Put Nebula and MetaTrader on one Windows VPS so your systems run while your own computer is off.
You need
- a Windows VPS you can log in to with Remote Desktop
- MetaTrader 5 (or 4) from your broker
- your Nebula activation code if you have a plan
Two ways to run 24/7
| Option | What runs where | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader Virtual Hosting | Your EAs run on MetaTrader's server. Nebula stays on your computer. | Running deployed EAs only |
| Your own Windows VPS | Nebula and MetaTrader both run on the VPS | Searching, deploying and live tracking from one always on machine |
This guide covers your own VPS. For Virtual Hosting, see the in app Help: Set up a VPS (MetaTrader Virtual Hosting), step by step.
Pick a VPS
| Item | What Nebula needs | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 or 11, or a Windows Server that runs Windows 10 apps, 64 bit | Nebula ships for Windows x64. |
| Memory | 8 GB or more | The site lists 8 GB as the minimum. At 8 GB or less Low power mode turns on by itself. |
| Processor | As many cores as you can | Searches use your cores. More cores finish sooner. |
| Free disk | At least 2 GB, plus room for price data | The start window stops below 2 GB free. |
| Location | Close to your broker's server | Faster fills for your EAs |
| Mac | Not needed | A Windows VPS also works for Mac owners on macOS 10.14 or older |
Steps
Connect to the VPS
Log in with Remote Desktop. Everything below happens inside that window.
Install MetaTrader and log in
Install MetaTrader 5 from your broker and sign in to the account you will trade.
Install Nebula
Follow install-nebula-on-windows inside the VPS. Allow it once in SmartScreen.
Activate your plan
Settings › Licence & System › Redeem NebKey…, paste your code. The VPS counts as a new computer. You can move a key to up to 3 new computers in any 7 days.
Set Low power mode
Open Settings › Performance › Low power mode.
| Choice | What it does | When to pick it |
|---|---|---|
| Auto | On for machines with 8 GB of RAM or less | Default. Leave it on most VPS plans. |
| On | Always the light designs | A VPS with little graphics power |
| Off | Always the full visuals | A large VPS |
Low power mode drops the 3D scenes and caps animation. Tests search and score exactly the same.
Settings›Performance›Low power mode
- Licence & System
- Performance
- Support
- Eco
- Balanced
- Turbo
- Max
Low power mode
- Auto
- On
- Off
Set Performance
On the same page pick how much processor a search uses.
| Stage | Uses | Lowest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Eco | About a quarter of your cores | Free |
| Balanced | About half | Free |
| Turbo | About three quarters | Starter |
| Max | Every core | Pro and Ultimate |
On a VPS that only runs Nebula and MetaTrader, pick the highest stage your plan allows.
Deploy and attach your EAs
Deploy from Nebula on the VPS. On MetaTrader 5 Nebula puts the EA on its chart. Turn Algo Trading on.
Log off, do not shut down
Close the Remote Desktop window to log off. The VPS keeps running. Do not use Shut down or Sign out inside the VPS. That closes MetaTrader and your EAs stop.
What keeps running
| Thing | Keeps running when | Stops when |
|---|---|---|
| Your deployed EAs | MetaTrader is open and logged in, Algo Trading on | MetaTrader closes, or the VPS restarts |
| News protection in the EA | The EA is running | MetaTrader closes |
| A search in Nebula | Nebula is open | Nebula closes |
| Live tracking in Mission Control | Nebula is open | Nebula closes, unless hands free monitoring is on |
| Fully hands free monitoring | Nebula opens at login and runs in the tray | It is switched off |
| Phone alerts through Telegram (Pro and Ultimate) | Nebula is running | Nebula closes |
You can close Nebula. You cannot close MetaTrader.
Keep Nebula running after a restart (Ultimate)
Turn on Settings › Orion › Fully hands-free monitoring. Nebula then opens at login and runs quietly in the system tray to track your deployed systems.
If something goes wrong
The app is slow or the screen stutters
WhySmall VPS
FixLow power mode On, Performance one stage lower.
Your disk is full. Free 2 GB, then try again.
WhyVPS disk is small
FixClear old price data in Settings › Price data, or add disk.
Too many computer changes for now.
WhyYou moved the key too often
FixWait a few days, or contact support.
EAs stopped overnight
WhyThe VPS restarted, or you signed out
FixLog in, open MetaTrader, check Algo Trading.
Broker Not found on the launcher
WhyMetaTrader is not installed on the VPS
FixInstall it on the VPS, not on your own computer.
Mission Control shows no heartbeat
WhyNebula and the EA are on different machines
FixRun Nebula on the same VPS as MetaTrader, or read the account ledger instead.
Questions
Can I run Nebula on my PC and MetaTrader on the VPS?
Nebula links to a MetaTrader on the same machine. Run both on the VPS, or use Virtual Hosting for the EAs only.
Do I need a VPS at all?
No. A home PC that stays on also works. Every sleep or shutdown pauses your EAs.