MT5 Download and Setup: Start Trading (2026)
To download and set up MT5: visit your broker's website (or metatrader5.com), download the installer, run it, then log in with your broker credentials. The entire process takes 5-10 minutes. MT5 is completely free, available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
MetaTrader 5 is the platform I recommend for anyone starting automated gold trading in 2026. It offers better backtesting accuracy, more timeframes, and faster execution than MT4. In this step-by-step guide, I will walk you through the MT5 download and setup process from scratch, including system requirements, installation, first login, and adding your first EA. By the end, you will have a fully configured MT5 ready for live or demo trading.
In This Guide
Step 1: Check System Requirements
Before downloading, verify your computer meets the minimum specifications:
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended (for EAs) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 / macOS 10.12 | Windows 10/11 64-bit |
| RAM | 1 GB | 4 GB+ |
| Disk Space | 500 MB | 2 GB+ (for history data) |
| Screen Resolution | 1024 x 768 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Internet | Any broadband | Stable, low-latency |
If you plan to run EAs 24/7, consider a VPS (Virtual Private Server) instead of your personal computer. A VPS provides uninterrupted uptime and lower latency to broker servers.
Step 2: Download MT5
Option A: From Your Broker (Recommended)
- Log in to your broker's website
- Navigate to "Platforms" or "Downloads"
- Select "MetaTrader 5"
- Click download -- the installer is typically 3-5 MB
Downloading from your broker pre-configures the server list, making login easier. If you do not have a broker account yet, check our best brokers for gold EA trading guide to choose one.
Option B: From MetaQuotes
- Visit metatrader5.com
- Click "Download for Free"
- Choose your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux via Wine)
- Save the installer file
Mac users: The native Mac version runs through a compatibility layer. For the best experience on Mac, I recommend either using a Windows VPS or running Windows in a virtual machine like Parallels.
Step 3: Install MT5
Windows Installation
- Locate the downloaded file (typically mt5setup.exe)
- Right-click and select "Run as Administrator"
- Accept the license agreement
- Choose the installation folder (the default location is fine for most users)
- Click "Next" through the installation wizard
- Wait 1-2 minutes for installation to complete
- Click "Finish" -- MT5 launches automatically
Mac Installation
- Open the downloaded .dmg file
- Drag the MT5 icon to your Applications folder
- First launch: Right-click the app and select "Open" to bypass Gatekeeper
- Confirm you want to open the application
Step 4: First Login
- When MT5 opens, a server selection window appears
- Type your broker's name in the search box (e.g., "Pepperstone," "IC Markets")
- Select the appropriate server -- choose "Demo" for practice or "Live" for real trading
- Enter your credentials:
- Login: Your account number (provided by your broker)
- Password: Your trading password (not your broker portal password)
- Click "Login"
- Verify connection: your balance should appear in the Terminal window at the bottom
Login trouble? If you cannot find your broker's server, you may have downloaded the MetaQuotes version instead of your broker's version. Try downloading directly from your broker's website. Also verify you are using the trading password, not the investor (read-only) password.
Step 5: Configure the Interface
With MT5 installed and logged in, set up your workspace for optimal trading:
Open a Gold Chart
- In the Market Watch panel (left side), find XAUUSD or your broker's gold symbol
- Right-click the symbol and select "Chart Window"
- A new price chart opens in the center
Recommended Settings
- Chart type: Candlesticks (press Alt+2 or use the toolbar)
- Timeframe: H4 for Golden Viper EA, or H1 for general analysis
- Colors: Right-click chart, select Properties, customize to your preference
- Auto-scroll: Enable so the chart follows the latest price
Key Windows
- Market Watch (Ctrl+M): Live prices for all instruments
- Navigator (Ctrl+N): Access to accounts, indicators, and Expert Advisors
- Toolbox (Ctrl+T): Trade history, account information, alerts, journal
Step 6: Enable Auto-Trading and Add Your EA
For Expert Advisors to trade, auto-trading must be enabled:
- Click the "AutoTrading" button in the toolbar -- it should turn green
- Go to Tools, then Options, then Expert Advisors tab
- Check "Allow automated trading"
- Check "Allow DLL imports" if your EA requires it
- Click OK
Adding an EA
- Copy your EA's .ex5 file to the MQL5/Experts folder (File, Open Data Folder, MQL5, Experts)
- Restart MT5 or right-click in Navigator and select "Refresh"
- Find your EA in the Navigator under "Expert Advisors"
- Drag and drop it onto your XAUUSD chart
- Configure the EA's settings in the popup window
- Check "Allow Algo Trading" in the Common tab
- Click OK -- the EA starts running
For detailed EA installation instructions, see our complete EA installation guide for MT5. Learn about proper lot sizing before going live, and understand how XAUUSD trading works if you are new to gold.
Frequently Asked Questions About MT5 Download and Setup
Is MetaTrader 5 free to download?
Yes, MT5 is completely free to download and use. You can get it from your broker's website or the official MetaQuotes website at metatrader5.com. There are no hidden fees, premium versions, or subscription charges for the platform itself. The only costs are your broker's spreads and commissions on trades.
What are the system requirements for MT5?
MT5 requires Windows 7 or later (64-bit recommended) with 1 GB RAM minimum and 500 MB free disk space. For running EAs, I recommend 4 GB RAM and an SSD for faster data loading. Mac users need macOS 10.12 or later. A stable internet connection is essential for live trading.
Can I run Expert Advisors on MT5?
Yes, MT5 fully supports Expert Advisors with its MQL5 programming language. However, MT4 EAs (.ex4 files) are not compatible with MT5 -- you need .ex5 files. Golden Viper EA provides both MT4 and MT5 versions with every subscription so you can use whichever platform you prefer.
Should I download MT5 from my broker or MetaQuotes?
Download from your broker's website whenever possible. The broker's version comes pre-configured with their server addresses, making the login process smoother. The MetaQuotes version works fine too, but you will need to manually search for your broker's server during the first login.
How long does it take to set up MT5?
The entire process from download to first chart takes about 5 to 10 minutes: downloading (1-2 minutes), installation (1-2 minutes), and logging in (1-2 minutes). Adding an EA takes an additional 2 to 3 minutes. You can be trading within 15 minutes of starting.