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Bloomberg Terminal Installation, Support, and Troubleshooting on Windows PCs

  • Fabian John-Baptiste
  • Feb 4, 2025
  • 9 min read

Bloomberg Terminal Installation, Support, and Troubleshooting on Windows PCs

This guide provides comprehensive instructions for installing, supporting, and troubleshooting the Bloomberg Terminal on Windows PCs. It covers the necessary steps for installation, common issues and their solutions, and contact information for technical support.

Installation

There are two primary options to access Bloomberg: via the Bloomberg Terminal and via the Bloomberg website1. This guide focuses on the Bloomberg Terminal and its installation on Windows PCs.

Bloomberg Anywhere Users

If you are a Bloomberg Anywhere user, you'll need to install the Citrix Receiver before logging into the Bloomberg Terminal2. To do this:

  1. Go to https://vba.bloomberg.net/.

  2. Click the link to install the Citrix Receiver.

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

  4. Do not enable single sign-on when prompted.

System Requirements

Before installing the Bloomberg Terminal software, ensure your Windows PC meets the minimum system requirements: 3





Component

Standard User (Recommended)

Standard User (Minimum)

Power User (Recommended)

Power User (Minimum)

Processor

Intel® 8th Gen (Coffee Lake) Core™ i5, i7 or Xeon® <br> Min Logical Cores: 6 <br> Intel® 11th Gen (Rocket Lake/Tiger Lake) Core™ i7 or i9 <br> Min Logical Cores: 8 <br> AMD Ryzen™ 5, 7 or 9 5000 series <br> Min Logical Cores: 8 <br> Minimum PassMark® Score: 2,100

Intel® 8th Gen (Coffee Lake) Core™ i5, i7 or Xeon® <br> Min Logical Cores: 6 <br> Intel® 11th Gen (Rocket Lake/Tiger Lake) Core™ i7 or i9 <br> Min Logical Cores: 8 <br> AMD Ryzen™ 5, 7 or 9 5000 series <br> Min Logical Cores: 8 <br> Minimum PassMark® Score: 2,100

Intel® 11th Gen (Rocket Lake/Tiger Lake) Core™ i7 or i9 <br> Min Logical Cores: 12 <br> AMD Ryzen™ 5, 7 or 9 5000 series <br> Min Logical Cores: 12 <br> Minimum PassMark® Score: 2,500

Intel® 11th Gen (Rocket Lake/Tiger Lake) Core™ i7 or i9 <br> Min Logical Cores: 12 <br> AMD Ryzen™ 5, 7 or 9 5000 series <br> Min Logical Cores: 12 <br> Minimum PassMark® Score: 2,500

Operating System

64-bit Windows 10

64-bit Windows 10

64-bit Windows 10

64-bit Windows 10

Memory

16 GB RAM

16 GB RAM

32 GB RAM

32 GB RAM

Hard Disk

SSD (15 GB minimum free space)

SSD (15 GB minimum free space)

SSD (25 GB minimum free space)

SSD (25 GB minimum free space)

Video Card

Dedicated Graphics Card (Dual port) with a minimum of 512 MB memory. DirectX 11.x compatible.

Dedicated Graphics Card (Dual port) with a minimum of 512 MB memory. DirectX 11.x compatible.

Dedicated Graphics Card (Dual port) with a minimum of 512 MB memory. DirectX 11.x compatible.

Dedicated Graphics Card (Dual port) with a minimum of 512 MB memory. DirectX 11.x compatible.

Display Settings

1920x1080x32 recommended. Dual Displays recommended.

1920x1080x32 recommended. Dual Displays recommended.

1920x1080x32 recommended. Dual Displays recommended.

1920x1080x32 recommended. Dual Displays recommended.

Network Adapter

Network adapter with TCP/IP Services enabled.

Network adapter with TCP/IP Services enabled.

Network adapter with TCP/IP Services enabled.

Network adapter with TCP/IP Services enabled.

Keyboard

Available USB port to accommodate the Bloomberg Keyboard.

Available USB port to accommodate the Bloomberg Keyboard.

Available USB port to accommodate the Bloomberg Keyboard.

Available USB port to accommodate the Bloomberg Keyboard.

Note: Higher system specifications may be required for users running other applications concurrently with the Bloomberg Terminal or those monitoring fast-moving markets3.

Bloomberg Experience Score

To assess your PC's performance capabilities for running the Bloomberg Terminal, use the BEXP <GO> function. This function simulates Terminal activity and provides a score (1-10) indicating your system's throughput. It also runs diagnostic tests to identify potential bottlenecks3.

Installation Steps

It is crucial to install the Bloomberg Terminal software under an account with administrator rights6. Once you have confirmed your PC meets the requirements:

  1. Download the Software: Download the Bloomberg Terminal installation package from the official website: https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/support/software-updates/ 6 You can choose between the full installation package or the terminal software only8.

  2. Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded installer file6.

  3. Review the License Agreement: Read and accept the license agreement6.

  4. Choose Installation Location: The default location is C:\blp. You can change this if needed6.

  5. Install: Click the "Install" button to begin the installation process6.

  6. Finish: Once the installation is complete, click "Finish"6.

After installing the software, locate the Bloomberg Terminal serial number. This is usually found on a sticker on your computer7. You may need this serial number for reinstallation or when contacting support.

Installing Office Add-ins

To use Bloomberg with Microsoft Excel, you need to install the Bloomberg Office Add-ins9.

  1. Close Excel: Ensure all Excel spreadsheets are closed9.

  2. Close Microsoft Teams: If Microsoft Teams is running, close it to prevent potential conflicts during installation10.

  3. Access Add-ins Installer: Go to Start > All Programs > Bloomberg > Install Office Add-Ins9.

  4. Install: Click "Install" in the dialog box9.

  5. Verify Installation: Open Excel and check for the Bloomberg tab in the ribbon9.

Alternative Installation Method 12

If the above method fails, you can try installing the Bloomberg Excel Add-in through Excel Options:

  1. Open Excel.

  2. Go to File > Options.

  3. Select Add-ins.

  4. In the Manage drop-down menu, select Excel Add-ins.

  5. Click Go.

  6. Click Browse.

  7. Navigate to C:\blp\API\Office Tools.

  8. Select BloombergUI.xla.

  9. Click Open.

  10. Click OK.

  11. Restart Excel.

Note: The Bloomberg Add-in is PC-specific, so you need to install it each time you use a different PC9.

Support

Bloomberg Customer Support

For technical assistance, contact Bloomberg Support: 6

Additional Support Resources

Bloomberg Anywhere Mobile Access

Bloomberg Anywhere users with supported Android or Apple devices can access the Bloomberg Terminal via the B-Unit Application. You can download the app from: 16

  • Google Play Store

  • Apple App Store

Troubleshooting

It's important to remember that the Bloomberg Terminal software runs locally on your Windows PC. This means the faster your machine, the faster the software will run17.

This section provides solutions to common Bloomberg installation issues on Windows.

General Troubleshooting Steps 17

  1. Restart DNET: Type DNET RESTART ALL <GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal.

  2. Run DNET Diagnostics: Type DNET DIAG <GO> and ensure all tests are green.

  3. API Environment Diagnostics: Go to Windows Start > Bloomberg > API Environment Diagnostics and run it. All results should be green.

  4. Restore APP Window: If the APP window is not visible but appears on the taskbar, try CTRL-SHIFT-RIGHT CLICK and select "Restore".

  5. Reboot: Restart your computer.

  6. Windows Updates: Ensure all Windows updates are installed.

  7. Language Settings: Verify your Windows PC language is set to English.

  8. Reinstall: If the issue persists, reinstall the Bloomberg Terminal and Office Tools from www.bloombergsoftware.com.

  9. Reset Bloomberg Terminal Defaults: As a last resort, you can try resetting the Bloomberg Terminal defaults. Note: Save any work before doing this. Select a Bloomberg Terminal window, press Alt+D to open the Setup tab, choose "Legacy Terminal Defaults", then select the Setup tab again and press "Restore Default Settings"17.

Installation Issues


Issue

Solution

Citation

Bloomberg Excel Add-in not working

Close all Office applications. <br> Go to Start > Bloomberg > Stop API Process. <br> Reopen Excel. <br> If the issue persists, try reinstalling the add-in.

18

Excel Add-in Issues


Issue

Solution

Citation

Excel Add-in missing sections

Close all Office applications. <br> Go to Start > Bloomberg > Stop API Process. <br> Run API Environment Diagnostics (Start > Bloomberg > API Environment Diagnostics). <br> Click "Repair" if any red errors appear. <br> * Reopen Excel.

18

Data export to Excel not working

Press Alt+D in the Bloomberg Terminal. <br> Select "Legacy Terminal Defaults". <br> Select Setup tab > Edit (Download Setup) > Modify. <br> Set "Desktop" as the Bloomberg Download Directory. <br> * Click Save > OK > OK.

19

"#N/A limit" error in Excel

Change the download directory to a temporary folder: Press Alt+D > Settings menu > Setup > Edit Download Setup > Modify to c:/Temp. <br> Alternatively, diagnose and repair the Excel plug-in as described above.

20

#N/A Authorization and #N/A Connection errors in Excel

Report these errors and their associated codes to IT support.

21

No results or error code in the Bloomberg Excel API

This is not a technical issue. Review the "Data Limits" section of the Excel API tab and consult the Bloomberg API FAQ.

21

Excel "No Memory" error

Report this error to IT support.

21

Other Issues


Issue

Solution

Citation

Headphone issues

Connect your headphones to the audio port on the computer, not the Bloomberg keyboard. <br> Check the volume settings in Windows. <br> * Reboot the Bloomberg Terminal.

19

Login failed

Ensure you are using the correct login credentials. <br> If you have forgotten your password, follow the prompts to reset it.

21

"GWY Directory" error

Report this error to IT support.

21

Serial number installation error

Report this error to IT support.

21

Connection Wizard / "Bloomberg Access Key" prompt

Report this error to IT support.

21

Domain error

Report this error to IT support.

21

"Checking Signal...", "No Signal", or Blank Monitor

Check if the terminal's tower is present and plugged in. If not, it may be down for repair.

21

"Automatic Repair" / "Your PC Did Not Start Correctly" Windows error

Click the "Restart" button. If the issue persists, report it to IT support.

21

Bloomberg Excel API Add-In Installation fails

Try reinstalling the add-in. If the problem persists, report it to IT support.

21

Greyed out content in Bloomberg software

Some content may not be part of the academic subscription.

21

Blank screen or endless spinner when watching BMC videos

This may indicate a problem with the terminal's flash software. Report it to IT support.

21

API Support Materials 22

You can access API support materials in the following ways:

  • In Excel: Click on "Bloomberg" in the main menu bar, then select "Help".

  • In the Excel ribbon: Click "BQL Builder".

  • In the Bloomberg Terminal: Use the DAPI <GO> command to view all API support materials or the BQLX <GO> command to view Bloomberg Query Language support materials.

File and Registry Rights

For the Bloomberg application to function correctly, ensure the following file and registry rights are configured: 6

  • File Access: Log into Windows as an administrator and set up full-access permissions to the Bloomberg folder and subfolders for the Windows user who will be using Bloomberg. The default installation path is C:\blp.

  • Registry Keys: Set up full-access or the necessary keys for the appropriate group/user. The necessary keys are: ,, ,, , and.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Remoting Solutions

The Bloomberg Terminal can be used on VDI and remoting solutions, but only with Bloomberg Anywhere licenses. Traditional (Open) Bloomberg licenses are not permitted3.

Ensure your VDI solution meets the minimum performance and fidelity requirements outlined in the system requirements section. Consider factors like CPU allocation, memory, disk space, network latency, and Bloomberg Keyboard compatibility for optimal performance3.

Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of installing, supporting, and troubleshooting the Bloomberg Terminal on Windows PCs. By ensuring your system meets the necessary requirements and following the step-by-step installation instructions, you can successfully install the Bloomberg Terminal and access its powerful features. Remember to utilize the Bloomberg Experience Score function (BEXP <GO>) to assess your PC's performance capabilities before installation.

If you encounter any issues, this guide offers various troubleshooting steps and resources to help you resolve them. You can also leverage the comprehensive support options available, including phone support, email assistance, online forums, and the TOUR INSTALL program. By following the information and advice provided in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and efficient experience with the Bloomberg Terminal on your Windows PC.

Works cited

1. Bloomberg Free Trial Installation Instructions, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://data.bloomberglp.com/professional/sites/20/installing_free_trial.pdf

2. How to set up the BLOOMBERG TERMINAL - YouTube, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=878sw2cJt8k

3. User Workstation Requirements - Bloomberg Professional Services, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://assets.bbhub.io/professional/sites/27/workstation_requirements_87en.pdf

4. BLOOMBERG USER WORKSTATION REQUIREMENTS, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://data.bloomberglp.com/professional/sites/10/BBPC_Final_Dec_2019_2.pdf

5. User Workstation Requirements - Bloomberg Professional Services, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://assets.bbhub.io/professional/sites/10/workstation_requirements_86en.pdf

6. Software Installation Guide - Bloomberg Professional Services, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://assets.bbhub.io/professional/sites/20/installation_guide_20en.pdf

7. Bloomberg Terminal Software and Hardware - Creighton University, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://myservices.creighton.edu/TDClient/32/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=354

8. BLP Professional - Bloomberg Software SupportBloomberg Software Support, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://www.blpprofessional.com/

9. How to install the Bloomberg Excel Add-In - Cranfield University Blogs, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://blogs.cranfield.ac.uk/library/install-bloomberg-excel-add/

10. Excel Add-in Installation - Bloomberg Terminal - Research Guides - Purdue University, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/c.php?g=352604&p=8296504

12. Bloomberg Guide: Install Excel Add-In - UF Business Library - University of Florida, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://businesslibrary.uflib.ufl.edu/bloomberg/exceladdin

13. Training, Help, Technical Support - Bloomberg - Guides at Johns Hopkins University, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://guides.library.jhu.edu/bloomberg/help

14. how to use Bloomberg API? | AnandTech Forums, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/how-to-use-bloomberg-api.2503006/

15. Bloomberg Software Installation Manual, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://data.bloomberglp.com/professional/sites/10/software_installation_guide.pdf

17. How to Fix Common Bloomberg Issues, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://pfr.com/WP1/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/How-to-Fix-Common-Bloomberg-Issues.pdf

18. Q. How do I fix the Bloomberg Excel add-in when it's not working? - LibAnswers, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://libanswers.brunel.ac.uk/faq/189222

19. Technical Problems - Bloomberg Professional - LibGuides at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Library - HKUST, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://libguides.hkust.edu.hk/c.php?g=208028&p=6948364

20. I can't download Bloomberg data to Excel, what can I do? - LibFAQ, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://libfaq.smu.edu.sg/faq/134952

21. Tech Support - Bloomberg Guide - Research Guides at New York University, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://guides.nyu.edu/bloombergguide/tech-support

22. Help - Bloomberg Guide - Research Guides at New York University, accessed on February 3, 2025, https://guides.nyu.edu/bloombergguide/help


 
 
 

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