MT5 on Windows 11 VPS Setup + Optimisation Guide.

Before you start

• Windows 11: Fully updated (Settings > Windows Update).
• Admin access: Required for power plan and Defender exclusion steps.
• Broker account: Your MT5 login + server name, or investor password for read-only.
• Optional (recommended): A 24/7 Windows VPS for trading. If you’re running EAs or need always-on stability, a VPS is typically the most reliable approach.

Tip: For the smoothest experience when trading in the UK or connecting to London/Europe liquidity, a UK VPS can reduce network distance and improve consistency. See VM6 Networks UK VPS Hosting for options.

Step 1: Download & install MetaTrader 5 on Windows 11

1. Get the installer from your broker’s MT5 download page or the official MetaTrader source. (Broker builds often include the correct server list automatically.)
2. Run the installer (right-click > Run as administrator if prompted).
3. Choose install location:
   • Default is usually fine.
   • If you want simple exclusions and easy backups, consider installing to a straightforward path like: C:\Trading\MT5\
4. Finish installation and launch MT5.

Step 2: First run setup (login, data folder, updates)

2.1 Log into your trading account

1. Open MT5.
2. Go to File > Login to Trade Account.
3. Enter your login, password, and select the correct server.
4. Click OK and confirm the connection status in the lower-right corner.

2.2 Find your MT5 data folder (important for backups & exclusions)

1. In MT5, click File > Open Data Folder.
2. This folder contains:
   • MQL5 (EAs, Indicators, Scripts)
   • Profiles (layouts)
   • History (price history)
   • Logs (terminal logs)
3. Keep this location handy—you’ll use it for optimising disk writes and (optionally) Defender exclusions.

2.3 Let MT5 update fully

MT5 updates automatically. After first install, let it sit for a minute to complete any background updates, then restart MT5 once. This can prevent odd behaviour later (missing symbols, slow startup, or plugin conflicts).

Step 3: MT5 performance settings (charts, history, CPU/RAM)

These settings reduce CPU usage and improve responsiveness—especially when running many charts or EAs on a VPS.

3.1 Reduce chart load

1. Go to Tools > Options > Charts.
2. Set:
   • Max bars in history: 50,000 to 200,000 (start lower if you run many charts)
   • Max bars in chart: 5,000 to 50,000
3. Click OK and restart MT5.

3.2 Disable heavy UI features you don’t need

• Close unused panels: Market Watch, Navigator, Toolbox (keep only what you use).
• Avoid running multiple high-refresh indicators across many charts.
• Limit open charts to only the pairs/timeframes you actively trade.

3.3 EA stability tips

• Prefer one MT5 instance per strategy set if you run many EAs (easier troubleshooting, fewer conflicts).
• Keep your Experts and Journal tabs clean—review for repeating errors.
• Use VPS-grade connectivity for 24/7 operation (less sleep/hibernation risk than a home PC).

Step 4: Windows 11 optimisations for MT5

These are safe, user-friendly settings that help prevent Windows from throttling CPU or pausing background apps.

4.1 Switch to a High Performance power plan (recommended)

1. Open Control Panel (search “Control Panel”).
2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
3. Select High performance.

If you don’t see High performance: In Power Options, click Create a power plan and base it on High performance.

4.2 Prevent sleep/hibernation (important for trading PCs)

1. Go to Settings > System > Power.
2. Set Screen and sleep to Never for sleep (especially on desktops or VPS).

4.3 Reduce unnecessary startup load

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to Startup apps.
3. Disable anything you don’t need on a trading machine/VPS (chat apps, game launchers, etc.).

4.4 Keep disk space healthy

• Maintain at least 10–20% free disk space so logs and history don’t stall.
• Periodically clear old logs:
  • In MT5: File > Open Data Folder > Logs and MQL5\Logs
  • Archive/delete older files (keep recent ones for debugging)

Step 5: Safe Windows Defender exclusions for MT5 writes (logs, history, EA files)

If MT5 runs lots of strategies, writes logs frequently, or updates many symbols, Windows Defender scanning can sometimes add overhead. A safe approach is to exclude only the specific MT5 folders that change often—rather than disabling Defender entirely.

5.1 Recommended folders to exclude (scoped)

1. Open MT5 > File > Open Data Folder.
2. Note the full path (example format):
   C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX\
3. Within that folder, the highest-write areas are often:
   • Logs\
   • MQL5\Logs\
   • History\
   • MQL5\Files\ (if your EA writes files)

5.2 Add exclusions in Windows Security

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
3. Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.
4. Scroll to Exclusions > click Add or remove exclusions.
5. Click Add an exclusion > choose Folder.
6. Select your MT5 data folder (or only the subfolders listed above for tighter security).

Best practice: Exclude the smallest set of folders necessary. If you’re unsure, start by excluding only Logs and MQL5\Logs, then expand if you still see performance bottlenecks.

Step 6: VPS best practices for stable MT5 uptime (Windows 11/Windows Server)

A VPS is popular for MT5 because it keeps your terminal online 24/7, reduces the risk of local power/internet issues, and gives consistent performance for EAs. If you’re looking for a UK location and reliable uptime, take a look at VM6 Networks UK VPS Hosting.

6.1 Use Remote Desktop the right way

• Connect via Remote Desktop (RDP).
• Don’t “sign out”—that can close MT5. Instead, disconnect the RDP session (close the RDP window).
• Confirm MT5 stays running after disconnecting.

6.2 Run MT5 with clean storage & regular housekeeping

• Keep log folders trimmed (monthly cleanup is usually enough).
• Reboot the VPS occasionally (e.g., weekly or after updates) to keep performance consistent.
• Keep Windows Updates enabled, but schedule reboots during low-impact hours.

6.3 Reliability checklist (quick)

• High Performance power plan enabled
• Sleep/hibernation disabled
• MT5 data folder known (for backups/exclusions)
• Only necessary charts & indicators open
• Defender exclusions are minimal and targeted (optional)

Troubleshooting

MT5 feels slow or freezes with multiple charts

• Reduce Max bars in chart and Max bars in history (Tools > Options > Charts).
• Close extra charts and remove heavy indicators.
• Check Experts and Journal for repeated errors.

EA stops working after reconnecting via RDP

• Make sure you disconnect rather than sign out.
• Confirm AutoTrading is enabled in MT5 (top toolbar).
• Check Windows Update reboot history (unexpected restarts can pause your setup).

MT5 can’t connect to broker

• Verify the correct server in the login window.
• Check Windows firewall rules if you changed them.
• Try switching to another broker server (if offered) and confirm your VPS network is stable.

FAQ

Is Windows 11 good for MT5?

Yes. MT5 runs well on Windows 11. Most “issues” come from power-saving settings, overloaded charts, or excessive logs/history—so the optimisations above usually help.

Should I disable Windows Defender for MT5?

Disabling Defender entirely is not recommended. If you need better performance, use targeted exclusions only for MT5’s high-write folders (logs/history/files), and keep exclusions as narrow as possible.

Why use a UK VPS for MT5?

A VPS can keep MT5 online 24/7 and provide consistent performance for EAs. A UK location may help with stability and network distance for traders connecting to UK/Europe services. If you want an always-on environment, check out VM6 Networks UK VPS Hosting.