How to Install MetaTrader 4 on Windows

Before you start

• A Windows computer and permission to install software on it.
• An account with a broker that supports MT4 (demo or live), and its login number, password and server name.

What you'll learn

• Install your broker's copy of MT4.
• Log in and confirm the platform is connected.
• Find the MT4 data folder and its Experts, Indicators and Presets sub-folders.

Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Download MT4 from your broker

   MT4 is distributed through brokers, usually as a branded installer pre-configured with that broker's servers. Download it from your broker's official website or client area.

   Don't use MT4 installers from unofficial download sites.

   Mark as done: Download MT4 from your broker
2. 2

   Step 2: Run the setup file

   Open the file, accept the Windows security prompt and the licence agreement. Choose Settings first if you want a custom installation folder.

   Mark as done: Run the setup file
3. 3

   Step 3: Let the installer finish

   It downloads the platform files and creates a desktop shortcut. MT4 normally opens when it's done and may offer to open a demo account.

   Mark as done: Let the installer finish
4. 4

   Step 4: Log in to your trading account

   Go to File → Login to Trade Account, enter your login number and password, and select the server name your broker gave you.

   Mark as done: Log in to your trading account
5. 5

   Step 5: Confirm you're connected

   The connection indicator in the bottom-right corner shows data traffic once you're connected. If it reads "No connection" or "Invalid account", recheck the server name and password.

   Mark as done: Confirm you're connected
6. 6

   Step 6: Open the data folder

   Choose File → Open Data Folder, then open MQL4.

   • MQL4\Experts — Expert Advisors (.ex4 / .mq4)
   • MQL4\Indicators — custom indicators
   • MQL4\Scripts — scripts
   • MQL4\Libraries — libraries some tools need
   • MQL4\Presets — saved .set input files

   Mark as done: Open the data folder

Troubleshooting

"Invalid account"

The login, password or server doesn't match. Copy the details exactly from your broker's email or client area — demo and live accounts use different servers.

"No connection"

Check your internet connection and firewall, then right-click the connection indicator to rescan servers if your build offers it.

I have two brokers' MT4 installed and my EA only shows in one

That's expected: each installation has its own data folder. Copy the EA into the data folder of each terminal you use.