Installing thinkorswim® Desktop

1. Check System Requirements

Before you begin, make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements:

Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) or macOS 10.13+
RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended)
Processor: Dual-core or better
Internet: Stable broadband connection

2. Download thinkorswim

Go to the official TD Ameritrade thinkorswim® download page:
https://www.tdameritrade.com/tools-and-platforms/thinkorswim/desktop.html
Choose the correct version for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
Click Download and wait for the file to finish downloading.

3. Install on Windows

Locate the downloaded .exe file (usually in your Downloads folder).
Double-click the file to start the installer.
When prompted by Windows SmartScreen, click Run or More info → Run anyway (only if downloaded from the official site).
Follow the on-screen instructions and choose your installation folder.
Once the process completes, click Finish to close the installer.

4. Install on macOS

Locate the downloaded .dmg file.
Double-click it to open the installation window.
Drag the thinkorswim® icon into the Applications folder.
Open Applications, find thinkorswim®, and double-click to launch it.
If macOS blocks the app, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Open Anyway.

5. Launch thinkorswim

Open the application from your desktop (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac).
Log in with your TD Ameritrade account credentials.
If prompted, choose between Live Trading or PaperMoney® (practice mode).

6. (Optional) Update Java

thinkorswim® is a Java-based platform. The installer usually includes the required Java version, but if you encounter startup issues, update to the latest version from https://www.java.com/.

7. Adjust Initial Settings

Configure watchlists and charts.
Set your order defaults.
Choose a theme (light or dark).
Enable real-time data if your account supports it.