Why a Robot Needs a VPS and How to Choose One

A robot trades only while the terminal is open. The computer shuts down, the internet drops, Windows goes off to update, and the robot is left unattended. A VPS solves this problem.

What a VPS is

A VPS is a virtual server: a computer you rent from a hosting company that runs around the clock in a data center. You connect to it through Remote Desktop (RDP) from an ordinary laptop, and often from a phone. On the server you install MetaTrader and run the robot. After that the robot doesn't need your home computer: you can switch it off, go on vacation, live as usual.

Why you need one

• The terminal is always open. While MetaTrader is closed, the robot doesn't work. Our FAQ says the same.
• A stable connection. In a data center the connection is more reliable than at home, and power cuts are no problem.
• No surprises from Windows. A home computer can restart after an update or go to sleep by itself. A server is set up once.
• Closer to the broker. You can choose a server where the link to the broker's trading server is faster.
• Easier to monitor. Connect, look at the chart, disconnect. The terminal keeps running.

What to look for when choosing

1. Operating system: Windows. MetaTrader is a Windows program. In theory you can run it on Linux, but that means extra setup and extra glitches. For a quiet life, take Windows Server or a regular Windows image from the provider.

2. Server location. Brokers' trading servers sit in a few large cities, most often London, New York and Frankfurt. The closer your VPS is to the broker's server, the lower the ping. Ask your broker's support where their server is. If you use MT5, hover over the connection indicator in the bottom-right corner of the terminal: it shows the ping in milliseconds.

3. Ping. The lower the better, but don't chase records. For calm trading it matters more that the ping is steady, without spikes and drops. If you need specific values for your robot, ask us on Telegram.

4. Uptime. This is the share of time the server is available. Providers usually promise 99.9% and higher. The difference between 99.9% and 99% is about 9 hours of downtime a year versus about three and a half days. For a robot that works 24/5 that's significant. Read the terms: is there compensation for downtime?

5. Resources. For one or two terminals, 1–2 cores and 2–4 GB of memory are usually enough. Windows itself is demanding, so very weak plans will lag. If you run more terminals, add resources.

6. Access and security. Choose a complex password, don't use the default one, and install updates. You don't need anything on a VPS except the terminal and maybe a browser. The fewer programs, the fewer problems.

7. Backups. It's good when the provider takes system snapshots: if something breaks, you can roll back in a few minutes.

What it costs

Roughly $5–20 a month. The cheapest options will do for one terminal, and for $15–20 you usually get Windows with some headroom. Prices depend on the provider, the plan and the city, so compare several offers. Paying monthly is better than yearly: first make sure the server suits you.

How to move the robot to a VPS

1. Connect to the server over RDP and install your broker's terminal on it.
2. Log in to the account the robot was issued for. The file is tied to the account number, so on the server you can run it on the same account. Not sure? Message us on Telegram.
3. Install the robot the same way as at home, following the article "How to Install a Trading Robot in MetaTrader 4 and 5".
4. Switch the robot off at home. One robot on one account must not run on two machines at once, or the trades will be doubled.
5. Close the Remote Desktop window with "Disconnect" or the cross, not by signing out: in the first case the session and the terminal keep running.

Does a beginner need a VPS

For the 14 days on a demo account your home computer is enough, as long as you leave it on and the terminal open. But with real money it's better when the robot doesn't depend on your apartment and your power socket. Otherwise it can end up unattended exactly when the market is moving.