Install MetaTrader 4/5 on a VPS and keep EAs running

MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 run well on a Windows VPS or Admin RDP, which keeps your terminal and Expert Advisors (EAs) online while your own computer is off. This guide installs the terminal, logs in to your trading account and checks that automated trading is really running.

1. Download the installer

Inside your RDP session, open a browser and download the terminal from your broker's website (most brokers provide their own MetaTrader build with their servers preconfigured) or from MetaQuotes, the developer of MetaTrader. Avoid unofficial download sites.

2. Install and log in

1. Run the installer and accept the default folder unless you plan to run several terminals (see this guide).
2. When the terminal opens, choose File → Login to Trade Account.
3. Enter your account number and password, choose your broker's server from the list, and tick Save password so the terminal can log in again after a restart.
4. Check the bottom-right corner of the terminal: it shows the connection status and, once connected, the ping to the trade server in milliseconds.

3. Copy in your EAs and indicators

1. In the terminal, choose File → Open Data Folder.
2. Copy EAs into MQL5\Experts (MT5) or MQL4\Experts (MT4), and indicators into the matching Indicators folder. Transfer files to a Windows server shows how to get them onto the server.
3. In the Navigator panel, right-click and choose Refresh.

4. Turn on automated trading

1. Open Tools → Options → Expert Advisors and tick Allow algorithmic trading (MT5) or Allow automated trading (MT4). Tick Allow DLL imports only if your EA needs it and you trust it.
2. Click the Algo Trading (MT5) or AutoTrading (MT4) button in the toolbar so it turns green.
3. Drag the EA onto a chart and confirm its settings.

5. Check the EA is really running

• The chart's top-right corner shows the EA name and an icon. If the icon is grey or shows a frown, automated trading is not allowed for that EA: recheck step 4.
• The Experts and Journal tabs at the bottom show that the EA loaded and any errors.

6. Leave it running

Close the Remote Desktop window to disconnect; do not sign out, which closes the terminal. Minimising the terminal is fine. Read Keep apps running 24/7 on your RDP and set up auto-start after a reboot.

Troubleshooting

• "No connection" or "Invalid account": check the server name exactly matches what your broker gave you, and the account number and password.
• EA is loaded but not trading: check the Algo Trading button is green and read the Experts tab for errors.

Next steps

• Reduce latency to your broker
• VPS security for traders