Hello

I would like that other members could offer their experience and feedback as to how is the experience of running NinjaTrader 8 (NT8) on Linux (Ubuntu) in 2021 through Wine (or I don't know if there is any other option besides Wine), but the point is to run reliably and stably NT8 on alternative OS to Windows.


This post could also apply to run NT8 in the new 2020-2021 Macbooks with M1 chip which, despite being in new and different CPU architecture I could watch videos where this chip is able to run heavy Windows-based modern videogames which is very impressive.


Well, I could see now in October 2021 that the Linux gaming community says that Linux has progressed exponentially in the last couple of years, so that currently, by the end of 2021 Linux is now able to run the latest and most modern video games with a similar and sometimes even almost the same performance as Windows, and even some more CPU demanding games run better on Linux than on Windows even though in Linux these processes need real time code translation, to translate and convert the instructions used in Windows to instructions that Linux can understand, which, in this kind of tasks is a very heavy and super demanding process that has to be carried out in real time and without lags.


So based on this incredibly beneficial reality, I'm thinking that if the previous is possible on Linux now ending 2021, then what would it be like to use NT8 on Linux? Which is a lighter process than a videogame but where of course some of the key points needed would be:

• Stability, no sudden crushes and so that for example it is reliable to run Algos in NT8 “24/7”, 365 days.
• Stability of the platform and Algos execution during times of extreme volatility and special cases where the market has an unusual behavior with much more activity than normal. When it is needed no delays, no lags, no freezes.
• Stability in the connection with the datafeed.
• So that Algos/Indicators can be licensed correctly as in Windows.
• So that NT8 can be licensed as a platform itself.
• No delays/lags/freezes in general in daily use.
• And any other details that I may not have taken into account here.

Well, I would like so that other members can share their experience with alternative ways of working other than with Windows, either in MacOS via CrossOver/Parallels and mainly in Ubuntu via Wine.

Thank you in advance for any information and feedback on this topic

Forget about running it in Wine, crossover or playonlinux. You will not get stable experience with any of them. You will also not get proper support, as it will be very difficult to pin down actual problems and vendor won't really solve problems of unsupported OS.

If you must run linux and must run NT, I would suggest only reliable way in my experience is to install windows on virtual machine and then go for it. Which again defeats the purpose of one might having Linux installed on his machine.

Trading is already complex thing, don't add to its complexity.

Just imagine your system crashing during mid trade and you will suddenly find its worth sticking with something that's not crashing be it cloud platforms on linux or be it natively installed programs on windows.

I shied away from a MacBook Pro with the M1 chip due to the lack of Bootcamp support. Instead, I chose a 2019 intel i9 16" MBP with 32GB of ram & a Bootcamp partition of 500 GB to run NT8 natively in Windows 10. It runs very well, is reasonably fast, but stable & outputs nicely to a 55" 4K TV.

My only difficulty is the incessant Windows updates cause my machine ID to change after every reboot. Unfortunately, I discovered that Windows 10 only allows you to delay the system updates for a max of 35 days. So, I've emailed all my 3rd party indicator vendors stating that every month they can expect a new machine ID from me to update their licensing databases.

Best wishes for excellent results getting your M1 to play well with .NET & NT8,

mrZ

thadolius 

... My only difficulty is the incessant Windows updates cause my machine ID to change after every reboot. Unfortunately, I discovered that Windows 10 only allows you to delay the system updates for a max of 35 days. So, I've emailed all my 3rd party indicator vendors stating that every month they can expect a new machine ID from me to update their licensing databases. ...

Google it, there a multiple solutions to disable Windows updates, here for example.
Still, the Machine ID is generated using the CPU model and Bios version, it's not supposed to change after each reboot, even on a Mac virtual machine.

Thanks, Sam. I'll check it out.

futurenow 

Hello I would like that other members could offer their experience and feedback as to how is the experience of running NinjaTrader 8 (NT8) on Linux (Ubuntu) in 2021 through Wine (or I don't know if there is any other option besides Wine), but the point is to run reliably and stably NT8 on alternative OS to Windows. This post could also apply to run NT8 in the new 2020-2021 Macbooks with M1 chip which, despite being in new and different CPU architecture I could watch videos where this chip is able to run heavy Windows-based modern videogames which is very impressive. Well, I could see now in October 2021 that the Linux gaming community says that Linux has progressed exponentially in the last couple of years, so that currently, by the end of 2021 Linux is now able to run the latest and most modern video games with a similar and sometimes even almost the same performance as Windows, and even some more CPU demanding games run better on Linux than on Windows even though in Linux these processes need real time code translation, to translate and convert the instructions used in Windows to instructions that Linux can understand, which, in this kind of tasks is a very heavy and super demanding process that has to be carried out in real time and without lags. So based on this incredibly beneficial reality, I'm thinking that if the previous is possible on Linux now ending 2021, then what would it be like to use NT8 on Linux? Which is a lighter process than a videogame but where of course some of the key points needed would be: Stability, no sudden crushes and so that for example it is reliable to run Algos in NT8 “24/7”, 365 days. Stability of the platform and Algos execution during times of extreme volatility and special cases where the market has an unusual behavior with much more activity than normal. When it is needed no delays, no lags, no freezes. Stability in the connection with the datafeed. So that Algos/Indicators can be licensed correctly as in Windows. So that NT8 can be licensed as a platform itself. No delays/lags/freezes in general in daily use. And any other details that I may not have taken into account here. Well, I would like so that other members can share their experience with alternative ways of working other than with Windows, either in MacOS via CrossOver/Parallels and mainly in Ubuntu via Wine. Thank you in advance for any information and feedback on this topic

I have Ninja Trader 8, 8.1.6.2 Desk top Running on Linux, POP OS. Ubuntu Based. My system, Falcon F-30 Laptop Intel core 9Hx 24 core, Samsung 9100 Pro 4 T, 64 gigs of Ram . I split the cores and Ram evenly between Host POP OS and the Virtual Machine 12 cores ,32 gigs of Ram each. Using QEMU/KVM to run Windows 11 25H2 in a Virtual Machine . If you would like to do this, the very best way to do it is Following the instructions on this video. . LINKS Below and then this video to get past the unknown browser error when trying to log into ninja trader . LINKS Below . If you would like to run windows 11 25H2 without logging Into an micro soft account or creating a micro soft account , " Local Account" . . When get to the point that it tells you to setup network for windows , Disconnect the internet, Then hit shift F-10 , Then wait until it restarts the VM windows installation a command window open, enter This command into the window OOBE\BYPASSNRO press enter, Leave internet OFF. . It will restart the windows install again at the point of the network section , now giving you the option the install un registered windows. Finish the install before you connect to the internet. . I have wanted to be able to this sense about 2010. A few weeks ago I thought Id look into it again , I followed the instructions in the above video links to get windows running fast and clean in the QEMU/KVM Virtual Machine . It worked Perfectly ! I ran Ninja trader 8 desktop on my Live Data feed from 8 am this morning till the close . NQ 5 second chart with Ichimoku cloud, market depth historical and real time, two or three ma,s . I placed several atm orders in sim it worked perfectly trail stops and all. Also had the DOM going and the 5 minute chart of the NQ. I also had Ninja trader WEB running in the browser of POP OS on the other screen to compare the two. . I am a Novice . Not a programmer . I just followed the instructions ... . I hope this helps someone in this forum , Thank all of you in the Big Mikes / Futures .IO community . . Link One

Link TWO

AllSeeker 

If you must run linux and must run NT, I would suggest only reliable way in my experience is to install windows on virtual machine and then go for it.

@AllSeeker,

Your advice from a few years back still holds up well. NinjaTrader 8 remains Windows-only due to its WPF/.NET 4.8 architecture, and there's no indication that's changing anytime soon.

For anyone reading this in 2024-2025, the situation hasn't improved for Wine or Proton - WPF rendering issues continue to make those paths frustrating at best. Your VM recommendation is still the gold standard.

A few current options worth mentioning:

• KVM/QEMU on Linux - With proper resource allocation (dedicated CPU cores, enough RAM), you can get near-native performance. This is probably the cleanest solution for committed Linux users.
• Windows VPS - Some traders run their platform on a VPS located near exchange data centers. Adds a layer of reliability since it's not dependent on your local machine.
• Linux-native alternatives - MotiveWave (Java-based), Bookmap, and IBKR TWS all run natively on Linux if someone's willing to switch platforms.

NinjaTrader does have a web version now that works in Linux browsers, but it lacks the desktop features like custom indicators and backtesting that most serious users need.

Your point about not adding complexity to an already complex activity is spot on. A crash mid-trade isn't just an inconvenience - it can be expensive. Running a proven, stable setup matters more than running your preferred OS.

-- Fi
"The best trading setup is the one that works when you need it most."