How to Open Multiple MetaTrader 5 (MT5) Terminals on the Same VPS

Running multiple MetaTrader 5 (MT5) terminals on a VPS is essential for traders managing multiple accounts or strategies. Each MT5 terminal can only handle one active account at a time, making separate instances necessary. This also helps isolate Expert Advisors (EAs) to prevent conflicts, set up EAs correctly, improves multitasking, and allows smoother performance when using complex setups. Here’s a quick guide:

• Why Multiple Terminals?
  • Manage multiple accounts simultaneously.
  • Avoid conflicts between EAs and strategies.
  • Improve performance by separating workflows (e.g., live trading vs. testing).
• How to Set Up Multiple MT5 Terminals:
  1. Independent Installations: Install each terminal in a separate directory.
  2. Portable Mode: Enable /portable mode to keep all data in one folder.
  3. Folder Cloning: Copy an existing MT5 setup and modify its shortcut for portability.
• VPS Requirements:
  • RAM: 2–4 GB for the first terminal, 1–2 GB per additional terminal.
  • CPU: 1 vCPU per terminal, with a single-core speed of 2.5–3.5 GHz or higher.
  • Storage: SSD or NVMe for faster performance.
  • Network: Low latency (<10 ms) and stable connectivity.
• Tips for Optimization:
  • Limit active charts and symbols.
  • Reduce historical data.
  • Regularly clear logs and monitor CPU/RAM usage to maintain peak performance.

Running up to 24–28 terminals is possible with proper VPS configuration, but exceeding this may cause system instability. For best results, keep each terminal isolated and monitor your VPS resources closely.

How to install Multiple MT4/ MT5 on same computer or on VPS (Step-by-Step Tutorial) #algotrading

VPS Requirements for Running Multiple MT5 Terminals

Minimum VPS Specifications

To run multiple MT5 terminals, you’ll need to ensure your VPS has enough resources to handle the load. Start with 2–4 GB of RAM for the first terminal, then add 1–2 GB for each additional terminal. For example, if you’re running five terminals, plan for 8–12 GB of RAM.

CPU power is just as important. Allocate 1 vCPU per active terminal, and opt for SSD or NVMe storage to avoid bottlenecks during logging and data history updates. A processor with a single-core speed of 2.5–3.5 GHz or higher will help minimize execution delays. Additionally, keep 20% of your RAM free to handle sudden market volatility.

Here’s a quick breakdown of VPS requirements based on trading profiles from top providers:

Once your hardware is sorted, make sure your operating system and MT5 version are compatible with these configurations.

Compatible Operating Systems and MetaTrader Versions

For running multiple MT5 terminals, Windows Server 2019 or 2022 is the go-to choice. While MT5 can technically run on older operating systems like Windows XP SP3 or Vista, these are not suitable for modern VPS setups. Updated OS environments are critical for ensuring stability and performance.

A 64-bit operating system is now mandatory for MT5. Starting with build 3930 (released in September 2023), MetaQuotes discontinued 32-bit installers. This means any recent MT5 installation requires a 64-bit OS.

Both official MetaTrader 5 builds from MetaQuotes and broker-specific versions work seamlessly on a properly configured VPS.

Network and Connectivity Requirements

When it comes to trading, network stability is more important than raw speed. A consistent connection with low jitter is better than merely having a high port speed. For basic trading, a connection of 1–2 Mbps suffices, but for running multiple terminals or high-frequency strategies, aim for 20+ Mbps.

Low latency is crucial for automated trading and scalping. Ideally, broker servers should be reachable in under 10 ms, with the best setups achieving under 3 ms. As winservers.net explains:

A lower ping is helpful, but it doesn’t automatically mean your order will execute faster. Execution also depends on your broker’s queue, liquidity, order type, and server load.

To minimize latency, host your VPS in the same region as your broker’s server. Popular financial hubs like London, New York, Frankfurt, and Tokyo are ideal locations. This proximity ensures a round-trip time of 5–15 ms, meeting professional trading standards. Enterprise-grade VPS providers also offer 99.99% uptime, which eliminates the connectivity issues often encountered with home internet setups.

Method 1: Installing Multiple Independent MT5 Terminals

Installation Steps

If you’re looking to run multiple MetaTrader 5 (MT5) terminals, one of the most effective ways is to install each terminal in its own directory. This approach keeps your accounts, Expert Advisors (EAs), settings, and data completely separate, with each installation functioning as an independent terminal.

Start by renaming any existing MT5 shortcuts to avoid accidental overwriting. For instance, you could rename "MetaTrader 5" to something like "MT5 – Account 1."

Next, download the MT5 installer from your broker’s website or the official MetaTrader site, or follow our guide on how to set up MetaTrader on a Trading VPS. When you launch the installer (mt5setup.exe), make sure to click on "Settings" to customize the installation. Skipping this step will simply update your current terminal instead of creating a new one.

In the settings menu, customize the installation folder using a unique path. Here are a few examples of how you might name these folders:

• C:\Program Files\MetaTrader 5-1
• C:\Program Files\MetaTrader 5-2
• C:\MT5-Broker1

Additionally, assign a unique program group name, such as "MT5 – Terminal 2", so each terminal appears separately in your Windows Start menu. Once you’ve set this up, click "Next" to complete the installation. Repeat the process for every additional terminal you want to install.

For those who prefer faster deployment, you can use the following command line:
mt5setup.exe /auto /path:"C:\\MT5_Instance_1"

This method ensures you’re equipped to manage multiple accounts without any interference. Stay tuned for performance optimization tips later in this guide.

Why Use Independent Installations

By setting up each terminal in its own directory, you ensure complete operational independence. Each installation runs with its own configurations, eliminating the risk of data or execution conflicts between accounts. MT5 assigns a unique ID to each custom folder, allowing every terminal to function without overlap.

This setup is ideal for managing multiple accounts, whether they’re from the same broker or different ones. For example, you could use one terminal for live trading, another for demo testing, and a third for experimenting with new strategies. As noted in the MetaTrader 5 Help documentation:

If you need to work with multiple accounts simultaneously, install the appropriate number of platforms in different directories

While MT5 technically supports up to 32 terminals, practical experience suggests that stable performance is typically limited to 24–28 instances. To ensure smooth operation, aim to keep your CPU usage below 80% during periods of high market activity.

Method 2: Using Portable Mode for Isolated MT5 Terminals

How to Enable Portable Mode

If you’re looking for a way to keep your trading environments isolated without juggling multiple installations, Portable Mode is a great solution. With this setup, all your data – like profiles, indicators, templates, and logs – stays within the installation folder. This makes it easier to manage backups and move your setup between VPS for MetaTrader environments.

Here’s how you can enable Portable Mode:

• Install or copy MT5 into a dedicated folder.
• Right-click on terminal64.exe and create a shortcut on your desktop.
• Open the shortcut’s properties and add /portable (with a space before it) to the Target field. For example:
  "C:\MT5_Terminals\Instance1\terminal64.exe" /portable
• Save the changes and use this shortcut to start MT5 in Portable Mode.

As noted by mt4gadgets.com:

In Portable Mode, however, all these files stay within the installation folder of MT5… this makes it easier to move the entire application with all its custom settings and files to different devices.

This means you can back up your entire trading environment by simply copying the installation folder to an external drive or cloud storage. It’s a straightforward way to ensure your setup is always portable.

Important Notes for Portable Mode

• Unique Folders: Make sure each portable instance has its own folder. Never launch multiple terminals from the same directory.
• Terminal Limits: While the technical limit is 32 terminals per session, most systems maintain stability with 24–28 instances due to resource constraints.

Keep in mind, Portable Mode isn’t entirely self-contained. If you’ve previously installed MT5 through the standard method, some files may still end up in the %Roaming%\MetaQuotes folder. Additionally, features like free signals or Market apps might default to the %Roaming% directory instead of staying confined to your portable folder.

Method 3: Copying MT5 Folders to Clone Installations

How to Clone an MT5 Installation

If you’re looking for a fast way to replicate your MetaTrader 5 (MT5) setup across multiple instances, cloning an existing installation is a great option. This method skips the hassle of running the installer repeatedly and allows you to duplicate a fully configured terminal, complete with your favorite indicators, Expert Advisors (EAs), and templates.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Step 1: Close MT5 completely to avoid any file access issues.
• Step 2: Navigate to the installation folder, typically located at "C:\Program Files\MetaTrader 5", and copy the entire folder.
• Step 3: Paste the copied folder to a new location of your choice and rename it (e.g., "MT5 – Account 2").
• Step 4: Open the new folder, find the file named terminal64.exe, right-click it, and select Send to Desktop (create shortcut).
• Step 5: Right-click the desktop shortcut, go to Properties, and append /portable at the end of the target path. For example:
  "C:\Program Files\MT5-Copy\terminal64.exe" /portable

Important Note: If the original installation is in "Program Files", you may need administrator rights to complete the process. Additionally, cloned portable terminals may take a bit longer – up to 30 seconds or more – to load the first time.

When to Use the Cloning Method

The cloning method is perfect when you need to replicate a well-configured MT5 terminal quickly. It’s particularly handy if you’re managing multiple accounts from the same broker, as a single MT5 terminal can only log into one account at a time. By copying the folder, you can create separate instances for each account without starting from scratch.

This approach is also ideal for users who value speed and convenience. Once you have a "master" terminal set up, copying its folder is significantly faster than performing multiple fresh installations. Plus, keeping everything in one folder simplifies backups and makes it easier to migrate your MT4 or MT5 settings to a new VPS.

As Jeremy Scott explains:

Once installed, you can just copy and paste the ‘MetaTrader 5’ directory.

For the best results, maintain a clean, unconfigured installation as your template. This ensures consistency when you need to create additional copies in the future.

Up next, we’ll explore how to optimize performance when running multiple MT5 terminals simultaneously, ensuring your VPS runs smoothly.

How to Optimize Performance When Running Multiple Terminals

Monitoring VPS Resource Usage

When you’re running multiple MT5 terminals, keeping an eye on your VPS resources is crucial. The easiest way to do this is by using Windows Task Manager, which provides real-time data on CPU, RAM, and network usage. To access it, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then click on the Performance tab to get a detailed view of your system’s performance.

Pay attention to both percentage values and absolute resource usage. Here’s the tricky part: even if the CPU and RAM percentages seem fine, your system might still hit its practical limit. Windows enforces a hard cap on the stack for multiple instances, which can cause the system to become sluggish or unresponsive despite available capacity showing on the metrics.

Look out for warning signs like slow right-click menus, failure to open new windows, or general system unresponsiveness. These are clear indicators that your VPS is struggling. For a deeper dive, MT5 includes its own Task Manager, which you can access via Tools > Task Manager. This tool helps you monitor specific components within each terminal.

Once you’ve identified resource bottlenecks, you can take steps to optimize terminal settings to reduce the load.

Adjusting Terminal Settings to Reduce Resource Use

After assessing your resource usage, tweak each terminal’s settings to ease the strain on your system. MT5 terminals consume resources based on the number of active symbols, charts, and programs. Cutting back on unnecessary features can make a big difference.

Here are some practical adjustments:

• Limit active symbols and charts. Keep only the ones you’re actively using.
• Reduce historical data. Under Tools > Options > Charts, set "Max bars in chart" to a lower range (e.g., 500–5,000).
• Disable nonessential features. For example, turn off news feeds by setting NewsEnable=0 in the configuration file.
• Remove unnecessary visual indicators. Many Expert Advisors calculate internally, so on-chart visuals often aren’t needed.

For even better performance, you can launch terminals with a custom .ini configuration file (e.g., terminal64.exe /config:optimized.ini) to apply pre-optimized settings.

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Running several MT5 terminals isn’t a "set it and forget it" situation – it requires regular upkeep to keep everything running smoothly.

• Monitor your CPU usage weekly. Rimantas Petrauskas, founder of EA-Coder, advises keeping CPU usage under 80% to avoid delays and freezes. If you’re consistently hitting that threshold, consider scaling back the number of terminals or upgrading to a Forex VPS with higher specifications.
• Clear out log files. Over time, logs from the platform and Expert Advisors can pile up, eating into storage and complicating troubleshooting. Periodically delete these files from each terminal’s Logs folder.
• Review Market Watch and open charts. Every few weeks, remove unused symbols and close unnecessary charts to free up memory and bandwidth.
• Stay updated cautiously. While keeping MT5 updated is important, newer builds can sometimes demand more resources, which might limit the number of terminals your VPS can handle.
• Use Portable Mode. This mode stores all user data – like logs, settings, and MQL5 files – within the installation folder. It simplifies backups, migrations, and prevents issues caused by Windows or MT5 updates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Installation and Folder Management Errors

When installing multiple instances of MetaTrader 5 (MT5), never use the same default directory. Skipping the "Settings" step during installation can overwrite an existing instance, wiping out your previous configurations.

To keep each installation self-contained, always include the /portable flag. Without it, MT5 stores user data – like profiles, indicators, and logs – in the hidden Windows AppData directory. This makes it nearly impossible to manage separate instances effectively. Make sure to add /portable to the shortcut’s target path to ensure all data stays within the installation folder.

Another common pitfall is sharing data folders between terminals. This can create conflicts in configurations and executions. If you’re cloning folders, remember to create unique shortcuts for each instance and ensure that every terminal has its own directory. Overlapping data folders or improperly set shortcuts can lead to performance issues and configuration errors.

Running Too Many Terminals on Limited Resources

While MT5 allows up to 32 terminals per computer session, Windows resource management usually limits stable operation to around 24–28 terminals. Exceeding this range can make your system unresponsive – menus freeze, File Explorer refuses to open, and even your cursor may lag. Interestingly, this can happen even when CPU and RAM usage appear low in Task Manager.

"In practice, due to how resources are configured on Windows, the limit can be less than 32. Usually the practical maximum it is between 24-28, depending on configuration." – Fernando Carreiro, Community Moderator

To maintain stability, keep your CPU load below 80%. If you’re consistently hitting that limit, consider reducing the number of terminals or upgrading to a more powerful VPS.

Using One Terminal for Multiple Accounts

MT5 terminals are designed to handle only one active trading account at a time. While you can store multiple account credentials, you cannot trade from multiple accounts simultaneously within a single instance. Attempting to do so often results in Expert Advisors (EAs) loading under the wrong account context, which can lead to unintended trades or strategy failures.

"Inside single MT5 terminal, you can have as many accounts as you want, BUT it is only ONE ACTIVE trading account that can be selected at a time." – Soewono Effendi

Running multiple strategies or EAs in one terminal also lacks proper isolation. If one EA causes the terminal to slow down or crash, every other strategy in that instance will suffer as well. Additionally, the Strategy Tester only supports one EA at a time. For parallel backtesting or optimizations, you’ll need separate terminals.

Comparing the 3 Installation Methods

Method Comparison Table

Let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses of the three installation approaches. Each method has its own perks, depending on your needs and technical expertise.

Multiple independent installations are the simplest option for beginners. You just run the installer multiple times and choose a new folder for each terminal. While this method is straightforward and dependable, it can become time-consuming if you’re setting up several instances.

Portable mode strikes a balance between simplicity and efficiency. Adding the /portable flag ensures that all your data – such as indicators, EAs, and logs – stays neatly within the installation folder.

Folder cloning is the fastest way to replicate a configured setup. However, if you skip the /portable flag, cloned terminals might share data in the AppData folder, which can lead to file conflicts.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of these methods to help you decide:

This table lays out the trade-offs between setup speed, ease of use, and data isolation. For most VPS setups, combining folder cloning with portable mode offers the best mix of speed and data separation.

Conclusion

Pick the approach that aligns with your technical skills and account requirements. If you’re just starting out and prefer simplicity, independent installations are a great choice. For VPS users prioritizing data isolation and easy backups, portable mode is a smart option – just include the /portable flag in your shortcut’s target field. For those looking to scale quickly, folder cloning is efficient, but it pairs best with portable mode to avoid potential data conflicts. Using these methods can help you fine-tune your setup with the best forex VPS providers for optimal performance.

MetaTrader 5 allows up to 32 terminals per session, but real-world performance often caps stable usage at 24–28 instances, depending on your VPS specs and the demands of your EAs for algorithmic trading. As Fernando Carreiro, an MQL5 Forum Moderator, explains:

Irrespective of it being a full installation or in portable mode, the technical limit set by the MetaTrader application is 32 terminals per computer session.

Be cautious when relying solely on CPU and RAM usage percentages; unresponsive menus or windows are better indicators that you’ve hit your system’s practical limits. To maximize terminal capacity, remove unused symbols from Market Watch and close unnecessary charts. It’s also wise to keep about 20% of your RAM free to handle potential volatility spikes during major news events.

For efficient management, label installation folders clearly (e.g., C:\MT5-LiveAccount1) and maintain a master installation for cloning. Regularly reboot your VPS to clear memory leaks and check system responsiveness as you add more terminals. By following these steps and monitoring your resources, you can run multiple MT5 instances without running into performance issues.

FAQs

How can I optimize performance when running multiple MT5 terminals on a VPS?

To keep your MT5 terminals running smoothly, make sure to allocate enough resources for each instance. You’ll need a dual-core CPU and 0.5–1 GB of RAM per terminal. It’s also a good idea to regularly check your CPU and memory usage to prevent your VPS from getting overloaded. Keep both Windows and MT5 updated to their latest versions, and don’t forget to reboot your VPS occasionally. This helps clear memory and ensures stability.

What’s the difference between installing multiple MT5 terminals and using portable mode?

Running multiple MT5 terminals simultaneously can be done through independent installations or by using portable mode. While both methods achieve the same goal, they differ in how they are set up and where data is stored.

With independent installations, you install MT5 multiple times, selecting a unique folder for each instance (e.g., C:\MT5-Broker1, C:\MT5-Broker2). Each installation keeps its data – such as settings, indicators, and account details – in separate default directories within your Windows user profile. This approach is straightforward and beginner-friendly since it isolates each terminal with minimal effort.

On the other hand, portable mode involves installing MT5 once in a custom folder and launching it using the /portable switch. This makes the terminal self-contained, with all data – like profiles, templates, and logs – stored within the installation folder itself. Portable mode is perfect for advanced users who want the convenience of easily backing up or moving terminals by copying folders. However, it does require setting up a separate directory for each instance and involves more manual configuration.

To sum up, independent installations are simple and keep everything separate automatically, while portable mode offers more flexibility for those comfortable with a bit of extra setup.

What should I look for in a VPS to run multiple MT5 terminals?

When choosing a VPS to run multiple MT5 terminals, focus on hardware capabilities and network performance. A 64-bit Windows server is ideal, equipped with at least a dual-core CPU and 1–2 GB of RAM per terminal, depending on how resource-intensive your Expert Advisors (EAs) are. Keep in mind that each MT5 installation generally uses 50–150 MB of SSD storage and requires 0.5–1 GB of RAM, so ensure the VPS has enough capacity for the total number of terminals you intend to operate.

Network latency is another critical factor for seamless trading. Select a VPS provider with data centers located near your broker’s servers. This reduces ping times, helping to minimize slippage and enhance execution speed. Also, opt for a VPS with at least 99.9% uptime to keep your trading platforms running smoothly throughout the trading week.

Lastly, verify that the VPS offers a full Windows environment with remote desktop access. This setup allows you to monitor resource usage in real time and configure each MT5 terminal in separate folders. By doing so, you can avoid potential conflicts between accounts, brokers, or trading strategies.

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