Understanding Servers

Learn when to use a server, how to set up Stellar AIO 4.0, and how to keep it running remotely.

A server is a computer you rent and access over the internet. You can install Stellar AIO 4.0 on it and control it remotely instead of running Stellar on your home computer.

You do not need a server to use Stellar. A compatible home computer can be a good starting point. A server may help if you need a separate machine or more consistent availability, but it adds cost and setup.

What is a server?

In this guide, “server” means a remote computer with a desktop you can sign in to. For a Windows server, providers commonly supply a server address, username and password for a Remote Desktop connection, also called RDP.

Once connected, you see the server’s desktop in a window. Apps installed there run on the server’s hardware and internet connection. Your own computer is used to view and control that desktop.

A server is different from a proxy: the server runs Stellar, while a proxy routes a connection to a retailer. Renting a server does not replace the proxy requirements in your retailer’s guide.

Should I use one for my retailer?

• Target: A server is not recommended. Run Stellar on your local computer and follow the Target guide.
• Pokémon Center: Using a server is OK in Stellar AIO 4.0. Follow the Pokémon Center guide for tasks, proxies and Captcha Harvesters.
• Other retailers: Check the retailer’s guide and ask Stellar support if you are unsure about your setup before renting a server.

A server does not guarantee a faster checkout or prevent retailer blocks. Results still depend on task settings, proxies, accounts, retailer requirements and available stock.

Benefits and tradeoffs

Why a server can help

• Availability: Stellar can remain open on the server while your home computer is off, provided the server and its user session remain running.
• Separate resources: Tasks and browser windows use the server’s CPU and memory rather than competing with apps on your everyday computer.
• Connection stability: A hosted machine can be useful when your home power or internet is unreliable. Provider outages and maintenance can still interrupt it.
• Remote access: You can reconnect from another compatible device when you have internet access.

What to consider

• Recurring cost: Server rental is separate from your Stellar subscription, proxies and other services. Check current pricing and renewal terms with the provider.
• Setup and maintenance: You still need to install Stellar, configure your data, manage updates and check task results.
• Hardware limits: A low-spec or busy shared server can perform worse than your home computer. More tasks and browser-based harvesters need more resources.
• Access: You need a working internet connection to control the server, even when the server itself remains online.

Server location can affect network response time, but the nearest location or lowest advertised ping is not automatically the best choice for every retailer. Ask the provider about the workload you intend to run.

Choosing a server

Stellar recommends its partner Stella Proxies as a server option. Check the current plans and speak with their support team about your intended use before choosing a package.

Tell the provider which retailers you use, your expected task count and how many browser or captcha harvesters you plan to run. Ask about:

• Operating system: Confirm that the supplied Windows environment supports Stellar and the browsers required by your retailer guides.
• CPU: The processing resources available to run tasks and browsers. Advertised core counts alone do not tell you how well your workload will perform.
• RAM: Memory available for Stellar and open browsers. Leave room for the operating system and other required apps.
• Storage: Enough space for Stellar, browsers, updates, logs and backups.
• Support and session policies: Ask how to connect, whether disconnected sessions stay running, and when maintenance or restarts may occur.

There is no universal server plan or task count that suits everyone. Start with a manageable setup and monitor CPU and memory usage before increasing your workload.

Set up Stellar AIO 4.0 on a server

1. Connect to the remote desktop

Follow the provider’s connection instructions using a compatible Remote Desktop client on your computer. Enter the server address and login details supplied by the provider. Keep these details private.

The remote desktop is a different computer. Downloading a file to your Mac or PC does not automatically place it on the server. Complete the installation steps inside the remote desktop.

2. Install Stellar and required browsers

Inside the server, follow Download & Install Stellar — Windows and Mac and install the current version. Install the browsers required by your retailer’s guide as well. Google Chrome is required for Captcha Harvesters.

If you are moving an existing setup, use Move Stellar to a New PC or Server for the transfer process. Keep a backup of your existing data before moving it.

3. Check your setup

Create or restore the profiles, proxy groups, accounts and other data your retailer needs. Review the selected groups in your tasks. Browser paths and local file locations from your old computer may differ on the server.

Set up any required captcha services or harvesters, then test a small setup using the retailer guide. For Pokémon Center’s hCaptcha AI Solver, use Test AI to check the server’s performance before increasing the number of harvesters.

4. Keep Stellar running

Disconnecting from Remote Desktop is different from signing out of Windows. Disconnecting normally leaves apps running in the server session, subject to the provider’s session policy. Signing out, shutting down or restarting the server stops those apps.

Leave Stellar open on the server if you want it to keep working. After your first disconnect, reconnect and verify that Stellar and any required browser windows are still running. Ask your provider for help if disconnecting ends your session.

A server is not a “set it and forget it” setup. Check task status, proxy balances, resource usage and scheduled maintenance, especially before a release.

Use the Mobile Companion App

The Stellar AIO Mobile Companion App supports iOS and Android. Once paired with Stellar running on your server, it lets you manage tasks from your phone, including creating, editing, starting and stopping them.

Stellar must remain open on the server, and the server must stay online. The mobile app does not run the desktop software on your phone or keep a shut-down server working.

Download the app from #mobile-app in the Stellar Discord and follow the Mobile Companion App guide to pair it. Pair with the machine you actually want to control. Use Remote Desktop for server administration, installing software and troubleshooting the Windows desktop.

Common questions and troubleshooting

• Can I turn off my home computer? Yes, if Stellar is running on the server and you have confirmed that disconnecting leaves the session active. This does not apply when Stellar is running locally on your home computer.
• Stellar stopped after I left: Reconnect and check whether the server restarted, Windows signed out, Stellar closed or the provider ended the disconnected session.
• The server feels slow: Check CPU and memory usage in Windows Task Manager. Reduce tasks or open harvesters and ask the provider whether the plan fits your workload.
• The mobile app shows the desktop offline: Reconnect to the server, confirm Stellar is open and check Settings → Remote Access. Follow the mobile guide for connection troubleshooting.
• I cannot connect to the server: Check the supplied address, your internet connection and the provider’s service status. Contact the server provider for remote desktop or server access issues.
• A Stellar task shows an error: Follow that retailer’s guide and share the exact status with Stellar support. Do not include server passwords, proxy credentials or private account details in screenshots.

For Stella Proxies server support, use the Help Center, Contact link or Discord icon on their website. The Discord icon is near the bottom of the page.

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