• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Trading Heroes

Trading Heroes

Forex Trading Education

  • Free Tutorials
  • Products
  • About
  • Login

The Best Way to Run Windows on a Mac for Trading

Learn the best way to run Windows on a Mac. This method will ensure that you have maximum processing power and install any trading software you want to use.

Home / MetaTrader 4 Tutorials / The Best Way to Run Windows on a Mac for Trading

By Hugh Kimura

There are some trading programs that only run on Windows. However, Windows has so many issues that refuse to use it as my daily operating system.

Therefore, I've experimented with many different ways to run Windows on a Mac and I'm going to share the best method with you here.

The best way to run Windows on a Mac is to purchase a dedicated mini Windows PC or tablet, then use Remote Desktop on a Mac to access the Windows PC. This method completely eliminates compatibility issues and doubles your processing power. 

But there are a lot of questions that come up when it comes to setting this up.

So in this tutorial, I'll give you the simple 2-step process to setting up your own dedicated Windows trading computer.

Step 1: Purchase and Set Up a Dedicated Windows PC

The first step is to purchase a small Windows PC. Just purchase something that you can afford and has the most recent version of Windows.

You don't need to have the most powerful computer in the world.

Any computer built in the last 3 years will work great.

The only time that you would need a top of the line computer is if you're going to run complex automated trading algorithms.

If you want more details on the specs to look for in a new trading computer, read this tutorial.

But if you simply want to run MetaTrader or Forex Tester, then any decent desktop computer will do. You can get a good used one for around $100 to $200.

If cost isn't an issue for you, then buy the best you can find.

The minimalist in me prefers to have a computer that takes up as little space as possible, so I can tuck it away in a corner somewhere or hide it behind my monitor.

These small computers also use less electricity than full-sized computers.

I would suggest getting either a small form factor (SFF) computer or a tablet that runs desktop Windows.

SFF Computers

SFF computer

A SFF computer usually measures about 9 inches squared and 2 inches high.

The best part about these computers is that they have a lot of processing power, especially if you buy a computer that was made within the last 3 years.

So you'll never have to worry about the speed of the computer because most trading programs are pretty lightweight and don't require a powerful processor. Just make sure that you have at least 8GB of memory.

You can also purchase older computers that can work just as well for your needs.

I would currently suggest looking at 2 lines of computers:

  • HP Elitedesk / Prodesk
  •  Lenovo ThinkCentre

The best SFF Windows computers will change over time, so do your own research and find something that fits your budget and needs.

You can find good deals on eBay, so keep an eye on the listings there.

If this isn't going to be your primary computer, a used computer will do a fantastic job, without having to pay full price.

Tablet Computers

Widows tablet computer

Another great option is to use a tablet that runs a desktop version of Windows.

Tablets use very little electricity, they have battery backup in case the power goes out and don't take up a lot of space.

On the downside, they can be a little underpowered and generally don't have the same storage capacity as SFF computers.

You may have to upgrade the memory and disk space.

Overall, I would recommend getting a Dell tablet. I have a Dell Venue 11 Pro and it's good enough to run any Windows-based trading programs that I want to use.

However, I did have to upgrade the disk to a 512GB SSD because the original drive was tiny.

But again, do your own research and find something that works for you. Remember to get a tablet that runs the desktop version of Windows.

Install Your Trading Software and Set Up Remote Desktop

After you've purchased your Windows-based trading computer, install the trading software that you want to use.

Then you need to setup Remote Desktop, so you can control the PC from your Mac.

Go to: Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop 

Turn Enable Remote Desktop to On.

Turn on Remote Desktop

Once Remote Desktop is turned on, there's one more step. You'll need to find out the IP address of the PC, so you can connect to it from your Mac.

First, make sure that you're on the same network as your Mac. This could be your wireless router at home, or your router at work.

Just be sure that both your PC and your Mac are connected to the same internet connection.

Then go to: Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Properties 

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and get the IPv4 address. Write it down because you'll need it in the next step.

It should look something like: 192.168.0.101.

Step 2: Install and Configure Remote Desktop on Your Mac

Remote Desktop can be downloaded for free from the Mac App Store. Once it's installed, click on the “+” symbol, then “Add PC.”

Add a PC to Remote Desktop

From there, you'll see this screen.

Remote desktop setup on Mac

Enter the following information:

  • PC name: Enter the IP address from step 1
  • User account: Add user account (the login to the Windows computer)
  • Friendly name: Give it a name that will help you identify the PC
  • Group: Usually “WORKGROUP” for most Windows setups

After you've added the PC information, double click the new icon in your Remote Desktop window and a window will open with your Windows PC in it.

Now you're using your Windows PC on your Mac. 

Trading Mac

Final Tips

The best thing about this method is that you can have 2 processors running at the same time. So you won't slow down your Mac, while you're using your Windows programs.

You can also use Windows only when you need it. Windows 10 still has many of the same problems that it had back in Windows XP, so I use it as little as possible.

However, using a Windows PC ensures that you have maximum compatibility with Windows-based programs.

Another benefit is you only have to open your Mac, while you keep your Windows PC tucked away in a corner of your house somewhere.

Sure, there are Windows emulators for Mac like VMWare Fusion, but I've found that they don't work as well as using a separate Windows PC.

Here's what I used to recommend, but I don't anymore.

So if you want to use Windows programs on your Mac, go get yourself a PC, set it up…and leave it on a shelf somewhere.

Then you can access it only when you need it.

Related Articles

How to Get MT4 Forex Trading Alerts on Your Mobile (Push Notifications)
How to Use Chart Objects in Metatrader 4
How to Run MetaTrader and Forex Tester on a Mac

Category: Forex Tester Tutorials, MetaTrader 4 Tutorials, MetaTrader 5 Tutorials Tag: Trading Software Tutorials

About Hugh Kimura

Hi, I'm Hugh. I'm an independent trader, educator and researcher. I help traders develop their trading psychology and trading strategies. Learn more about me here.

Top

 

Share This Article


First posted: October 8, 2021
Last updated: May 18, 2022

Footer

Company

  • Support
  • About Trading Heroes
  • Trading Courses and Education
  • Recommended Resources
  • T-Shirts & Trading Gear
  • Charities We Support

Tutorials & Guides

  • Recommended Trading Resources
  • Free Forex Trading Course for Beginners
  • The Trading Blog
  • Best Trading Books
  • Forex Trading Strategies
  • The Trading Lifestyle Podcast

Community

  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Private Trading Community
  • Contact
Trading involves substantial risk and there is always the potential for loss. All content on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not trading, investment, or medical advice. You should be aware of the risks associated with trading and seek advice from an independent certified financial adviser if you have any doubts. Some links on this page might be affiliate links, where we get a small commission if you purchase through the link. It doesn't cost you anything extra and we only recommend products that we absolutely love. This site uses cookies and using this site means that you agree to the use of cookies.

 

CFTC Rules 4.41 - Hypothetical or Simulated performance results have certain limitations. Unlike an actual performance record, simulated results do not represent actual trading. Also, because the trades have not actually been executed, the results may have under-or-over compensated for the impact, if any, of certain market factors, such as lack of liquidity. Simulated trading programs, in general, are also subject to the fact that they are designed with the benefit of hindsight. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profit or losses similar to those shown. Testimonials appearing may not be representative of other clients or customers and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2007–2022 TrueLiving Media LLC | Terms | Privacy | Risk
How to choose a trading system guide

Get the FREE Guide to Picking the Best Trading Strategy For YOU

x