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Setup · MetaTrader 5

How to Install MT5 (MetaTrader 5)

A clear, step-by-step guide to installing MetaTrader 5 — getting the installer from a regulated broker, setting it up on Windows, and adding MQL5 indicators and Expert Advisors.

By Daniel Reyes, Platforms Editor

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To install MT5, you download the MetaTrader 5 installer from a regulated broker — not from MetaQuotes directly — run it, and log in. The platform is free; the broker provides the installer and the account you trade with. Below is the full setup on Windows, where the data folder lives, and how to add MQL5 indicators and Expert Advisors. Just want the app for your device? See the MT5 download guide.

How to install MT5 on Windows

  1. Open an account with a regulated MT5 broker

    MetaTrader 5 is installed from a broker, not from MetaQuotes directly. Open an account — a free demo works — with a regulated broker that offers MT5 to get the installer and your login details.

  2. Download and run the installer

    Download the MetaTrader 5 installer (a small .exe) from the broker's site, open it, accept the licence, keep the default folder, and finish. MT5 launches automatically.

  3. Connect your account

    In MT5, go to File ▸ Login to Trade Account (or open a demo via File ▸ Open an Account), pick your broker's server, and enter your login number and password.

  4. Confirm you're connected

    Check the bottom-right of the terminal for a live connection figure. Live quotes in Market Watch mean MT5 is installed and connected, and you're ready to chart and trade.

Download only from your broker

Always get the MT5 installer from your broker's official website. Windows SmartScreen may warn about an unknown publisher — that's normal for the installer, but only proceed if you downloaded it from a source you trust.

The data folder — where your files live

MT5 keeps your editable files (indicators, EAs, scripts, templates) in its data folder, separate from the program files. Open it from inside MT5 via File ▸ Open Data Folder — this is the reliable way to find the right location, since some setups use a virtualised path. Inside, the MQL5 folder holds your tools.

Add custom indicators and Expert Advisors

With the data folder open:

  • Put indicator files (.ex5 / .mq5) into MQL5/Indicators.
  • Put Expert Advisors into MQL5/Experts.
  • Restart MT5 — they appear in the Navigator panel, ready to drag onto a chart.
MQL5 only — MT4 tools won't load

MetaTrader 5 runs MQL5, not MT4's MQL4, so .ex4/.mq4 files won't work. You need the MQL5 version of any tool. Before running an EA live, enable the Algo Trading button and test it in the Strategy Tester. Automated strategies carry real risk — most retail traders lose money.

Installing MT5 on Mac and mobile

On a Mac, use your broker's macOS app, WebTrader, or the Windows terminal via Parallels — see MT5 for Mac. On phones, install the app from the store: MT5 for Android or MT5 for iPhone & iPad. Note that custom indicators and EAs only run on the desktop terminal.

Install MetaTrader 5 with a regulated broker

XM provides the MT5 installer plus a free demo and a $5 minimum on live accounts — a simple way to get set up.

Get MT5 via XM → Compare MT5 brokers

⚠ Trading forex and CFDs is high-risk and most retail traders lose money. This is not financial advice.

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission if you open a broker account through our links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Next steps

Learn the platform with what MT5 is, compare regulated options in best MT5 brokers, or weigh it against the classic in MT4 vs MT5. Installing the original? See how to install MT4.

Frequently asked questions

How do I install MetaTrader 5?

Open an account with a regulated broker that offers MT5, download the MetaTrader 5 installer (.exe) from the broker, run it keeping the default options, then log in with your server, login number, and password. MetaQuotes doesn't offer a direct consumer download, so the broker supplies the installer. It's free.

Where does MT5 install its files?

By default MT5 installs to a folder such as C:\Program Files\MetaTrader 5 (or a broker-branded folder). Your editable files — indicators, EAs, templates — live in the data folder, which you open from inside MT5 via File ▸ Open Data Folder. Always use that menu rather than hunting through Program Files.

How do I add indicators and EAs to MT5?

In MT5, open File ▸ Open Data Folder, put indicator files into MQL5/Indicators and Expert Advisors into MQL5/Experts, then restart MT5. They appear in the Navigator panel. MT5 needs MQL5 (.ex5/.mq5) files — MT4's MQL4 (.ex4) files won't work.

Can I install MT5 and MT4 on the same PC?

Yes. They're separate programs and install to separate folders, so you can run both at once and even keep multiple copies of each for different brokers. Many traders keep MT4 for forex EAs and MT5 for multi-asset trading.

Do MT4 indicators and EAs work after installing MT5?

No. MetaTrader 5 uses the MQL5 language, which isn't compatible with MT4's MQL4. Any indicator or Expert Advisor you used on MT4 must be rewritten or re-sourced as an MQL5 version to run on MT5.

Trading foreign exchange and contracts for difference (CFDs) carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Leverage can work against you as well as for you. You could lose some or all of your deposited funds; do not trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Nothing on MT4Download.com is financial, investment, or trading advice. Consider your circumstances and seek independent advice if needed.