How to Install MetaTrader 5 on Windows

Before you start

• A Windows computer and permission to install software on it.
• A broker that offers MetaTrader 5, plus your account login, password and server name — or you can open a demo account inside MT5.
• A stable internet connection (the installer downloads the platform files).

What you'll learn

• Download MT5 from a trustworthy source.
• Install it and connect to a demo or live trading account.
• Open the MT5 data folder and know which sub-folder each kind of file belongs in.

Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Download the installer

   Get MT5 from the official MetaTrader 5 download page(opens in a new tab) or from your broker's website or client area. A broker's copy is the same platform, often pre-configured with that broker's servers.

   Avoid installers from unofficial download sites — a modified trading platform can expose your account.

   Mark as done: Download the installer
2. 2

   Step 2: Run the setup file

   Open the downloaded file and accept the Windows security prompt. Read the licence agreement and, if you want MT5 in a specific folder (useful when you install it for more than one broker), choose Settings to change the installation folder.

   Mark as done: Run the setup file
3. 3

   Step 3: Let the installer finish

   The installer downloads the latest platform files, creates a desktop shortcut and usually opens MT5 when it's done.

   Mark as done: Let the installer finish
4. 4

   Step 4: Log in to your trading account

   Choose File → Login to Trade Account, enter your login and password, and select your broker's server. If the server isn't listed, type your broker's name into the server search box.

   No account yet? File → Open an Account lets you open a demo account with a broker listed in the dialog.

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

   Step 5: Check the connection

   Look at the bottom-right corner of the window: once connected it shows the connection status and ping. Prices in the Market Watch window (Ctrl+M) should start moving during market hours.

   Mark as done: Check the connection
6. 6

   Step 6: Open the data folder

   Choose File → Open Data Folder and open the MQL5 folder. This — not the program folder in Program Files — is where everything you add to MT5 lives.

   • MQL5\Experts — Expert Advisors (.ex5)
   • MQL5\Indicators — custom indicators (.ex5)
   • MQL5\Scripts — scripts
   • MQL5\Presets — saved input settings (.set)

   Mark as done: Open the data folder

Troubleshooting

"No connection" or "Invalid account" in the bottom-right corner

Recheck the server name and password from your broker. Demo accounts can expire after a period of inactivity — open a new one if yours has.

My broker's server isn't in the list

Type the broker's name into the server search box in the login dialog, or install your broker's own branded copy of MT5.

Windows blocks the installer

Make sure you downloaded it from the official site or your broker, then allow it in the Windows security prompt. On a work computer you may need administrator rights.

I can't find the data folder in Program Files

It isn't there by design. Always use File → Open Data Folder from inside MT5.

Official documentation

• MetaTrader 5 official download page (opens in a new tab)