TWS is frozen ("No response") or heavily overloaded

Some users report that Trader Workstation (TWS) becomes heavily overloaded, completely freezes, or experiences synchronization issues when used with OptionsApp. This manifests itself, for example, through persistently high CPU usage, increasing memory consumption, or the message "No Response". The causes are usually varied, but the following measures can help resolve the problem:

1. Check connection to the correct IB server

It has been found that many issues occur with accounts connected to a non-European IB server (e.g., ndc1.ibllc.com). Connecting to the European server zdc1.ibllc.com (Zurich) often results in significantly more stable behavior and lower latency.

Even if "Synchronization Warnings" are displayed, this can be related to the location of the TWS server. OptionsApp then does not receive all the information it needs from TWS, or TWS cannot load it from the IB server.

Example of an IB server connection status with a US server connection:

You can find an overview of the servers here: https://www.ibkrguides.com/kb/article-2816.htm

2. Optimize connection times

Connection interruptions often occur at night or on weekends, especially between 5:00 PM and 12:20 AM US/Eastern. To reduce the load on TWS during these periods, you can configure in OptionsApp on which days and at what times the connection to TWS should be active.

It is important that the same time zone (US/Eastern) is set in both TWS and OptionsApp.

Example configuration:

Additionally enable in TWS:

• Configure Auto-Restart in TWS, for example at 5:30 PM US/Eastern.
• Enable Auto-Restart instead of Auto-Logout.

See also this article: Recommended TWS Restart Settings

3. Completely reset and streamline TWS configuration

A clean and minimalist TWS configuration can significantly improve stability. Proceed as follows:

• Completely uninstall TWS and then delete the C:\Jts folder.
• Then reinstall the recommended version, which is available for download in the OptionsApp user portal.
• On first startup: disable "Use global settings".
• On login: uncheck "Load layout from server".
• Delete all layout tabs and windows in TWS until only the "TWS Classic" view is active.
• Under Settings: News Configuration, disable all news types (at least one must remain active, otherwise the setting cannot be saved).

TWS News Configuration (in the default view everything is selected):

• Then restart TWS twice so that all changes are properly applied.

4. Adjust server power settings (server operation only)

Make sure your server remains permanently active and does not put itself into power-saving mode. Check in particular:

• Disable screen shutdown
• Disable hard disk shutdown
• Disable standby/sleep mode

Even if the server appears to be "running", these settings could cause connection problems, especially during extended trading hours.

5. Change servers (server operation only)

If all the steps above don't help, the problem may be due to virtualization or drivers on your current server. Some users were able to completely solve the problem by switching to a new server (with the same or a different provider). For example, if you have your server with Strato, you can contact them by phone and describe the problem. They will then provide you with a new server to which you can migrate.

If you continue to experience stability issues despite these steps, please contact support, we'll look into it with you.