opts.json);
+  const warnings: string[] = [];
+  const stdout = json ? createNullWriter() : process.stdout;
+  const emit = (payload: {
+    ok: boolean;
+    result?: string;
+    message?: string;
+    error?: string;
+    service?: {
+      label: string;
+      loaded: boolean;
+      loadedText: string;
+      notLoadedText: string;
+    };
+    hints?: string[];
+    warnings?: string[];
+  }) => {
+    if (!json) return;
+    emitDaemonActionJson({ action: "install", ...payload });
+  };
+  const fail = (message: string, hints?: string[]) => {
+    if (json) {
+      emit({
+        ok: false,
+        error: message,
+        hints,
+        warnings: warnings.length ? warnings : undefined,
+      });
+    } else {
+      defaultRuntime.error(message);
+      if (hints?.length) {
+        for (const hint of hints) defaultRuntime.log(`Tip: ${hint}`);
+      }
+    }
+    defaultRuntime.exit(1);
+  };
+
+  if (resolveIsNixMode(process.env)) {
+    fail("Nix mode detected; daemon install is disabled.");
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const config = await loadNodeHostConfig();
+  const { host, port } = resolveNodeDefaults(opts, config);
+  if (!Number.isFinite(port ?? NaN) || (port ?? 0) <= 0) {
+    fail("Invalid port");
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const runtimeRaw = opts.runtime ? String(opts.runtime) : DEFAULT_NODE_DAEMON_RUNTIME;
+  if (!isNodeDaemonRuntime(runtimeRaw)) {
+    fail('Invalid --runtime (use "node" or "bun")');
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const service = resolveNodeService();
+  let loaded = false;
+  try {
+    loaded = await service.isLoaded({ env: process.env });
+  } catch (err) {
+    fail(`Node service check failed: ${String(err)}`);
+    return;
+  }
+  if (loaded && !opts.force) {
+    emit({
+      ok: true,
+      result: "already-installed",
+      message: `Node service already ${service.loadedText}.`,
+      service: buildDaemonServiceSnapshot(service, loaded),
+      warnings: warnings.length ? warnings : undefined,
+    });
+    if (!json) {
+      defaultRuntime.log(`Node service already ${service.loadedText}.`);
+      defaultRuntime.log("Reinstall with: clawdbot node daemon install --force");
+    }
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const tlsFingerprint = opts.tlsFingerprint?.trim() || config?.gateway?.tlsFingerprint;
+  const tls =
+    Boolean(opts.tls) ||
+    Boolean(tlsFingerprint) ||
+    Boolean(config?.gateway?.tls);
+  const { programArguments, workingDirectory, environment, description } =
+    await buildNodeInstallPlan({
+      env: process.env,
+      host,
+      port: port ?? 18790,
+      tls,
+      tlsFingerprint: tlsFingerprint || undefined,
+      nodeId: opts.nodeId,
+      displayName: opts.displayName,
+      runtime: runtimeRaw,
+      warn: (message) => {
+        if (json) warnings.push(message);
+        else defaultRuntime.log(message);
+      },
+    });
+
+  try {
+    await service.install({
+      env: process.env,
+      stdout,
+      programArguments,
+      workingDirectory,
+      environment,
+      description,
+    });
+  } catch (err) {
+    fail(`Node install failed: ${String(err)}`);
+    return;
+  }
+
+  let installed = true;
+  try {
+    installed = await service.isLoaded({ env: process.env });
+  } catch {
+    installed = true;
+  }
+  emit({
+    ok: true,
+    result: "installed",
+    service: buildDaemonServiceSnapshot(service, installed),
+    warnings: warnings.length ? warnings : undefined,
+  });
+}
+
+export async function runNodeDaemonUninstall(opts: NodeDaemonLifecycleOptions = {}) {
+  const json = Boolean(opts.json);
+  const stdout = json ? createNullWriter() : process.stdout;
+  const emit = (payload: {
+    ok: boolean;
+    result?: string;
+    message?: string;
+    error?: string;
+    service?: {
+      label: string;
+      loaded: boolean;
+      loadedText: string;
+      notLoadedText: string;
+    };
+  }) => {
+    if (!json) return;
+    emitDaemonActionJson({ action: "uninstall", ...payload });
+  };
+  const fail = (message: string) => {
+    if (json) emit({ ok: false, error: message });
+    else defaultRuntime.error(message);
+    defaultRuntime.exit(1);
+  };
+
+  if (resolveIsNixMode(process.env)) {
+    fail("Nix mode detected; daemon uninstall is disabled.");
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const service = resolveNodeService();
+  try {
+    await service.uninstall({ env: process.env, stdout });
+  } catch (err) {
+    fail(`Node uninstall failed: ${String(err)}`);
+    return;
+  }
+
+  let loaded = false;
+  try {
+    loaded = await service.isLoaded({ env: process.env });
+  } catch {
+    loaded = false;
+  }
+  emit({
+    ok: true,
+    result: "uninstalled",
+    service: buildDaemonServiceSnapshot(service, loaded),
+  });
+}
+
+export async function runNodeDaemonStart(opts: NodeDaemonLifecycleOptions = {}) {
+  const json = Boolean(opts.json);
+  const stdout = json ? createNullWriter() : process.stdout;
+  const emit = (payload: {
+    ok: boolean;
+    result?: string;
+    message?: string;
+    error?: string;
+    hints?: string[];
+    service?: {
+      label: string;
+      loaded: boolean;
+      loadedText: string;
+      notLoadedText: string;
+    };
+  }) => {
+    if (!json) return;
+    emitDaemonActionJson({ action: "start", ...payload });
+  };
+  const fail = (message: string, hints?: string[]) => {
+    if (json) emit({ ok: false, error: message, hints });
+    else defaultRuntime.error(message);
+    defaultRuntime.exit(1);
+  };
+
+  const service = resolveNodeService();
+  let loaded = false;
+  try {
+    loaded = await service.isLoaded({ env: process.env });
+  } catch (err) {
+    fail(`Node service check failed: ${String(err)}`);
+    return;
+  }
+  if (!loaded) {
+    let hints = renderNodeServiceStartHints();
+    if (process.platform === "linux") {
+      const systemdAvailable = await isSystemdUserServiceAvailable().catch(() => false);
+      if (!systemdAvailable) {
+        hints = [...hints, ...renderSystemdUnavailableHints({ wsl: await isWSL() })];
+      }
+    }
+    emit({
+      ok: true,
+      result: "not-loaded",
+      message: `Node service ${service.notLoadedText}.`,
+      hints,
+      service: buildDaemonServiceSnapshot(service, loaded),
+    });
+    if (!json) {
+      defaultRuntime.log(`Node service ${service.notLoadedText}.`);
+      for (const hint of hints) {
+        defaultRuntime.log(`Start with: ${hint}`);
+      }
+    }
+    return;
+  }
+  try {
+    await service.restart({ env: process.env, stdout });
+  } catch (err) {
+    const hints = renderNodeServiceStartHints();
+    fail(`Node start failed: ${String(err)}`, hints);
+    return;
+  }
+
+  let started = true;
+  try {
+    started = await service.isLoaded({ env: process.env });
+  } catch {
+    started = true;
+  }
+  emit({
+    ok: true,
+    result: "started",
+    service: buildDaemonServiceSnapshot(service, started),
+  });
+}
+
+export async function runNodeDaemonRestart(opts: NodeDaemonLifecycleOptions = {}) {
+  const json = Boolean(opts.json);
+  const stdout = json ? createNullWriter() : process.stdout;
+  const emit = (payload: {
+    ok: boolean;
+    result?: string;
+    message?: string;
+    error?: string;
+    hints?: string[];
+    service?: {
+      label: string;
+      loaded: boolean;
+      loadedText: string;
+      notLoadedText: string;
+    };
+  }) => {
+    if (!json) return;
+    emitDaemonActionJson({ action: "restart", ...payload });
+  };
+  const fail = (message: string, hints?: string[]) => {
+    if (json) emit({ ok: false, error: message, hints });
+    else defaultRuntime.error(message);
+    defaultRuntime.exit(1);
+  };
+
+  const service = resolveNodeService();
+  let loaded = false;
+  try {
+    loaded = await service.isLoaded({ env: process.env });
+  } catch (err) {
+    fail(`Node service check failed: ${String(err)}`);
+    return;
+  }
+  if (!loaded) {
+    let hints = renderNodeServiceStartHints();
+    if (process.platform === "linux") {
+      const systemdAvailable = await isSystemdUserServiceAvailable().catch(() => false);
+      if (!systemdAvailable) {
+        hints = [...hints, ...renderSystemdUnavailableHints({ wsl: await isWSL() })];
+      }
+    }
+    emit({
+      ok: true,
+      result: "not-loaded",
+      message: `Node service ${service.notLoadedText}.`,
+      hints,
+      service: buildDaemonServiceSnapshot(service, loaded),
+    });
+    if (!json) {
+      defaultRuntime.log(`Node service ${service.notLoadedText}.`);
+      for (const hint of hints) {
+        defaultRuntime.log(`Start with: ${hint}`);
+      }
+    }
+    return;
+  }
+  try {
+    await service.restart({ env: process.env, stdout });
+  } catch (err) {
+    const hints = renderNodeServiceStartHints();
+    fail(`Node restart failed: ${String(err)}`, hints);
+    return;
+  }
+
+  let restarted = true;
+  try {
+    restarted = await service.isLoaded({ env: process.env });
+  } catch {
+    restarted = true;
+  }
+  emit({
+    ok: true,
+    result: "restarted",
+    service: buildDaemonServiceSnapshot(service, restarted),
+  });
+}
+
+export async function runNodeDaemonStop(opts: NodeDaemonLifecycleOptions = {}) {
+  const json = Boolean(opts.json);
+  const stdout = json ? createNullWriter() : process.stdout;
+  const emit = (payload: {
+    ok: boolean;
+    result?: string;
+    message?: string;
+    error?: string;
+    service?: {
+      label: string;
+      loaded: boolean;
+      loadedText: string;
+      notLoadedText: string;
+    };
+  }) => {
+    if (!json) return;
+    emitDaemonActionJson({ action: "stop", ...payload });
+  };
+  const fail = (message: string) => {
+    if (json) emit({ ok: false, error: message });
+    else defaultRuntime.error(message);
+    defaultRuntime.exit(1);
+  };
+
+  const service = resolveNodeService();
+  let loaded = false;
+  try {
+    loaded = await service.isLoaded({ env: process.env });
+  } catch (err) {
+    fail(`Node service check failed: ${String(err)}`);
+    return;
+  }
+  if (!loaded) {
+    emit({
+      ok: true,
+      result: "not-loaded",
+      message: `Node service ${service.notLoadedText}.`,
+      service: buildDaemonServiceSnapshot(service, loaded),
+    });
+    if (!json) {
+      defaultRuntime.log(`Node service ${service.notLoadedText}.`);
+    }
+    return;
+  }
+  try {
+    await service.stop({ env: process.env, stdout });
+  } catch (err) {
+    fail(`Node stop failed: ${String(err)}`);
+    return;
+  }
+
+  let stopped = false;
+  try {
+    stopped = await service.isLoaded({ env: process.env });
+  } catch {
+    stopped = false;
+  }
+  emit({
+    ok: true,
+    result: "stopped",
+    service: buildDaemonServiceSnapshot(service, stopped),
+  });
+}
+
+export async function runNodeDaemonStatus(opts: NodeDaemonStatusOptions = {}) {
+  const json = Boolean(opts.json);
+  const service = resolveNodeService();
+  const [loaded, command, runtime] = await Promise.all([
+    service.isLoaded({ env: process.env }).catch(() => false),
+    service.readCommand(process.env).catch(() => null),
+    service.readRuntime(process.env).catch((err) => ({ status: "unknown", detail: String(err) })),
+  ]);
+
+  const payload = {
+    service: {
+      ...buildDaemonServiceSnapshot(service, loaded),
+      command,
+      runtime,
+    },
+  };
+
+  if (json) {
+    defaultRuntime.log(JSON.stringify(payload, null, 2));
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const rich = isRich();
+  const label = (value: string) => colorize(rich, theme.muted, value);
+  const accent = (value: string) => colorize(rich, theme.accent, value);
+  const infoText = (value: string) => colorize(rich, theme.info, value);
+  const okText = (value: string) => colorize(rich, theme.success, value);
+  const warnText = (value: string) => colorize(rich, theme.warn, value);
+  const errorText = (value: string) => colorize(rich, theme.error, value);
+
+  const serviceStatus = loaded ? okText(service.loadedText) : warnText(service.notLoadedText);
+  defaultRuntime.log(`${label("Service:")} ${accent(service.label)} (${serviceStatus})`);
+
+  if (command?.programArguments?.length) {
+    defaultRuntime.log(`${label("Command:")} ${infoText(command.programArguments.join(" "))}`);
+  }
+  if (command?.sourcePath) {
+    defaultRuntime.log(`${label("Service file:")} ${infoText(command.sourcePath)}`);
+  }
+  if (command?.workingDirectory) {
+    defaultRuntime.log(`${label("Working dir:")} ${infoText(command.workingDirectory)}`);
+  }
+
+  const runtimeLine = formatRuntimeStatus(runtime);
+  if (runtimeLine) {
+    const runtimeStatus = runtime?.status ?? "unknown";
+    const runtimeColor =
+      runtimeStatus === "running"
+        ? theme.success
+        : runtimeStatus === "stopped"
+          ? theme.error
+          : runtimeStatus === "unknown"
+            ? theme.muted
+            : theme.warn;
+    defaultRuntime.log(`${label("Runtime:")} ${colorize(rich, runtimeColor, runtimeLine)}`);
+  }
+
+  if (!loaded) {
+    defaultRuntime.log("");
+    for (const hint of renderNodeServiceStartHints()) {
+      defaultRuntime.log(`${warnText("Start with:")} ${infoText(hint)}`);
+    }
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const baseEnv = {
+    ...(process.env as Record<string, string | undefined>),
+    ...(command?.environment ?? undefined),
+  };
+  const hintEnv = {
+    ...baseEnv,
+    CLAWDBOT_LOG_PREFIX: baseEnv.CLAWDBOT_LOG_PREFIX ?? "node",
+  } as NodeJS.ProcessEnv;
+
+  if (runtime?.missingUnit) {
+    defaultRuntime.error(errorText("Service unit not found."));
+    for (const hint of buildNodeRuntimeHints(hintEnv)) {
+      defaultRuntime.error(errorText(hint));
+    }
+    return;
+  }
+
+  if (runtime?.status === "stopped") {
+    defaultRuntime.error(errorText("Service is loaded but not running."));
+    for (const hint of buildNodeRuntimeHints(hintEnv)) {
+      defaultRuntime.error(errorText(hint));
+    }
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/cli/node-cli/register.ts b/src/cli/node-cli/register.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..dbf7059b1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/node-cli/register.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,116 @@
+import type { Command } from "commander";
+import { formatDocsLink } from "../../terminal/links.js";
+import { theme } from "../../terminal/theme.js";
+import { loadNodeHostConfig } from "../../node-host/config.js";
+import { runNodeHost } from "../../node-host/runner.js";
+import {
+  runNodeDaemonInstall,
+  runNodeDaemonRestart,
+  runNodeDaemonStart,
+  runNodeDaemonStatus,
+  runNodeDaemonStop,
+  runNodeDaemonUninstall,
+} from "./daemon.js";
+import { parsePort } from "../daemon-cli/shared.js";
+
+function parsePortWithFallback(value: unknown, fallback: number): number {
+  const parsed = parsePort(value);
+  return parsed ?? fallback;
+}
+
+export function registerNodeCli(program: Command) {
+  const node = program
+    .command("node")
+    .description("Run a headless node host (system.run/system.which)")
+    .addHelpText(
+      "after",
+      () =>
+        `\n${theme.muted("Docs:")} ${formatDocsLink("/cli/node", "docs.clawd.bot/cli/node")}\n`,
+    );
+
+  node
+    .command("start")
+    .description("Start the headless node host (foreground)")
+    .option("--host <host>", "Gateway bridge host")
+    .option("--port <port>", "Gateway bridge port")
+    .option("--tls", "Use TLS for the bridge connection", false)
+    .option("--tls-fingerprint <sha256>", "Expected TLS certificate fingerprint (sha256)")
+    .option("--node-id <id>", "Override node id (clears pairing token)")
+    .option("--display-name <name>", "Override node display name")
+    .action(async (opts) => {
+      const existing = await loadNodeHostConfig();
+      const host =
+        (opts.host as string | undefined)?.trim() ||
+        existing?.gateway?.host ||
+        "127.0.0.1";
+      const port = parsePortWithFallback(opts.port, existing?.gateway?.port ?? 18790);
+      await runNodeHost({
+        gatewayHost: host,
+        gatewayPort: port,
+        gatewayTls: Boolean(opts.tls) || Boolean(opts.tlsFingerprint),
+        gatewayTlsFingerprint: opts.tlsFingerprint,
+        nodeId: opts.nodeId,
+        displayName: opts.displayName,
+      });
+    });
+
+  const daemon = node
+    .command("daemon")
+    .description("Manage the headless node daemon service (launchd/systemd/schtasks)");
+
+  daemon
+    .command("status")
+    .description("Show node daemon status")
+    .option("--json", "Output JSON", false)
+    .action(async (opts) => {
+      await runNodeDaemonStatus(opts);
+    });
+
+  daemon
+    .command("install")
+    .description("Install the node daemon service (launchd/systemd/schtasks)")
+    .option("--host <host>", "Gateway bridge host")
+    .option("--port <port>", "Gateway bridge port")
+    .option("--tls", "Use TLS for the bridge connection", false)
+    .option("--tls-fingerprint <sha256>", "Expected TLS certificate fingerprint (sha256)")
+    .option("--node-id <id>", "Override node id (clears pairing token)")
+    .option("--display-name <name>", "Override node display name")
+    .option("--runtime <runtime>", "Daemon runtime (node|bun). Default: node")
+    .option("--force", "Reinstall/overwrite if already installed", false)
+    .option("--json", "Output JSON", false)
+    .action(async (opts) => {
+      await runNodeDaemonInstall(opts);
+    });
+
+  daemon
+    .command("uninstall")
+    .description("Uninstall the node daemon service (launchd/systemd/schtasks)")
+    .option("--json", "Output JSON", false)
+    .action(async (opts) => {
+      await runNodeDaemonUninstall(opts);
+    });
+
+  daemon
+    .command("start")
+    .description("Start the node daemon service (launchd/systemd/schtasks)")
+    .option("--json", "Output JSON", false)
+    .action(async (opts) => {
+      await runNodeDaemonStart(opts);
+    });
+
+  daemon
+    .command("stop")
+    .description("Stop the node daemon service (launchd/systemd/schtasks)")
+    .option("--json", "Output JSON", false)
+    .action(async (opts) => {
+      await runNodeDaemonStop(opts);
+    });
+
+  daemon
+    .command("restart")
+    .description("Restart the node daemon service (launchd/systemd/schtasks)")
+    .option("--json", "Output JSON", false)
+    .action(async (opts) => {
+      await runNodeDaemonRestart(opts);
+    });
+}
diff --git a/src/cli/program/register.subclis.ts b/src/cli/program/register.subclis.ts
index fee57b0a0..5790a75a7 100644
--- a/src/cli/program/register.subclis.ts
+++ b/src/cli/program/register.subclis.ts
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ import { registerWebhooksCli } from "../webhooks-cli.js";
 import { registerLogsCli } from "../logs-cli.js";
 import { registerModelsCli } from "../models-cli.js";
 import { registerNodesCli } from "../nodes-cli.js";
+import { registerNodeCli } from "../node-cli.js";
 import { registerPairingCli } from "../pairing-cli.js";
 import { registerPluginsCli } from "../plugins-cli.js";
 import { registerSandboxCli } from "../sandbox-cli.js";
@@ -27,6 +28,7 @@ export function registerSubCliCommands(program: Command) {
   registerLogsCli(program);
   registerModelsCli(program);
   registerNodesCli(program);
+  registerNodeCli(program);
   registerSandboxCli(program);
   registerTuiCli(program);
   registerCronCli(program);
diff --git a/src/commands/node-daemon-install-helpers.ts b/src/commands/node-daemon-install-helpers.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..56aa9c1c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/commands/node-daemon-install-helpers.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+import { formatNodeServiceDescription } from "../daemon/constants.js";
+import { resolveNodeProgramArguments } from "../daemon/program-args.js";
+import {
+  renderSystemNodeWarning,
+  resolvePreferredNodePath,
+  resolveSystemNodeInfo,
+} from "../daemon/runtime-paths.js";
+import { buildNodeServiceEnvironment } from "../daemon/service-env.js";
+import { resolveGatewayDevMode } from "./daemon-install-helpers.js";
+import type { NodeDaemonRuntime } from "./node-daemon-runtime.js";
+
+type WarnFn = (message: string, title?: string) => void;
+
+export type NodeInstallPlan = {
+  programArguments: string[];
+  workingDirectory?: string;
+  environment: Record<string, string | undefined>;
+  description?: string;
+};
+
+export async function buildNodeInstallPlan(params: {
+  env: Record<string, string | undefined>;
+  host: string;
+  port: number;
+  tls?: boolean;
+  tlsFingerprint?: string;
+  nodeId?: string;
+  displayName?: string;
+  runtime: NodeDaemonRuntime;
+  devMode?: boolean;
+  nodePath?: string;
+  warn?: WarnFn;
+}): Promise<NodeInstallPlan> {
+  const devMode = params.devMode ?? resolveGatewayDevMode();
+  const nodePath =
+    params.nodePath ??
+    (await resolvePreferredNodePath({
+      env: params.env,
+      runtime: params.runtime,
+    }));
+  const { programArguments, workingDirectory } = await resolveNodeProgramArguments({
+    host: params.host,
+    port: params.port,
+    tls: params.tls,
+    tlsFingerprint: params.tlsFingerprint,
+    nodeId: params.nodeId,
+    displayName: params.displayName,
+    dev: devMode,
+    runtime: params.runtime,
+    nodePath,
+  });
+
+  if (params.runtime === "node") {
+    const systemNode = await resolveSystemNodeInfo({ env: params.env });
+    const warning = renderSystemNodeWarning(systemNode, programArguments[0]);
+    if (warning) params.warn?.(warning, "Node daemon runtime");
+  }
+
+  const environment = buildNodeServiceEnvironment({ env: params.env });
+  const description = formatNodeServiceDescription({
+    version: environment.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION,
+  });
+
+  return { programArguments, workingDirectory, environment, description };
+}
diff --git a/src/commands/node-daemon-runtime.ts b/src/commands/node-daemon-runtime.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c1375f979
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/commands/node-daemon-runtime.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+import {
+  DEFAULT_GATEWAY_DAEMON_RUNTIME,
+  GATEWAY_DAEMON_RUNTIME_OPTIONS,
+  isGatewayDaemonRuntime,
+  type GatewayDaemonRuntime,
+} from "./daemon-runtime.js";
+
+export type NodeDaemonRuntime = GatewayDaemonRuntime;
+
+export const DEFAULT_NODE_DAEMON_RUNTIME = DEFAULT_GATEWAY_DAEMON_RUNTIME;
+
+export const NODE_DAEMON_RUNTIME_OPTIONS = GATEWAY_DAEMON_RUNTIME_OPTIONS;
+
+export function isNodeDaemonRuntime(value: string | undefined): value is NodeDaemonRuntime {
+  return isGatewayDaemonRuntime(value);
+}
diff --git a/src/daemon/constants.ts b/src/daemon/constants.ts
index 6890881f6..6a48597f7 100644
--- a/src/daemon/constants.ts
+++ b/src/daemon/constants.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,12 @@ export const GATEWAY_SYSTEMD_SERVICE_NAME = "clawdbot-gateway";
 export const GATEWAY_WINDOWS_TASK_NAME = "Clawdbot Gateway";
 export const GATEWAY_SERVICE_MARKER = "clawdbot";
 export const GATEWAY_SERVICE_KIND = "gateway";
+export const NODE_LAUNCH_AGENT_LABEL = "com.clawdbot.node";
+export const NODE_SYSTEMD_SERVICE_NAME = "clawdbot-node";
+export const NODE_WINDOWS_TASK_NAME = "Clawdbot Node";
+export const NODE_SERVICE_MARKER = "clawdbot";
+export const NODE_SERVICE_KIND = "node";
+export const NODE_WINDOWS_TASK_SCRIPT_NAME = "node.cmd";
 export const LEGACY_GATEWAY_LAUNCH_AGENT_LABELS = ["com.steipete.clawdbot.gateway"];
 export const LEGACY_GATEWAY_SYSTEMD_SERVICE_NAMES: string[] = [];
 export const LEGACY_GATEWAY_WINDOWS_TASK_NAMES: string[] = [];
@@ -51,3 +57,21 @@ export function formatGatewayServiceDescription(params?: {
   if (parts.length === 0) return "Clawdbot Gateway";
   return `Clawdbot Gateway (${parts.join(", ")})`;
 }
+
+export function resolveNodeLaunchAgentLabel(): string {
+  return NODE_LAUNCH_AGENT_LABEL;
+}
+
+export function resolveNodeSystemdServiceName(): string {
+  return NODE_SYSTEMD_SERVICE_NAME;
+}
+
+export function resolveNodeWindowsTaskName(): string {
+  return NODE_WINDOWS_TASK_NAME;
+}
+
+export function formatNodeServiceDescription(params?: { version?: string }): string {
+  const version = params?.version?.trim();
+  if (!version) return "Clawdbot Node Host";
+  return `Clawdbot Node Host (v${version})`;
+}
diff --git a/src/daemon/launchd.ts b/src/daemon/launchd.ts
index 46d6b25e2..261e99696 100644
--- a/src/daemon/launchd.ts
+++ b/src/daemon/launchd.ts
@@ -52,10 +52,11 @@ export function resolveGatewayLogPaths(env: Record<string, string | undefined>):
 } {
   const stateDir = resolveGatewayStateDir(env);
   const logDir = path.join(stateDir, "logs");
+  const prefix = env.CLAWDBOT_LOG_PREFIX?.trim() || "gateway";
   return {
     logDir,
-    stdoutPath: path.join(logDir, "gateway.log"),
-    stderrPath: path.join(logDir, "gateway.err.log"),
+    stdoutPath: path.join(logDir, `${prefix}.log`),
+    stderrPath: path.join(logDir, `${prefix}.err.log`),
   };
 }
 
@@ -340,12 +341,14 @@ export async function installLaunchAgent({
   programArguments,
   workingDirectory,
   environment,
+  description,
 }: {
   env: Record<string, string | undefined>;
   stdout: NodeJS.WritableStream;
   programArguments: string[];
   workingDirectory?: string;
   environment?: Record<string, string | undefined>;
+  description?: string;
 }): Promise<{ plistPath: string }> {
   const { logDir, stdoutPath, stderrPath } = resolveGatewayLogPaths(env);
   await fs.mkdir(logDir, { recursive: true });
@@ -366,13 +369,15 @@ export async function installLaunchAgent({
   const plistPath = resolveLaunchAgentPlistPathForLabel(env, label);
   await fs.mkdir(path.dirname(plistPath), { recursive: true });
 
-  const description = formatGatewayServiceDescription({
-    profile: env.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE,
-    version: environment?.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION ?? env.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION,
-  });
+  const serviceDescription =
+    description ??
+    formatGatewayServiceDescription({
+      profile: env.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE,
+      version: environment?.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION ?? env.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION,
+    });
   const plist = buildLaunchAgentPlist({
     label,
-    comment: description,
+    comment: serviceDescription,
     programArguments,
     workingDirectory,
     stdoutPath,
diff --git a/src/daemon/node-service.ts b/src/daemon/node-service.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c31dfd18d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/daemon/node-service.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+import type { GatewayService, GatewayServiceInstallArgs } from "./service.js";
+import { resolveGatewayService } from "./service.js";
+import {
+  NODE_SERVICE_KIND,
+  NODE_SERVICE_MARKER,
+  NODE_WINDOWS_TASK_SCRIPT_NAME,
+  resolveNodeLaunchAgentLabel,
+  resolveNodeSystemdServiceName,
+  resolveNodeWindowsTaskName,
+} from "./constants.js";
+
+function withNodeServiceEnv(
+  env: Record<string, string | undefined>,
+): Record<string, string | undefined> {
+  return {
+    ...env,
+    CLAWDBOT_LAUNCHD_LABEL: resolveNodeLaunchAgentLabel(),
+    CLAWDBOT_SYSTEMD_UNIT: resolveNodeSystemdServiceName(),
+    CLAWDBOT_WINDOWS_TASK_NAME: resolveNodeWindowsTaskName(),
+    CLAWDBOT_TASK_SCRIPT_NAME: NODE_WINDOWS_TASK_SCRIPT_NAME,
+    CLAWDBOT_LOG_PREFIX: "node",
+    CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_MARKER: NODE_SERVICE_MARKER,
+    CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_KIND: NODE_SERVICE_KIND,
+  };
+}
+
+function withNodeInstallEnv(args: GatewayServiceInstallArgs): GatewayServiceInstallArgs {
+  return {
+    ...args,
+    env: withNodeServiceEnv(args.env),
+    environment: {
+      ...args.environment,
+      CLAWDBOT_LAUNCHD_LABEL: resolveNodeLaunchAgentLabel(),
+      CLAWDBOT_SYSTEMD_UNIT: resolveNodeSystemdServiceName(),
+      CLAWDBOT_WINDOWS_TASK_NAME: resolveNodeWindowsTaskName(),
+      CLAWDBOT_TASK_SCRIPT_NAME: NODE_WINDOWS_TASK_SCRIPT_NAME,
+      CLAWDBOT_LOG_PREFIX: "node",
+      CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_MARKER: NODE_SERVICE_MARKER,
+      CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_KIND: NODE_SERVICE_KIND,
+    },
+  };
+}
+
+export function resolveNodeService(): GatewayService {
+  const base = resolveGatewayService();
+  return {
+    ...base,
+    install: async (args) => {
+      return base.install(withNodeInstallEnv(args));
+    },
+    uninstall: async (args) => {
+      return base.uninstall({ ...args, env: withNodeServiceEnv(args.env) });
+    },
+    stop: async (args) => {
+      return base.stop({ ...args, env: withNodeServiceEnv(args.env ?? {}) });
+    },
+    restart: async (args) => {
+      return base.restart({ ...args, env: withNodeServiceEnv(args.env ?? {}) });
+    },
+    isLoaded: async (args) => {
+      return base.isLoaded({ env: withNodeServiceEnv(args.env ?? {}) });
+    },
+    readCommand: (env) => base.readCommand(withNodeServiceEnv(env)),
+    readRuntime: (env) => base.readRuntime(withNodeServiceEnv(env)),
+  };
+}
diff --git a/src/daemon/program-args.ts b/src/daemon/program-args.ts
index 3b6767ff5..b9f41feca 100644
--- a/src/daemon/program-args.ts
+++ b/src/daemon/program-args.ts
@@ -138,13 +138,12 @@ async function resolveBinaryPath(binary: string): Promise<string> {
   }
 }
 
-export async function resolveGatewayProgramArguments(params: {
-  port: number;
+async function resolveCliProgramArguments(params: {
+  args: string[];
   dev?: boolean;
   runtime?: GatewayRuntimePreference;
   nodePath?: string;
 }): Promise<GatewayProgramArgs> {
-  const gatewayArgs = ["gateway", "--port", String(params.port)];
   const execPath = process.execPath;
   const runtime = params.runtime ?? "auto";
 
@@ -153,7 +152,7 @@ export async function resolveGatewayProgramArguments(params: {
       params.nodePath ?? (isNodeRuntime(execPath) ? execPath : await resolveNodePath());
     const cliEntrypointPath = await resolveCliEntrypointPathForService();
     return {
-      programArguments: [nodePath, cliEntrypointPath, ...gatewayArgs],
+      programArguments: [nodePath, cliEntrypointPath, ...params.args],
     };
   }
 
@@ -164,7 +163,7 @@ export async function resolveGatewayProgramArguments(params: {
       await fs.access(devCliPath);
       const bunPath = isBunRuntime(execPath) ? execPath : await resolveBunPath();
       return {
-        programArguments: [bunPath, devCliPath, ...gatewayArgs],
+        programArguments: [bunPath, devCliPath, ...params.args],
         workingDirectory: repoRoot,
       };
     }
@@ -172,7 +171,7 @@ export async function resolveGatewayProgramArguments(params: {
     const bunPath = isBunRuntime(execPath) ? execPath : await resolveBunPath();
     const cliEntrypointPath = await resolveCliEntrypointPathForService();
     return {
-      programArguments: [bunPath, cliEntrypointPath, ...gatewayArgs],
+      programArguments: [bunPath, cliEntrypointPath, ...params.args],
     };
   }
 
@@ -180,12 +179,12 @@ export async function resolveGatewayProgramArguments(params: {
     try {
       const cliEntrypointPath = await resolveCliEntrypointPathForService();
       return {
-        programArguments: [execPath, cliEntrypointPath, ...gatewayArgs],
+        programArguments: [execPath, cliEntrypointPath, ...params.args],
       };
     } catch (error) {
       // If running under bun or another runtime that can execute TS directly
       if (!isNodeRuntime(execPath)) {
-        return { programArguments: [execPath, ...gatewayArgs] };
+        return { programArguments: [execPath, ...params.args] };
       }
       throw error;
     }
@@ -199,7 +198,7 @@ export async function resolveGatewayProgramArguments(params: {
   // If already running under bun, use current execPath
   if (isBunRuntime(execPath)) {
     return {
-      programArguments: [execPath, devCliPath, ...gatewayArgs],
+      programArguments: [execPath, devCliPath, ...params.args],
       workingDirectory: repoRoot,
     };
   }
@@ -207,7 +206,46 @@ export async function resolveGatewayProgramArguments(params: {
   // Otherwise resolve bun from PATH
   const bunPath = await resolveBunPath();
   return {
-    programArguments: [bunPath, devCliPath, ...gatewayArgs],
+    programArguments: [bunPath, devCliPath, ...params.args],
     workingDirectory: repoRoot,
   };
 }
+
+export async function resolveGatewayProgramArguments(params: {
+  port: number;
+  dev?: boolean;
+  runtime?: GatewayRuntimePreference;
+  nodePath?: string;
+}): Promise<GatewayProgramArgs> {
+  const gatewayArgs = ["gateway", "--port", String(params.port)];
+  return resolveCliProgramArguments({
+    args: gatewayArgs,
+    dev: params.dev,
+    runtime: params.runtime,
+    nodePath: params.nodePath,
+  });
+}
+
+export async function resolveNodeProgramArguments(params: {
+  host: string;
+  port: number;
+  tls?: boolean;
+  tlsFingerprint?: string;
+  nodeId?: string;
+  displayName?: string;
+  dev?: boolean;
+  runtime?: GatewayRuntimePreference;
+  nodePath?: string;
+}): Promise<GatewayProgramArgs> {
+  const args = ["node", "start", "--host", params.host, "--port", String(params.port)];
+  if (params.tls || params.tlsFingerprint) args.push("--tls");
+  if (params.tlsFingerprint) args.push("--tls-fingerprint", params.tlsFingerprint);
+  if (params.nodeId) args.push("--node-id", params.nodeId);
+  if (params.displayName) args.push("--display-name", params.displayName);
+  return resolveCliProgramArguments({
+    args,
+    dev: params.dev,
+    runtime: params.runtime,
+    nodePath: params.nodePath,
+  });
+}
diff --git a/src/daemon/schtasks.ts b/src/daemon/schtasks.ts
index 2631e5b83..2c68b1e63 100644
--- a/src/daemon/schtasks.ts
+++ b/src/daemon/schtasks.ts
@@ -16,9 +16,18 @@ const formatLine = (label: string, value: string) => {
   return `${colorize(rich, theme.muted, `${label}:`)} ${colorize(rich, theme.command, value)}`;
 };
 
+function resolveTaskName(env: Record<string, string | undefined>): string {
+  const override = env.CLAWDBOT_WINDOWS_TASK_NAME?.trim();
+  if (override) return override;
+  return resolveGatewayWindowsTaskName(env.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE);
+}
+
 export function resolveTaskScriptPath(env: Record<string, string | undefined>): string {
+  const override = env.CLAWDBOT_TASK_SCRIPT?.trim();
+  if (override) return override;
+  const scriptName = env.CLAWDBOT_TASK_SCRIPT_NAME?.trim() || "gateway.cmd";
   const stateDir = resolveGatewayStateDir(env);
-  return path.join(stateDir, "gateway.cmd");
+  return path.join(stateDir, scriptName);
 }
 
 function quoteCmdArg(value: string): string {
@@ -201,29 +210,33 @@ export async function installScheduledTask({
   programArguments,
   workingDirectory,
   environment,
+  description,
 }: {
   env: Record<string, string | undefined>;
   stdout: NodeJS.WritableStream;
   programArguments: string[];
   workingDirectory?: string;
   environment?: Record<string, string | undefined>;
+  description?: string;
 }): Promise<{ scriptPath: string }> {
   await assertSchtasksAvailable();
   const scriptPath = resolveTaskScriptPath(env);
   await fs.mkdir(path.dirname(scriptPath), { recursive: true });
-  const description = formatGatewayServiceDescription({
-    profile: env.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE,
-    version: environment?.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION ?? env.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION,
-  });
+  const taskDescription =
+    description ??
+    formatGatewayServiceDescription({
+      profile: env.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE,
+      version: environment?.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION ?? env.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION,
+    });
   const script = buildTaskScript({
-    description,
+    description: taskDescription,
     programArguments,
     workingDirectory,
     environment,
   });
   await fs.writeFile(scriptPath, script, "utf8");
 
-  const taskName = resolveGatewayWindowsTaskName(env.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE);
+  const taskName = resolveTaskName(env);
   const quotedScript = quoteCmdArg(scriptPath);
   const baseArgs = [
     "/Create",
@@ -268,7 +281,7 @@ export async function uninstallScheduledTask({
   stdout: NodeJS.WritableStream;
 }): Promise<void> {
   await assertSchtasksAvailable();
-  const taskName = resolveGatewayWindowsTaskName(env.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE);
+  const taskName = resolveTaskName(env);
   await execSchtasks(["/Delete", "/F", "/TN", taskName]);
 
   const scriptPath = resolveTaskScriptPath(env);
@@ -293,7 +306,7 @@ export async function stopScheduledTask({
   env?: Record<string, string | undefined>;
 }): Promise<void> {
   await assertSchtasksAvailable();
-  const taskName = resolveGatewayWindowsTaskName(env?.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE);
+  const taskName = resolveTaskName(env ?? (process.env as Record<string, string | undefined>));
   const res = await execSchtasks(["/End", "/TN", taskName]);
   if (res.code !== 0 && !isTaskNotRunning(res)) {
     throw new Error(`schtasks end failed: ${res.stderr || res.stdout}`.trim());
@@ -309,7 +322,7 @@ export async function restartScheduledTask({
   env?: Record<string, string | undefined>;
 }): Promise<void> {
   await assertSchtasksAvailable();
-  const taskName = resolveGatewayWindowsTaskName(env?.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE);
+  const taskName = resolveTaskName(env ?? (process.env as Record<string, string | undefined>));
   await execSchtasks(["/End", "/TN", taskName]);
   const res = await execSchtasks(["/Run", "/TN", taskName]);
   if (res.code !== 0) {
@@ -322,7 +335,7 @@ export async function isScheduledTaskInstalled(args: {
   env?: Record<string, string | undefined>;
 }): Promise<boolean> {
   await assertSchtasksAvailable();
-  const taskName = resolveGatewayWindowsTaskName(args.env?.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE);
+  const taskName = resolveTaskName(args.env ?? (process.env as Record<string, string | undefined>));
   const res = await execSchtasks(["/Query", "/TN", taskName]);
   return res.code === 0;
 }
@@ -338,7 +351,7 @@ export async function readScheduledTaskRuntime(
       detail: String(err),
     };
   }
-  const taskName = resolveGatewayWindowsTaskName(env.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE);
+  const taskName = resolveTaskName(env);
   const res = await execSchtasks(["/Query", "/TN", taskName, "/V", "/FO", "LIST"]);
   if (res.code !== 0) {
     const detail = (res.stderr || res.stdout).trim();
diff --git a/src/daemon/service-env.ts b/src/daemon/service-env.ts
index fc133611e..ba2e3b225 100644
--- a/src/daemon/service-env.ts
+++ b/src/daemon/service-env.ts
@@ -6,6 +6,12 @@ import {
   GATEWAY_SERVICE_MARKER,
   resolveGatewayLaunchAgentLabel,
   resolveGatewaySystemdServiceName,
+  NODE_SERVICE_KIND,
+  NODE_SERVICE_MARKER,
+  NODE_WINDOWS_TASK_SCRIPT_NAME,
+  resolveNodeLaunchAgentLabel,
+  resolveNodeSystemdServiceName,
+  resolveNodeWindowsTaskName,
 } from "./constants.js";
 
 export type MinimalServicePathOptions = {
@@ -82,3 +88,22 @@ export function buildServiceEnvironment(params: {
     CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION: VERSION,
   };
 }
+
+export function buildNodeServiceEnvironment(params: {
+  env: Record<string, string | undefined>;
+}): Record<string, string | undefined> {
+  const { env } = params;
+  return {
+    PATH: buildMinimalServicePath({ env }),
+    CLAWDBOT_STATE_DIR: env.CLAWDBOT_STATE_DIR,
+    CLAWDBOT_CONFIG_PATH: env.CLAWDBOT_CONFIG_PATH,
+    CLAWDBOT_LAUNCHD_LABEL: resolveNodeLaunchAgentLabel(),
+    CLAWDBOT_SYSTEMD_UNIT: resolveNodeSystemdServiceName(),
+    CLAWDBOT_WINDOWS_TASK_NAME: resolveNodeWindowsTaskName(),
+    CLAWDBOT_TASK_SCRIPT_NAME: NODE_WINDOWS_TASK_SCRIPT_NAME,
+    CLAWDBOT_LOG_PREFIX: "node",
+    CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_MARKER: NODE_SERVICE_MARKER,
+    CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_KIND: NODE_SERVICE_KIND,
+    CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION: VERSION,
+  };
+}
diff --git a/src/daemon/service.ts b/src/daemon/service.ts
index 8edfda83e..45fe2f638 100644
--- a/src/daemon/service.ts
+++ b/src/daemon/service.ts
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ export type GatewayServiceInstallArgs = {
   programArguments: string[];
   workingDirectory?: string;
   environment?: Record<string, string | undefined>;
+  description?: string;
 };
 
 export type GatewayService = {
diff --git a/src/daemon/systemd.ts b/src/daemon/systemd.ts
index fef4eadd3..7a28304f3 100644
--- a/src/daemon/systemd.ts
+++ b/src/daemon/systemd.ts
@@ -186,23 +186,27 @@ export async function installSystemdService({
   programArguments,
   workingDirectory,
   environment,
+  description,
 }: {
   env: Record<string, string | undefined>;
   stdout: NodeJS.WritableStream;
   programArguments: string[];
   workingDirectory?: string;
   environment?: Record<string, string | undefined>;
+  description?: string;
 }): Promise<{ unitPath: string }> {
   await assertSystemdAvailable();
 
   const unitPath = resolveSystemdUnitPath(env);
   await fs.mkdir(path.dirname(unitPath), { recursive: true });
-  const description = formatGatewayServiceDescription({
-    profile: env.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE,
-    version: environment?.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION ?? env.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION,
-  });
+  const serviceDescription =
+    description ??
+    formatGatewayServiceDescription({
+      profile: env.CLAWDBOT_PROFILE,
+      version: environment?.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION ?? env.CLAWDBOT_SERVICE_VERSION,
+    });
   const unit = buildSystemdUnit({
-    description,
+    description: serviceDescription,
     programArguments,
     workingDirectory,
     environment,
diff --git a/src/gateway/server-bridge-methods-system.ts b/src/gateway/server-bridge-methods-system.ts
index acc10e476..8f548bb60 100644
--- a/src/gateway/server-bridge-methods-system.ts
+++ b/src/gateway/server-bridge-methods-system.ts
@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import { resolveAgentWorkspaceDir, resolveDefaultAgentId } from "../agents/agent-scope.js";
+import { buildWorkspaceSkillStatus } from "../agents/skills-status.js";
+import { loadConfig } from "../config/config.js";
+import { getRemoteSkillEligibility } from "../infra/skills-remote.js";
 import { loadVoiceWakeConfig, setVoiceWakeTriggers } from "../infra/voicewake.js";
 import {
   ErrorCodes,
@@ -72,6 +76,20 @@ export const handleSystemBridgeMethods: BridgeMethodHandler = async (
       const models = await ctx.loadGatewayModelCatalog();
       return { ok: true, payloadJSON: JSON.stringify({ models }) };
     }
+    case "skills.bins": {
+      const cfg = loadConfig();
+      const workspaceDir = resolveAgentWorkspaceDir(cfg, resolveDefaultAgentId(cfg));
+      const report = buildWorkspaceSkillStatus(workspaceDir, {
+        config: cfg,
+        eligibility: { remote: getRemoteSkillEligibility() },
+      });
+      const bins = Array.from(
+        new Set(
+          report.skills.flatMap((skill) => skill.requirements?.bins ?? []).filter(Boolean),
+        ),
+      );
+      return { ok: true, payloadJSON: JSON.stringify({ bins }) };
+    }
     default:
       return null;
   }
diff --git a/src/infra/exec-approvals.ts b/src/infra/exec-approvals.ts
index e92abbdef..c78e14912 100644
--- a/src/infra/exec-approvals.ts
+++ b/src/infra/exec-approvals.ts
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ export function loadExecApprovals(): ExecApprovalsFile {
     const raw = fs.readFileSync(filePath, "utf8");
     const parsed = JSON.parse(raw) as ExecApprovalsFile;
     if (parsed?.version !== 1) {
-      return normalizeExecApprovals({ version: 1, agents: parsed?.agents ?? {} });
+      return normalizeExecApprovals({ version: 1, agents: {} });
     }
     return normalizeExecApprovals(parsed);
   } catch {
@@ -117,7 +117,12 @@ export function loadExecApprovals(): ExecApprovalsFile {
 export function saveExecApprovals(file: ExecApprovalsFile) {
   const filePath = resolveExecApprovalsPath();
   ensureDir(filePath);
-  fs.writeFileSync(filePath, JSON.stringify(file, null, 2));
+  fs.writeFileSync(filePath, `${JSON.stringify(file, null, 2)}\n`, { mode: 0o600 });
+  try {
+    fs.chmodSync(filePath, 0o600);
+  } catch {
+    // best-effort on platforms without chmod
+  }
 }
 
 export function ensureExecApprovals(): ExecApprovalsFile {
diff --git a/src/infra/node-shell.ts b/src/infra/node-shell.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f310542a9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/infra/node-shell.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+export function buildNodeShellCommand(command: string, platform?: string | null) {
+  const normalized = String(platform ?? "")
+    .trim()
+    .toLowerCase();
+  if (normalized.includes("win")) {
+    return ["cmd.exe", "/d", "/s", "/c", command];
+  }
+  return ["/bin/sh", "-lc", command];
+}
+
diff --git a/src/node-host/bridge-client.ts b/src/node-host/bridge-client.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ac5751665
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/node-host/bridge-client.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,306 @@
+import crypto from "node:crypto";
+import net from "node:net";
+import tls from "node:tls";
+
+import type {
+  BridgeErrorFrame,
+  BridgeEventFrame,
+  BridgeHelloFrame,
+  BridgeHelloOkFrame,
+  BridgeInvokeRequestFrame,
+  BridgeInvokeResponseFrame,
+  BridgePairOkFrame,
+  BridgePairRequestFrame,
+  BridgePingFrame,
+  BridgePongFrame,
+  BridgeRPCRequestFrame,
+  BridgeRPCResponseFrame,
+} from "../infra/bridge/server/types.js";
+
+export type BridgeClientOptions = {
+  host: string;
+  port: number;
+  tls?: boolean;
+  tlsFingerprint?: string;
+  nodeId: string;
+  token?: string;
+  displayName?: string;
+  platform?: string;
+  version?: string;
+  deviceFamily?: string;
+  modelIdentifier?: string;
+  caps?: string[];
+  commands?: string[];
+  permissions?: Record<string, boolean>;
+  onInvoke?: (frame: BridgeInvokeRequestFrame) => void | Promise<void>;
+  onEvent?: (frame: BridgeEventFrame) => void | Promise<void>;
+  onPairToken?: (token: string) => void | Promise<void>;
+  onAuthReset?: () => void | Promise<void>;
+  onConnected?: (hello: BridgeHelloOkFrame) => void | Promise<void>;
+  onDisconnected?: (err?: Error) => void | Promise<void>;
+  log?: { info?: (msg: string) => void; warn?: (msg: string) => void };
+};
+
+type PendingRpc = {
+  resolve: (frame: BridgeRPCResponseFrame) => void;
+  reject: (err: Error) => void;
+  timer?: NodeJS.Timeout;
+};
+
+
+function normalizeFingerprint(input: string): string {
+  return input.replace(/[^a-fA-F0-9]/g, "").toLowerCase();
+}
+
+function extractFingerprint(raw: tls.PeerCertificate | tls.DetailedPeerCertificate): string | null {
+  const value = "fingerprint256" in raw ? raw.fingerprint256 : undefined;
+  if (!value) return null;
+  return normalizeFingerprint(value);
+}
+
+export class BridgeClient {
+  private opts: BridgeClientOptions;
+  private socket: net.Socket | tls.TLSSocket | null = null;
+  private buffer = "";
+  private pendingRpc = new Map<string, PendingRpc>();
+  private connected = false;
+  private helloReady: Promise<void> | null = null;
+  private helloResolve: (() => void) | null = null;
+  private helloReject: ((err: Error) => void) | null = null;
+
+  constructor(opts: BridgeClientOptions) {
+    this.opts = opts;
+  }
+
+  async connect(): Promise<void> {
+    if (this.connected) return;
+    this.helloReady = new Promise<void>((resolve, reject) => {
+      this.helloResolve = resolve;
+      this.helloReject = reject;
+    });
+    const socket = this.opts.tls
+      ? tls.connect({
+          host: this.opts.host,
+          port: this.opts.port,
+          rejectUnauthorized: false,
+        })
+      : net.connect({ host: this.opts.host, port: this.opts.port });
+    this.socket = socket;
+    socket.setNoDelay(true);
+
+    socket.on("connect", () => {
+      this.sendHello();
+    });
+    socket.on("error", (err) => {
+      this.handleDisconnect(err);
+    });
+    socket.on("close", () => {
+      this.handleDisconnect();
+    });
+    socket.on("data", (chunk) => {
+      this.buffer += chunk.toString("utf8");
+      this.flush();
+    });
+
+    if (this.opts.tls && socket instanceof tls.TLSSocket && this.opts.tlsFingerprint) {
+      socket.once("secureConnect", () => {
+        const cert = socket.getPeerCertificate(true);
+        const fingerprint = cert ? extractFingerprint(cert) : null;
+        if (!fingerprint || fingerprint !== normalizeFingerprint(this.opts.tlsFingerprint ?? "")) {
+          const err = new Error("bridge tls fingerprint mismatch");
+          this.handleDisconnect(err);
+          socket.destroy(err);
+        }
+      });
+    }
+
+    await this.helloReady;
+  }
+
+  async close(): Promise<void> {
+    if (this.socket) {
+      this.socket.destroy();
+      this.socket = null;
+    }
+    this.connected = false;
+    this.pendingRpc.forEach((pending) => {
+      pending.timer && clearTimeout(pending.timer);
+      pending.reject(new Error("bridge client closed"));
+    });
+    this.pendingRpc.clear();
+  }
+
+  async request(method: string, params: Record<string, unknown> | null = null, timeoutMs = 5000) {
+    const id = crypto.randomUUID();
+    const frame: BridgeRPCRequestFrame = {
+      type: "req",
+      id,
+      method,
+      paramsJSON: params ? JSON.stringify(params) : null,
+    };
+    const res = await new Promise<BridgeRPCResponseFrame>((resolve, reject) => {
+      const timer = setTimeout(() => {
+        this.pendingRpc.delete(id);
+        reject(new Error(`bridge request timeout (${method})`));
+      }, timeoutMs);
+      this.pendingRpc.set(id, { resolve, reject, timer });
+      this.send(frame);
+    });
+    if (!res.ok) {
+      throw new Error(res.error?.message ?? "bridge request failed");
+    }
+    return res.payloadJSON ? JSON.parse(res.payloadJSON) : null;
+  }
+
+  sendEvent(event: string, payload?: unknown) {
+    const frame: BridgeEventFrame = {
+      type: "event",
+      event,
+      payloadJSON: payload ? JSON.stringify(payload) : null,
+    };
+    this.send(frame);
+  }
+
+  sendInvokeResponse(frame: BridgeInvokeResponseFrame) {
+    this.send(frame);
+  }
+
+  private sendHello() {
+    const hello: BridgeHelloFrame = {
+      type: "hello",
+      nodeId: this.opts.nodeId,
+      token: this.opts.token,
+      displayName: this.opts.displayName,
+      platform: this.opts.platform,
+      version: this.opts.version,
+      deviceFamily: this.opts.deviceFamily,
+      modelIdentifier: this.opts.modelIdentifier,
+      caps: this.opts.caps,
+      commands: this.opts.commands,
+      permissions: this.opts.permissions,
+    };
+    this.send(hello);
+  }
+
+  private sendPairRequest() {
+    const req: BridgePairRequestFrame = {
+      type: "pair-request",
+      nodeId: this.opts.nodeId,
+      displayName: this.opts.displayName,
+      platform: this.opts.platform,
+      version: this.opts.version,
+      deviceFamily: this.opts.deviceFamily,
+      modelIdentifier: this.opts.modelIdentifier,
+      caps: this.opts.caps,
+      commands: this.opts.commands,
+      permissions: this.opts.permissions,
+    };
+    this.send(req);
+  }
+
+  private send(frame: object) {
+    if (!this.socket) return;
+    this.socket.write(`${JSON.stringify(frame)}\n`);
+  }
+
+  private handleDisconnect(err?: Error) {
+    if (!this.connected && this.helloReject) {
+      this.helloReject(err ?? new Error("bridge connection failed"));
+      this.helloResolve = null;
+      this.helloReject = null;
+    }
+    if (!this.connected && !this.socket) return;
+    this.connected = false;
+    this.socket = null;
+    this.pendingRpc.forEach((pending) => {
+      pending.timer && clearTimeout(pending.timer);
+      pending.reject(err ?? new Error("bridge connection closed"));
+    });
+    this.pendingRpc.clear();
+    void this.opts.onDisconnected?.(err);
+  }
+
+  private flush() {
+    while (true) {
+      const idx = this.buffer.indexOf("\n");
+      if (idx === -1) break;
+      const line = this.buffer.slice(0, idx).trim();
+      this.buffer = this.buffer.slice(idx + 1);
+      if (!line) continue;
+      let frame: { type?: string; [key: string]: unknown };
+      try {
+        frame = JSON.parse(line) as { type?: string };
+      } catch {
+        continue;
+      }
+      this.handleFrame(frame as BridgeErrorFrame);
+    }
+  }
+
+  private handleFrame(frame: {
+    type?: string;
+    [key: string]: unknown;
+  }) {
+    const type = String(frame.type ?? "");
+    switch (type) {
+      case "hello-ok": {
+        this.connected = true;
+        this.helloResolve?.();
+        this.helloResolve = null;
+        this.helloReject = null;
+        void this.opts.onConnected?.(frame as BridgeHelloOkFrame);
+        return;
+      }
+      case "pair-ok": {
+        const token = String((frame as BridgePairOkFrame).token ?? "").trim();
+        if (token) {
+          this.opts.token = token;
+          void this.opts.onPairToken?.(token);
+        }
+        return;
+      }
+      case "error": {
+        const code = String((frame as BridgeErrorFrame).code ?? "");
+        if (code === "NOT_PAIRED" || code === "UNAUTHORIZED") {
+          this.opts.token = undefined;
+          void this.opts.onAuthReset?.();
+          this.sendPairRequest();
+          return;
+        }
+        this.handleDisconnect(new Error((frame as BridgeErrorFrame).message ?? "bridge error"));
+        return;
+      }
+      case "pong":
+        return;
+      case "ping": {
+        const ping = frame as BridgePingFrame;
+        const pong: BridgePongFrame = { type: "pong", id: String(ping.id ?? "") };
+        this.send(pong);
+        return;
+      }
+      case "event": {
+        void this.opts.onEvent?.(frame as BridgeEventFrame);
+        return;
+      }
+      case "res": {
+        const res = frame as BridgeRPCResponseFrame;
+        const pending = this.pendingRpc.get(res.id);
+        if (pending) {
+          pending.timer && clearTimeout(pending.timer);
+          this.pendingRpc.delete(res.id);
+          pending.resolve(res);
+        }
+        return;
+      }
+      case "invoke": {
+        void this.opts.onInvoke?.(frame as BridgeInvokeRequestFrame);
+        return;
+      }
+      case "invoke-res": {
+        return;
+      }
+      default:
+        return;
+    }
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/node-host/config.ts b/src/node-host/config.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b790061f6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/node-host/config.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+import crypto from "node:crypto";
+import fs from "node:fs/promises";
+import path from "node:path";
+
+import { resolveStateDir } from "../config/paths.js";
+
+export type NodeHostGatewayConfig = {
+  host?: string;
+  port?: number;
+  tls?: boolean;
+  tlsFingerprint?: string;
+};
+
+export type NodeHostConfig = {
+  version: 1;
+  nodeId: string;
+  token?: string;
+  displayName?: string;
+  gateway?: NodeHostGatewayConfig;
+};
+
+const NODE_HOST_FILE = "node.json";
+
+export function resolveNodeHostConfigPath(): string {
+  return path.join(resolveStateDir(), NODE_HOST_FILE);
+}
+
+function normalizeConfig(config: Partial<NodeHostConfig> | null): NodeHostConfig {
+  const base: NodeHostConfig = {
+    version: 1,
+    nodeId: "",
+    token: config?.token,
+    displayName: config?.displayName,
+    gateway: config?.gateway,
+  };
+  if (config?.version === 1 && typeof config.nodeId === "string") {
+    base.nodeId = config.nodeId.trim();
+  }
+  if (!base.nodeId) {
+    base.nodeId = crypto.randomUUID();
+  }
+  return base;
+}
+
+export async function loadNodeHostConfig(): Promise<NodeHostConfig | null> {
+  const filePath = resolveNodeHostConfigPath();
+  try {
+    const raw = await fs.readFile(filePath, "utf8");
+    const parsed = JSON.parse(raw) as Partial<NodeHostConfig>;
+    return normalizeConfig(parsed);
+  } catch {
+    return null;
+  }
+}
+
+export async function saveNodeHostConfig(config: NodeHostConfig): Promise<void> {
+  const filePath = resolveNodeHostConfigPath();
+  await fs.mkdir(path.dirname(filePath), { recursive: true });
+  const payload = JSON.stringify(config, null, 2);
+  await fs.writeFile(filePath, `${payload}\n`, { mode: 0o600 });
+  try {
+    await fs.chmod(filePath, 0o600);
+  } catch {
+    // best-effort on platforms without chmod
+  }
+}
+
+export async function ensureNodeHostConfig(): Promise<NodeHostConfig> {
+  const existing = await loadNodeHostConfig();
+  const normalized = normalizeConfig(existing);
+  await saveNodeHostConfig(normalized);
+  return normalized;
+}
+
diff --git a/src/node-host/runner.ts b/src/node-host/runner.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a96bb5a9f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/node-host/runner.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,654 @@
+import crypto from "node:crypto";
+import { spawn } from "node:child_process";
+import fs from "node:fs";
+import os from "node:os";
+import path from "node:path";
+
+import type { BridgeInvokeRequestFrame } from "../infra/bridge/server/types.js";
+import {
+  addAllowlistEntry,
+  matchAllowlist,
+  recordAllowlistUse,
+  requestExecApprovalViaSocket,
+  resolveCommandResolution,
+  resolveExecApprovals,
+} from "../infra/exec-approvals.js";
+import { getMachineDisplayName } from "../infra/machine-name.js";
+import { VERSION } from "../version.js";
+
+import { BridgeClient } from "./bridge-client.js";
+import {
+  ensureNodeHostConfig,
+  saveNodeHostConfig,
+  type NodeHostGatewayConfig,
+} from "./config.js";
+
+type NodeHostRunOptions = {
+  gatewayHost: string;
+  gatewayPort: number;
+  gatewayTls?: boolean;
+  gatewayTlsFingerprint?: string;
+  nodeId?: string;
+  displayName?: string;
+};
+
+type SystemRunParams = {
+  command: string[];
+  rawCommand?: string | null;
+  cwd?: string | null;
+  env?: Record<string, string>;
+  timeoutMs?: number | null;
+  needsScreenRecording?: boolean | null;
+  agentId?: string | null;
+  sessionKey?: string | null;
+};
+
+type SystemWhichParams = {
+  bins: string[];
+};
+
+type RunResult = {
+  exitCode?: number;
+  timedOut: boolean;
+  success: boolean;
+  stdout: string;
+  stderr: string;
+  error?: string | null;
+  truncated: boolean;
+};
+
+type ExecEventPayload = {
+  sessionKey: string;
+  runId: string;
+  host: string;
+  command?: string;
+  exitCode?: number;
+  timedOut?: boolean;
+  success?: boolean;
+  output?: string;
+  reason?: string;
+};
+
+const OUTPUT_CAP = 200_000;
+const OUTPUT_EVENT_TAIL = 20_000;
+
+const blockedEnvKeys = new Set([
+  "PATH",
+  "NODE_OPTIONS",
+  "PYTHONHOME",
+  "PYTHONPATH",
+  "PERL5LIB",
+  "PERL5OPT",
+  "RUBYOPT",
+]);
+
+const blockedEnvPrefixes = ["DYLD_", "LD_"];
+
+class SkillBinsCache {
+  private bins = new Set<string>();
+  private lastRefresh = 0;
+  private readonly ttlMs = 90_000;
+  private readonly fetch: () => Promise<string[]>;
+
+  constructor(fetch: () => Promise<string[]>) {
+    this.fetch = fetch;
+  }
+
+  async current(force = false): Promise<Set<string>> {
+    if (force || Date.now() - this.lastRefresh > this.ttlMs) {
+      await this.refresh();
+    }
+    return this.bins;
+  }
+
+  private async refresh() {
+    try {
+      const bins = await this.fetch();
+      this.bins = new Set(bins);
+      this.lastRefresh = Date.now();
+    } catch {
+      if (!this.lastRefresh) {
+        this.bins = new Set();
+      }
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+function sanitizeEnv(overrides?: Record<string, string> | null): Record<string, string> | undefined {
+  if (!overrides) return undefined;
+  const merged = { ...process.env } as Record<string, string>;
+  for (const [rawKey, value] of Object.entries(overrides)) {
+    const key = rawKey.trim();
+    if (!key) continue;
+    const upper = key.toUpperCase();
+    if (blockedEnvKeys.has(upper)) continue;
+    if (blockedEnvPrefixes.some((prefix) => upper.startsWith(prefix))) continue;
+    merged[key] = value;
+  }
+  return merged;
+}
+
+function formatCommand(argv: string[]): string {
+  return argv
+    .map((arg) => {
+      const trimmed = arg.trim();
+      if (!trimmed) return "\"\"";
+      const needsQuotes = /\s|"/.test(trimmed);
+      if (!needsQuotes) return trimmed;
+      return `"${trimmed.replace(/"/g, '\\"')}"`;
+    })
+    .join(" ");
+}
+
+function truncateOutput(raw: string, maxChars: number): { text: string; truncated: boolean } {
+  if (raw.length <= maxChars) return { text: raw, truncated: false };
+  return { text: `... (truncated) ${raw.slice(raw.length - maxChars)}`, truncated: true };
+}
+
+async function runCommand(
+  argv: string[],
+  cwd: string | undefined,
+  env: Record<string, string> | undefined,
+  timeoutMs: number | undefined,
+): Promise<RunResult> {
+  return await new Promise((resolve) => {
+    let stdout = "";
+    let stderr = "";
+    let outputLen = 0;
+    let truncated = false;
+    let timedOut = false;
+    let settled = false;
+
+    const child = spawn(argv[0], argv.slice(1), {
+      cwd,
+      env,
+      stdio: ["ignore", "pipe", "pipe"],
+      windowsHide: true,
+    });
+
+    const onChunk = (chunk: Buffer, target: "stdout" | "stderr") => {
+      if (outputLen >= OUTPUT_CAP) {
+        truncated = true;
+        return;
+      }
+      const remaining = OUTPUT_CAP - outputLen;
+      const slice = chunk.length > remaining ? chunk.subarray(0, remaining) : chunk;
+      const str = slice.toString("utf8");
+      outputLen += slice.length;
+      if (target === "stdout") stdout += str;
+      else stderr += str;
+      if (chunk.length > remaining) truncated = true;
+    };
+
+    child.stdout?.on("data", (chunk) => onChunk(chunk as Buffer, "stdout"));
+    child.stderr?.on("data", (chunk) => onChunk(chunk as Buffer, "stderr"));
+
+    let timer: NodeJS.Timeout | undefined;
+    if (timeoutMs && timeoutMs > 0) {
+      timer = setTimeout(() => {
+        timedOut = true;
+        try {
+          child.kill("SIGKILL");
+        } catch {
+          // ignore
+        }
+      }, timeoutMs);
+    }
+
+    const finalize = (exitCode?: number, error?: string | null) => {
+      if (settled) return;
+      settled = true;
+      if (timer) clearTimeout(timer);
+      resolve({
+        exitCode,
+        timedOut,
+        success: exitCode === 0 && !timedOut && !error,
+        stdout,
+        stderr,
+        error: error ?? null,
+        truncated,
+      });
+    };
+
+    child.on("error", (err) => {
+      finalize(undefined, err.message);
+    });
+    child.on("exit", (code) => {
+      finalize(code === null ? undefined : code, null);
+    });
+  });
+}
+
+function resolveEnvPath(env?: Record<string, string>): string[] {
+  const raw =
+    env?.PATH ??
+    (env as Record<string, string>)?.Path ??
+    process.env.PATH ??
+    process.env.Path ??
+    "";
+  return raw.split(path.delimiter).filter(Boolean);
+}
+
+function resolveExecutable(bin: string, env?: Record<string, string>) {
+  if (bin.includes("/") || bin.includes("\\")) return null;
+  const extensions =
+    process.platform === "win32"
+      ? (process.env.PATHEXT ?? process.env.PathExt ?? ".EXE;.CMD;.BAT;.COM")
+          .split(";")
+          .map((ext) => ext.toLowerCase())
+      : [""];
+  for (const dir of resolveEnvPath(env)) {
+    for (const ext of extensions) {
+      const candidate = path.join(dir, bin + ext);
+      if (fs.existsSync(candidate)) return candidate;
+    }
+  }
+  return null;
+}
+
+async function handleSystemWhich(params: SystemWhichParams, env?: Record<string, string>) {
+  const bins = params.bins
+    .map((bin) => bin.trim())
+    .filter(Boolean);
+  const found: Record<string, string> = {};
+  for (const bin of bins) {
+    const path = resolveExecutable(bin, env);
+    if (path) found[bin] = path;
+  }
+  return { bins: found };
+}
+
+function buildExecEventPayload(payload: ExecEventPayload): ExecEventPayload {
+  if (!payload.output) return payload;
+  const trimmed = payload.output.trim();
+  if (!trimmed) return payload;
+  const { text } = truncateOutput(trimmed, OUTPUT_EVENT_TAIL);
+  return { ...payload, output: text };
+}
+
+export async function runNodeHost(opts: NodeHostRunOptions): Promise<void> {
+  const config = await ensureNodeHostConfig();
+  const nodeId = opts.nodeId?.trim() || config.nodeId;
+  if (nodeId !== config.nodeId) {
+    config.nodeId = nodeId;
+    config.token = undefined;
+  }
+  const displayName =
+    opts.displayName?.trim() || config.displayName || (await getMachineDisplayName());
+  config.displayName = displayName;
+  const gateway: NodeHostGatewayConfig = {
+    host: opts.gatewayHost,
+    port: opts.gatewayPort,
+    tls: opts.gatewayTls === true,
+    tlsFingerprint: opts.gatewayTlsFingerprint,
+  };
+  config.gateway = gateway;
+  await saveNodeHostConfig(config);
+
+  let disconnectResolve: (() => void) | null = null;
+  let disconnectSignal = false;
+  const waitForDisconnect = () =>
+    new Promise<void>((resolve) => {
+      if (disconnectSignal) {
+        disconnectSignal = false;
+        resolve();
+        return;
+      }
+      disconnectResolve = resolve;
+    });
+
+  const client = new BridgeClient({
+    host: gateway.host ?? "127.0.0.1",
+    port: gateway.port ?? 18790,
+    tls: gateway.tls,
+    tlsFingerprint: gateway.tlsFingerprint,
+    nodeId,
+    token: config.token,
+    displayName,
+    platform: process.platform,
+    version: VERSION,
+    deviceFamily: os.platform(),
+    modelIdentifier: os.hostname(),
+    caps: ["system"],
+    commands: ["system.run", "system.which"],
+    onPairToken: async (token) => {
+      config.token = token;
+      await saveNodeHostConfig(config);
+    },
+    onAuthReset: async () => {
+      if (!config.token) return;
+      config.token = undefined;
+      await saveNodeHostConfig(config);
+    },
+    onInvoke: async (frame) => {
+      await handleInvoke(frame, client, skillBins);
+    },
+    onDisconnected: () => {
+      if (disconnectResolve) {
+        disconnectResolve();
+        disconnectResolve = null;
+      } else {
+        disconnectSignal = true;
+      }
+    },
+  });
+
+  const skillBins = new SkillBinsCache(async () => {
+    const res = await client.request("skills.bins", {});
+    const bins = Array.isArray(res?.bins) ? res.bins.map((b) => String(b)) : [];
+    return bins;
+  });
+
+  while (true) {
+    try {
+      await client.connect();
+      await waitForDisconnect();
+    } catch {
+      // ignore connect errors; retry
+    }
+    await new Promise((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, 1500));
+  }
+}
+
+async function handleInvoke(
+  frame: BridgeInvokeRequestFrame,
+  client: BridgeClient,
+  skillBins: SkillBinsCache,
+) {
+  const command = String(frame.command ?? "");
+  if (command === "system.which") {
+    try {
+      const params = decodeParams<SystemWhichParams>(frame.paramsJSON);
+      if (!Array.isArray(params.bins)) {
+        throw new Error("INVALID_REQUEST: bins required");
+      }
+      const env = sanitizeEnv(undefined);
+      const payload = await handleSystemWhich(params, env);
+      client.sendInvokeResponse({
+        type: "invoke-res",
+        id: frame.id,
+        ok: true,
+        payloadJSON: JSON.stringify(payload),
+      });
+    } catch (err) {
+      client.sendInvokeResponse({
+        type: "invoke-res",
+        id: frame.id,
+        ok: false,
+        error: { code: "INVALID_REQUEST", message: String(err) },
+      });
+    }
+    return;
+  }
+
+  if (command !== "system.run") {
+    client.sendInvokeResponse({
+      type: "invoke-res",
+      id: frame.id,
+      ok: false,
+      error: { code: "UNAVAILABLE", message: "command not supported" },
+    });
+    return;
+  }
+
+  let params: SystemRunParams;
+  try {
+    params = decodeParams<SystemRunParams>(frame.paramsJSON);
+  } catch (err) {
+    client.sendInvokeResponse({
+      type: "invoke-res",
+      id: frame.id,
+      ok: false,
+      error: { code: "INVALID_REQUEST", message: String(err) },
+    });
+    return;
+  }
+
+  if (!Array.isArray(params.command) || params.command.length === 0) {
+    client.sendInvokeResponse({
+      type: "invoke-res",
+      id: frame.id,
+      ok: false,
+      error: { code: "INVALID_REQUEST", message: "command required" },
+    });
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const argv = params.command.map((item) => String(item));
+  const rawCommand = typeof params.rawCommand === "string" ? params.rawCommand.trim() : "";
+  const cmdText = rawCommand || formatCommand(argv);
+  const agentId = params.agentId?.trim() || undefined;
+  const approvals = resolveExecApprovals(agentId);
+  const security = approvals.agent.security;
+  const ask = approvals.agent.ask;
+  const askFallback = approvals.agent.askFallback;
+  const autoAllowSkills = approvals.agent.autoAllowSkills;
+  const sessionKey = params.sessionKey?.trim() || "node";
+  const runId = crypto.randomUUID();
+  const env = sanitizeEnv(params.env ?? undefined);
+  const resolution = resolveCommandResolution(cmdText, params.cwd ?? undefined, env);
+  const allowlistMatch =
+    security === "allowlist" ? matchAllowlist(approvals.allowlist, resolution) : null;
+  const bins = autoAllowSkills ? await skillBins.current() : new Set<string>();
+  const skillAllow =
+    autoAllowSkills && resolution?.executableName ? bins.has(resolution.executableName) : false;
+
+  if (security === "deny") {
+    client.sendEvent(
+      "exec.denied",
+      buildExecEventPayload({
+        sessionKey,
+        runId,
+        host: "node",
+        command: cmdText,
+        reason: "security=deny",
+      }),
+    );
+    client.sendInvokeResponse({
+      type: "invoke-res",
+      id: frame.id,
+      ok: false,
+      error: { code: "UNAVAILABLE", message: "SYSTEM_RUN_DISABLED: security=deny" },
+    });
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const requiresAsk =
+    ask === "always" ||
+    (ask === "on-miss" && security === "allowlist" && !allowlistMatch && !skillAllow);
+
+  let approvedByAsk = false;
+  if (requiresAsk) {
+    const decision = await requestExecApprovalViaSocket({
+      socketPath: approvals.socketPath,
+      token: approvals.token,
+      request: {
+        command: cmdText,
+        cwd: params.cwd ?? undefined,
+        host: "node",
+        security,
+        ask,
+        agentId,
+        resolvedPath: resolution?.resolvedPath ?? null,
+      },
+    });
+    if (decision === "deny") {
+      client.sendEvent(
+        "exec.denied",
+        buildExecEventPayload({
+          sessionKey,
+          runId,
+          host: "node",
+          command: cmdText,
+          reason: "user-denied",
+        }),
+      );
+      client.sendInvokeResponse({
+        type: "invoke-res",
+        id: frame.id,
+        ok: false,
+        error: { code: "UNAVAILABLE", message: "SYSTEM_RUN_DENIED: user denied" },
+      });
+      return;
+    }
+    if (!decision) {
+      if (askFallback === "full") {
+        approvedByAsk = true;
+      } else if (askFallback === "allowlist") {
+        if (allowlistMatch || skillAllow) {
+          approvedByAsk = true;
+        } else {
+          client.sendEvent(
+            "exec.denied",
+            buildExecEventPayload({
+              sessionKey,
+              runId,
+              host: "node",
+              command: cmdText,
+              reason: "approval-required",
+            }),
+          );
+          client.sendInvokeResponse({
+            type: "invoke-res",
+            id: frame.id,
+            ok: false,
+            error: { code: "UNAVAILABLE", message: "SYSTEM_RUN_DENIED: approval required" },
+          });
+          return;
+        }
+      } else {
+        client.sendEvent(
+          "exec.denied",
+          buildExecEventPayload({
+            sessionKey,
+            runId,
+            host: "node",
+            command: cmdText,
+            reason: "approval-required",
+          }),
+        );
+        client.sendInvokeResponse({
+          type: "invoke-res",
+          id: frame.id,
+          ok: false,
+          error: { code: "UNAVAILABLE", message: "SYSTEM_RUN_DENIED: approval required" },
+        });
+        return;
+      }
+    }
+    if (decision === "allow-once") {
+      approvedByAsk = true;
+    }
+    if (decision === "allow-always") {
+      approvedByAsk = true;
+      if (security === "allowlist") {
+        const pattern = resolution?.resolvedPath ?? resolution?.rawExecutable ?? argv[0] ?? "";
+        if (pattern) addAllowlistEntry(approvals.file, agentId, pattern);
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  if (security === "allowlist" && !allowlistMatch && !skillAllow && !approvedByAsk) {
+    client.sendEvent(
+      "exec.denied",
+      buildExecEventPayload({
+        sessionKey,
+        runId,
+        host: "node",
+        command: cmdText,
+        reason: "allowlist-miss",
+      }),
+    );
+    client.sendInvokeResponse({
+      type: "invoke-res",
+      id: frame.id,
+      ok: false,
+      error: { code: "UNAVAILABLE", message: "SYSTEM_RUN_DENIED: allowlist miss" },
+    });
+    return;
+  }
+
+  if (allowlistMatch) {
+    recordAllowlistUse(approvals.file, agentId, allowlistMatch, cmdText, resolution?.resolvedPath);
+  }
+
+  if (params.needsScreenRecording === true) {
+    client.sendEvent(
+      "exec.denied",
+      buildExecEventPayload({
+        sessionKey,
+        runId,
+        host: "node",
+        command: cmdText,
+        reason: "permission:screenRecording",
+      }),
+    );
+    client.sendInvokeResponse({
+      type: "invoke-res",
+      id: frame.id,
+      ok: false,
+      error: { code: "UNAVAILABLE", message: "PERMISSION_MISSING: screenRecording" },
+    });
+    return;
+  }
+
+  client.sendEvent(
+    "exec.started",
+    buildExecEventPayload({
+      sessionKey,
+      runId,
+      host: "node",
+      command: cmdText,
+    }),
+  );
+
+  const result = await runCommand(
+    argv,
+    params.cwd?.trim() || undefined,
+    env,
+    params.timeoutMs ?? undefined,
+  );
+  if (result.truncated) {
+    const suffix = "... (truncated)";
+    if (result.stderr.trim().length > 0) {
+      result.stderr = `${result.stderr}\n${suffix}`;
+    } else {
+      result.stdout = `${result.stdout}\n${suffix}`;
+    }
+  }
+  const combined = [result.stdout, result.stderr, result.error].filter(Boolean).join("\n");
+  client.sendEvent(
+    "exec.finished",
+    buildExecEventPayload({
+      sessionKey,
+      runId,
+      host: "node",
+      command: cmdText,
+      exitCode: result.exitCode,
+      timedOut: result.timedOut,
+      success: result.success,
+      output: combined,
+    }),
+  );
+
+  client.sendInvokeResponse({
+    type: "invoke-res",
+    id: frame.id,
+    ok: true,
+    payloadJSON: JSON.stringify({
+      exitCode: result.exitCode,
+      timedOut: result.timedOut,
+      success: result.success,
+      stdout: result.stdout,
+      stderr: result.stderr,
+      error: result.error ?? null,
+    }),
+  });
+}
+
+function decodeParams<T>(raw?: string | null): T {
+  if (!raw) {
+    throw new Error("INVALID_REQUEST: paramsJSON required");
+  }
+  return JSON.parse(raw) as T;
+}