The MT4 download for PC is free, and the whole setup takes about five minutes. The one thing to know: you don't get MetaTrader 4 for Windows from MetaQuotes directly — you download it from a broker, who provides the same terminal (currently build 1460, March 2026) plus the account you trade with. New to the platform? Start with what MT4 is, or follow the steps below.
How to download and install MT4 on Windows
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Choose a regulated broker and open an account
MetaTrader 4 for PC comes from a broker, not from MetaQuotes directly. Open an account — a free demo is fine — with a regulated MT4 broker so you have a download link and login details.
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Download the MetaTrader 4 Windows installer
From your broker's downloads page, get the MetaTrader 4 installer (a small
.exe). It's a lightweight 32-bit app that runs on Windows 7 and later, including Windows 11. -
Run the installer
Open the downloaded file and follow the prompts — accept the licence, keep the default folder, and finish. MetaTrader 4 launches automatically when it's done.
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Open a demo account and log in
In MT4, go to
File ▸ Open an Account, search for your broker, pick a server, and open a demo. Then log in with your login number, password, and the correct server.
Add custom indicators and Expert Advisors
Windows is the full-featured version of MT4 — it's the only platform where you can run custom indicators and
Expert Advisors (EAs). To add them, open File ▸ Open Data Folder, then:
- Drop indicator files (
.ex4/.mq4) intoMQL4/Indicators. - Drop Expert Advisors into
MQL4/Experts. - Restart MT4 — they'll appear in the Navigator panel, ready to drag onto a chart.
Enable the AutoTrading button in the toolbar, and test any strategy in the Strategy Tester before risking real money.
Windows tips & common issues
- SmartScreen warning. Windows may flag an unknown publisher on the installer. Only download from your broker's official site, then proceed if you trust the source.
- One MT4 per broker. You can install separate copies in different folders to keep brokers apart.
- "No connection" at login? It's almost always the wrong server or password type (investor vs. master) — re-check the server name from your broker.
Get MetaTrader 4 for Windows
XM offers the standard MT4 terminal for PC, a free demo, and a $5 minimum on live accounts — a simple place to start.
⚠ 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.
After you download
Practise on a free demo account before going live, compare your options in our best MT4 brokers guide, or set MT4 up on another device — see MT4 for Mac and MT4 for Android.
Frequently asked questions
Is MT4 for PC free?
Yes. The MetaTrader 4 desktop platform is free to download and use. You only need a funded broker account to trade live; a demo account lets you practise with virtual money at no cost.
Does MetaTrader 4 work on Windows 11?
Yes. The MT4 desktop terminal runs on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11. It's a lightweight application with very modest system requirements.
Is there a 64-bit version of MT4 for PC?
The MetaTrader 4 desktop terminal is a 32-bit application, but it installs and runs without issues on 64-bit versions of Windows.
Can I download MT4 for PC without a broker?
Not the official terminal. MetaQuotes does not offer a direct consumer download, so in practice you download MetaTrader 4 for Windows from a broker. The platform itself is still free.
How do I install indicators on MT4 for PC?
In MT4, go to File ▸ Open Data Folder, place the .ex4 or .mq4 files into MQL4/Indicators (or Experts into MQL4/Experts), then restart MT4. They appear in the Navigator panel.
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.