Before you download or buy
Will it run on my PC?
Go through this list first. It takes five minutes, before you buy anything. Tick each line as you check it (nothing is saved or sent). If you're unsure about one, ask us before you buy: we'll tell you honestly.
You need all of these
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Windows 10 must be version 2004 or newer. To check: press Win+R, type
winver, press Enter. Windows on ARM laptops (Snapdragon) are untested: ask first. -
Mastbound Trader's engine runs in Windows' built-in Linux layer (WSL2), which needs the processor's virtualization. Most VPS and cloud PCs don't provide it ("nested virtualization"), and this beta only supports physical PCs. Setup checks this and stops at once on a VPS, cloud PC or virtual machine, with a plain message. If it stops on your own PC, email us. Parallels on a Mac is not supported yet either.
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To check: open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) > Performance > CPU. Bottom right: Virtualization: Enabled. If it says Disabled, it's a setting in your PC's BIOS or UEFI, called Intel VT-x, AMD-V or SVM. The key to open it at start-up is usually F2 (Dell), F10 (HP), F1 or F2 (Lenovo), Del (ASUS, MSI). Setup also checks this and stops with a plain message if it's off.
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Run Setup signed in as the same Windows user who opens NinjaTrader, and answer Yes when Windows asks "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" If another person types an admin password for you, Mastbound Trader installs into their account instead of yours.
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To check: File Explorer > This PC. Setup checks it too.
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NinjaTrader, Mastbound Trader's engine and a browser run together. With 8 GB it may work but can be slow. To check: Settings > System > About > Installed RAM.
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It's a free download from ninjatrader.com. Setup looks for it and stops, with this same advice, if NinjaTrader was never started.
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For example, the NinjaTrader login your prop firm gave you. Mastbound Trader reads 1-minute bars from an MNQ (Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100) chart in NinjaTrader, and in this beta it trades MNQ only. Not sure your login shows live MNQ prices? Ask us before you buy. NinjaTrader's "Simulated Data Feed" doesn't count: it invents prices.
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Setup downloads Windows' Linux layer, Ubuntu and the engine's parts.
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Mastbound Trader and NinjaTrader both run on your PC, so if it sleeps or restarts, Mastbound Trader stops. While you trade, set Settings > System > Power > Sleep to Never, and set Windows Update's active hours so it doesn't restart during your session.
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Setup takes about 25 minutes and restarts your PC once. Then Quick setup on Mastbound Trader's Home. Connecting NinjaTrader has three things to do inside NinjaTrader (compile, add OrderFileConnector, Mastbound Trader's add-on, to an MNQ chart, tick Enabled), and Mastbound Trader ticks them off by itself as it sees them done. Operator includes a 20-minute setup call for this.
Good to know
- Mac: coming soon. Mastbound Trader ships for Windows first, and we don't sell it for a Mac yet. A Mac build is in early access, with a setup call, for people we invite. Join the Mac list.
- Weekends: you can install any time, but the futures market is closed from Friday 5 PM to Sunday 6 PM New York time (and 5 to 6 PM on weekdays). Until it opens, Mastbound Trader says "market closed", and that's normal. Meanwhile you can replay one of three practice days (made-up prices) or use NinjaTrader's Market Replay. See installing on a weekend.
- Windows warnings: the installer isn't code-signed yet, so Windows shows "Windows protected your PC". The FAQ and the download page explain what to click and how to check the file is ours.
- Time zone: any. Mastbound Trader's times are New York time, whatever your PC is set to, and it shows your own time beside each one.
- Phone alerts (optional): a free Discord or Telegram account.
- Webhook alerts (optional): most alert services need a paid plan to send webhooks, and some services' terms limit using alerts to place orders. Check yours.
- Your prop firm: some firms ban automation. Check the list and your firm's own rules.
- Your firm's numbers: Mastbound Trader has presets for a few firms. If your firm or account size isn't listed, read this first.
If Mastbound Trader won't install or connect on your PC and we can't fix it in one session, you get a full refund, whatever the date. Refund policy.
Every line ticked?
Get the free download
During the beta we send the download link by email, so we can check you're set up to succeed. The download isn't open yet: ask now and we email you the link as soon as it is. No date is promised.
Choose Pro or Operator
Pro at $299/month, or Operator at $449/month with a setup call (founding price $199 and $349 for the first 50 paying members). Monthly; cancel online any time. Practice accounts only during the beta.