Traders frequently use always-on remote desktops to maintain their trading platform operations running all day and night, even when they are physically absent. This allows them to monitor the marketplace and execute trades the moment the price changes.
While traditional computers tend to turn off or disconnect after periods of inactivity, remote desktop services allow access to an always-on computer that is located on a secure server. Traders possess the ability to access their remote desktop from their phone, laptop, or tablet so that they can manage the same trading account as if they were sitting right in front of it.
Why Do Traders Need Always-On Access?
Niles, a forex trader in Delhi, has an automated trading system on MetaTrader. One stormy night, he lost power to his home computer. Fortunately, Nilesh’s automated program was running on an always-on remote desktop located in Mumbai. When Nilesh woke up the next day, he saw he had made a profit of about 12%. In contrast, people who were using home setups experienced financial losses on that identical day.
Three main issues solved by always-on remote desktops are:
i) Whenever there is a local power cut, the server will continue to run regardless of the power.
ii) When you have inconsistent home internet, the server uses business-level fiber internet, not the typical home Wi-Fi.
iii) You will continue to receive notifications regardless of whether you are physically present.
Setting Up an Always-On Remote Desktop
Step 1: Choose your VPS provider
Choose a provider who offers:
- Rapid connection time to your broker’s server.
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- Windows-based desktop connection
- Ability to back up files routinely.
Some popular VPS providers for advanced users include FXVPS, TraderStartEdge, and AWS. If you want to know how this infrastructure helps reduce slippage in currency markets and provides constant uptime for forex trading, check out our guide on how traders use remote desktop servers for stable forex platform connectivity.
Step 2: Install your trading platform
When you log into your remote desktop, download either MetaTrader, TradingView, or your broker’s platform (depending on which platform you are using to trade). After logging into your trading account, you can build or set up your charts, indicators, and automated trading bots or expert advisors.
Step 3: Set Up Auto-Start and Disconnect Settings
This is the most critical step, and many traders get stuck at this point.
- Turn on auto-start to open your trading platform immediately after rebooting.
- Do not sign out. Instead, learn to disconnect.
- Click on “X” at the top right of the Windows screen.
- Verify the prompt. Your bots will continue to run; just the screen will disappear.
Step 4: Accessing your trading platform from any device
Download the remote desktop application on:
- iPhone or Android
- Windows or Mac
- Laptop or iPad
Real-Life Trading Examples
Example 1: Day Trader prevents Internet outages
Anila, a day trader living in Bengaluru, uses the Nifty 50 futures market. While day trading, she had to face some internet issues due to the rain. To fix this issue, she moved her trading platform to a remote desktop in Hyderabad, which is much closer to the NSE servers. This resulted in no delay due to a spike in connection speed, and increased by three percent per month.
Example 2: Crypto Trader using an Overnight Bot
Vikram trades cryptocurrency on Binance. He has a crypto arbitrage bot that trades cryptos on Binance between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.(IST). He set his home desktop to shut down automatically at 10 p.m. He shifted to a remote desktop. As a result, his bot now runs 24×7 and his monthly profit increased by 12%.
What Makes Remote Desktop Different from a Home PC?
1. A home PC usually operates somewhere between 6 to 10 hours a day. An always-on remote desktop will have server guarantees and can operate successfully 24 hours a day.
- A home PC produces a high latency of 20-50 milliseconds through home Wi-Fi. On the other hand, a remote desktop connection produces 2-5 milliseconds of latency over enterprise fiber.
- In a home PC, there is a high risk of power failure. In contrast, a remote connection will have virtually no risk because backup power sources support server locations.
- A user on a home PC can only access their bot if their home computer is online. A remote desktop user can access their bot from any internet-enabled device, from anywhere in the world.
- When a user shuts down their home computer, all active bots will stop. A remote desktop user’s active bots will continue to operate without interruption even if their computer shuts down.
Cost Vs Value: Is it Worth it?
Most VPS providers charge somewhere between Rs 800 and 2500 per month. In comparison:
Lost trades due to internet spikes: Rs 5k to 50K per month.
Missed profits from automated bots: Rs 10k to 1 lac per month.
Cost of hardware replacement after a power surge: Rs 20k or more.
Mistakes to Avoid
Error: Logging off instead of disconnecting
Solution: Always select ‘X’ and then disconnect.
Error: Using home Wi-Fi to connect to a remote desktop computer.
Solution: Try to connect your computer to the LAN network or use 5G during trading hours.
Error: You did not configure an auto-start for your trading platform.
Solution: Configure your trading platform to launch automatically at Windows login.
Error: You did not make trading platform backups.
Solution: Enable daily cloud backups on the VPS.
Error: You purchased a low-cost, high-latency trading server.
Solution: Measure latency between a trader and broker before making a purchase decision.
Wrapping Up
Consider remote desktop:
- You use automated bots or Expert Advisors.
- You participate in Forex or crypto trading.
- Your internet or power has been unreliable.
- You work from different locations.
Skip if:
- You manually trade for 1 to 2 hours per day.
- You only trade equities in India between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
- You have a high-quality home office setup.
- You always impact trades from one dedicated desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does an always-on remote desktop refer to in trading?
A. An always-on remote desktop is a virtual computer running on a secure server that operates 24×7. Traders use it to maintain their trading platforms, bots, and charts even when they turn off their local computers.
Q. Are any technical skills required for its setup?
A. No, most providers will supply you with a pre-configured Windows-based virtual desktop. Simply log in to the desktop, install your trading platform, and proceed with trading.
Q. Can I use my mobile phone to access it?
A. Yes, you can download and install Microsoft Remote Desktop on your mobile phones. Log in using your credentials. You will have complete control of your trading from anywhere in the world.
Q. Will my automated bots continue to trade if I disconnect?
A. Yes, as long as you have disconnected without signing out. Your automated bots and Expert Advisors will continue to trade and run normally.
Q. Is it safe?
A. Yes, but only when you choose a trusted provider. Do not use free or untrusted brokers for trading.
Q. Can I have multiple brokers on one desktop?
A. Yes, you can simultaneously open multiple trading platform windows(such as MetaTrader, TradingView, broker apps, etc.) on one desktop.