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SetupMT5

MT5 (MetaTrader5) Installation and Setup Guide

Updated: May 15, 2026

STEP 1 | Download MT5

MT5 can be downloaded for free from the MetaQuotes Software official site or your broker's official site. Using a broker-specific MT5 may simplify login settings, so we recommend downloading from XM or Exness.

Recommended Download Method:
XM Trading: From the 'MT5 Download' page on XM's official site Exness: From Exness official site → 'Platform' → 'MT5'
XM MT5 Download Page
'Download MetaTrader 5' button
Exness MT5 Download Page
'Download MT5' button

Download the installer (.exe) for Windows. Since MT5 is not natively supported on MacOS, using a virtual environment like Wine or Parallels Desktop, or a VPS, is recommended.

STEP 2 | Installation Steps

  1. 1

    Run the Installer

    Double-click the downloaded .exe file to launch it. If a UAC (User Account Control) prompt appears, click 'Yes'.

  2. 2

    Accept License Agreement

    Review the license agreement, check 'I agree', and click 'Next'.

  3. 3

    Select Installation Folder

    The default installation folder (C:\Program Files\MetaTrader 5) is fine. Click 'Install'.

  4. 4

    Installation Complete

    Once installation is complete, click 'Finish'. MT5 will start automatically.

MT5 Installer Screen
Launch screen after installation is complete

STEP 3 | Login to Your Broker

Once MT5 launches, log in to your broker's MT5 account. Your account number, password, and server name will be sent by email when you open your account.

  1. Step 1.From the MT5 top menu, select 'File' → 'Login to Trade Account'
  2. Step 2.Enter your 'Login ID (account number)', 'Password', and 'Server Name'
  3. Step 3.Select your broker's server (e.g., XMTrading-Real3) for 'Server Name'
  4. Step 4.Click 'Login' — if a green connection icon appears at the bottom right, you've succeeded
MT5 Login Dialog
Screen for entering Login ID, Password, and Server Name
⚠️ There are two types of passwords: 'Main Password' and 'Investor Password (read-only)'. Use the 'Main Password' when running EAs.

STEP 4 | Basic Chart Settings

After logging in, display a chart and configure basic settings.

  • Candlestick Display: Right-click on the chart → 'Properties' → 'Common' → Select 'Candlesticks'
  • Timeframe Selection: Click H1 at the top of the chart to display the 1-hour timeframe
  • Auto Scroll: From 'Charts' menu → Enable 'Auto Scroll'
  • Enable Auto Trading: Press the 'Auto Trading' button in the toolbar to turn it ON (required when using EAs)
MT5 Basic Chart Screen
Location of toolbar, timeframe buttons, and auto trading button

STEP 5 | How to Display XAUUSD (GOLD)

XAUUSD may not be displayed by default. Follow these steps to add it.

  1. Step 1.From the MT5 top menu, open 'View' → 'Market Watch'
  2. Step 2.Type 'XAUUSD' or 'GOLD' in the search field
  3. Step 3.Right-click the matching symbol → Select 'Open Chart'
  4. Step 4.Set the timeframe to H1 (1 hour) — ready to run your EA
Market Watch
Search for XAUUSD → right-click → Open Chart
Depending on the broker, XAUUSD may be listed as 'GOLD' or 'XAUUSDpro'. Look for an XAUUSD-type symbol.