Running NinjaTrader on a VPS: Setup Guide
NinjaTrader runs well on a VPS with the right specs, and setting it up takes under an hour. You’ll need a Windows VPS with at least 4 GB RAM, 2 CPU cores, and 80 GB SSD storage. Once connected, the installation process is identical to setting up NinjaTrader on a local PC. The key difference: your VPS keeps NinjaTrader running 24/7 without depending on your home internet or power.
Minimum VPS Specs for NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader is more resource-hungry than MetaTrader, especially when running multiple charts, indicators, or automated strategies. Here’s what you need:
Basic setup (1 to 2 charts, manual trading):
- 2 CPU cores
- 4 GB RAM
- 60 GB SSD
Moderate setup (4 to 8 charts, indicators, 1 to 2 automated strategies):
- 4 CPU cores
- 8 GB RAM
- 80 GB SSD
Heavy setup (order flow tools, DOM, multiple strategies, replay):
- 4+ CPU cores
- 16 GB RAM
- 120 GB SSD
NinjaTrader stores historical data locally, so storage needs grow over time. Start with at least 80 GB to give yourself room.
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Connect to your VPS via Remote Desktop. Enter the IP address, username, and password your VPS provider gave you.
2. Download NinjaTrader directly on the VPS. Open a browser, go to ninjatrader.com, and download the latest version. Don’t transfer the installer from your home PC; download fresh.
3. Install NinjaTrader using the standard installer. Log in with your NinjaTrader account credentials.
4. Connect your data feed and broker. Go to Connections and set up your futures broker connection (Rithmic, CQG, or your broker’s native feed). NinjaTrader will start downloading historical data.
5. Load your workspace. If you have a saved workspace from your home PC, you can export it and import it on the VPS. This brings over your chart layouts, templates, and indicator settings.
6. Configure automated strategies if applicable. Load your NinjaScript strategies and enable them. Set proper stop loss and position sizing rules before running unattended.
Optimization Tips
NinjaTrader can be demanding, so optimize your VPS environment:
- Disable Windows visual effects. Right-click This PC, go to Properties, Advanced System Settings, and set visual effects to “Adjust for best performance.”
- Limit historical data. In NinjaTrader’s data settings, reduce the number of days of tick data loaded. More data means more RAM usage.
- Close unnecessary charts. Each chart with real-time data consumes resources. Only keep open what you actively use.
- Schedule restarts. Restart NinjaTrader weekly during off-hours to clear memory. Some traders automate this with a simple Windows Task Scheduler script.
- Turn off Windows Defender real-time scanning for the NinjaTrader data folder to prevent disk I/O bottlenecks during market hours.
Key Takeaways
- NinjaTrader needs at least 4 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores on a VPS; 8 GB RAM recommended for most setups
- Download and install NinjaTrader directly on the VPS, don’t transfer from your home PC
- Connect your broker’s data feed (Rithmic or CQG) and load your workspace
- Optimize Windows settings and limit historical data to keep performance stable
- Schedule weekly restarts and always set stop losses before running strategies unattended
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run NinjaTrader on a Linux VPS? No. NinjaTrader requires Windows. Wine compatibility is unreliable for real-time trading. Always use a Windows VPS.
Which VPS location is best for NinjaTrader futures trading? Chicago (Aurora, IL) is ideal since that’s where the CME Group’s matching engines are located. New York is the second-best option. See our VPS location guide for details.
Can I use my NinjaTrader license on both my home PC and VPS? NinjaTrader allows one active connection per license. You can install it on multiple machines but only run one instance connected to live data at a time.
Risk Disclaimer: Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. See our full risk disclaimer.