An EA only trades while MetaTrader is open and connected. So the real question is this: can you keep a terminal running whenever your strategy might trade?
What a VPS is
A Virtual Private Server is a computer in a data centre that you connect to remotely. You install MetaTrader on it, attach your EA, and it keeps running after you close your own laptop.
When your own PC can be enough
- You're testing on a demo account and missed trades don't matter
- Your strategy trades only at set hours when your PC is on anyway
- Your PC never sleeps and your power and internet are reliable
If you use your PC, turn off sleep and automatic restarts. Windows updates are a common cause of a terminal being closed overnight.
When a VPS is worth it
- Your strategy can signal at any hour
- You've got unreliable power or internet
- You're on a funded account and a missed exit would be costly
- You don't want your trading tied to one computer
What to look for
- Windows or MetaTrader support. Check that it can run MT4 or MT5
- Enough memory. Check the provider's guidance for the number of terminals you'll run
- Location near your broker. It reduces delay, though it matters less for strategies that don't scalp
- Automatic restart. Make sure your terminal starts again after the server reboots
Some brokers and MetaTrader itself offer hosting too, so compare the options and read what each one supports.
After you move
Check the EA is attached and Algo Trading is on, then confirm your licence is linked to the same account number. Don't run the same EA on the same account from two places, or you could get duplicate trades.
Not sure about your setup? See the setup answers.