No always-on computer
The cTrader application and your personal device do not need to remain open or connected after the cloud instance starts.
Free cloud execution for cTrader cBots
Run cTrader cBots in the Cloud without a VPS
cTrader Cloud can run compatible cBots continuously in an isolated environment while your computer and cTrader app are switched off. Start and manage cloud instances from cTrader Windows, Mac, Web or Mobile using your connected cTrader ID.
24/7Until stopped or an error occurs
FreeCloud hosting for cTrader users
1 demoDefault cloud-instance limit
Up to 10 liveDefault; broker limits may vary
What is cTrader Cloud?
Synchronisation and execution are two different features
Cloud synchronisation makes algorithms and updates available across cTrader applications linked to your cTrader ID. When you create, install or receive an algorithm, a protected version can appear in the Algo area on your connected devices.
Cloud execution is the separate ability to start a compatible cBot in cTrader's hosted environment. Once started, the instance can continue running when your Windows, Mac, mobile or web app closes. The bot runs until you stop it or an error interrupts it.
Important: Cloud execution supports cBots. Custom indicators and plugins run locally, and some cBots require changes before they can operate in cTrader's Linux-based cloud environment.
Core benefits
Why run a compatible cBot in cTrader Cloud?
Cloud execution removes much of the operating-system and server administration associated with a traditional VPS.
No separate VPS bill
cTrader describes Cloud as free for users, avoiding a monthly Windows server cost for compatible cBot workloads.
Cross-device control
Start a cloud instance from cTrader Mobile, Web, Windows or Mac and manage it through the same connected cTrader ID.
Isolated execution
Each cBot runs in a dedicated hosted environment without depending on unrelated applications on your personal computer.
Automatic availability
Cloud synchronisation makes installed or created algorithms available across the cTrader apps associated with your cTID.
Simple deployment
Choose the account, symbol, timeframe and parameters, then start a cloud instance without configuring a Windows server.
How to start
Deploy a cBot to Cloud in four stages
Test the strategy and cloud compatibility before allowing a bot to manage a live account.
1
Add the cBot
Create the cBot in cTrader Windows or Mac, install it from Store, open an `.algo` file or access it through an authorised link.
2
Test locally
Compile, backtest and run the bot on demo. Confirm entries, exits, sizing, logs and exception handling before cloud deployment.
3
Start a cloud instance
Select Cloud execution, choose the account, symbol, timeframe and parameters, then start the instance.
4
Monitor behaviour
Check instance status, logs, trades and account exposure regularly. Investigate any stop or error instead of assuming continuous operation.
Compatibility requirements
Cloud runs cBots in a Linux-based environment
A cBot that works locally on Windows is not automatically cloud-compatible. External dependencies must be included as compatible compile-time references and must support cross-platform execution. Stand-alone DLL files loaded dynamically are not managed by the cloud environment.
Windows-specific technologies such as WPF, WinForms and WinAPI are not supported. The official requirements also document differences for interface, network, chart, audio and local-storage functions.
Choose the execution method
Cloud, local execution or a Windows VPS?
The best option depends on the cBot's dependencies, instance count and whether the workflow needs applications outside cTrader.
Instance limits
Demo and live allowances can differ
Official cTrader documentation currently states that one cloud instance can be started by default with demo accounts and up to ten cloud instances with live accounts. It also warns that limits may vary by broker.
An instance is a running copy of a cBot with its own account, symbol, timeframe and parameters. Running the same cBot on several symbols or parameter sets therefore consumes multiple instances. Check the allowance shown inside your broker's cTrader application.
Risk and monitoring
“Runs in the cloud” does not mean “launch and forget”
Frequently asked questions
cTrader Cloud execution
Is cTrader Cloud free?
Yes. Current official cTrader documentation describes cloud hosting and execution as free for users. Broker-specific account or trading costs still apply.
Does my computer need to stay switched on?
No. After a cloud instance starts, the cTrader app and your device do not need to remain open or connected.
Can indicators and plugins run in Cloud?
Cloud execution is available for cBots. Custom indicators and plugins run locally, although synchronisation can make installed algorithms available across connected apps.
How many cloud cBots can I run?
The current default is one instance on demo and up to ten on live accounts, but cTrader notes that limits may vary by broker.
Why does my cBot work locally but fail in Cloud?
It may use a Windows-only dependency, an external DLL, HTTP, a UI feature or file behaviour that is unavailable or different in the Linux cloud environment.
When should I use a VPS instead?
Use a VPS when you require full cTrader Desktop access, Windows-specific components, other trading applications, unrestricted server control or more flexibility than Cloud provides.
Test your cBot locally, then run it in Cloud
Download cTrader, validate the strategy on demo and confirm every dependency meets the official Cloud requirements.