Quick answer: Rent a Windows VPS, connect with Remote Desktop, install MetaTrader 5 from your broker, log in, copy your EA into MQL5/Experts, attach it to a chart, turn on Algo Trading and then close the Remote Desktop window without signing out.
Key takeaways
- Setup takes about 20 minutes the first time.
- Install MT5 from your broker inside the VPS.
- Copy the EA with the clipboard or download it inside the VPS.
- Close the Remote Desktop window; never sign out or shut down.
- Run the EA in one place only to avoid duplicate orders.
What you need
- A Windows VPS plan. Not sure which? Read what matters in a VPS for MT5.
- Your broker login: account number, password and server.
- Your EA file and its setup notes.
Step 1: Connect to the VPS
-
Windows: open Remote Desktop Connection (
mstsc), enter the IP address and log in. - Mac: install Windows App (Microsoft's Remote Desktop app) from the App Store, add the PC and connect.
- Phone: use Windows App or Microsoft Remote Desktop.
Step 2: Install MetaTrader 5
Inside the VPS, open a browser, download MT5 from your broker's website and log in to your account.
Step 3: Move your EA
Copy the .ex5 file on your computer and paste it into the VPS window, or download it again inside the VPS. Then follow the standard install steps: MQL5/Experts, refresh, allow algo trading, attach and set inputs.
Step 4: Disconnect correctly
Close the Remote Desktop window with the X. Windows and MetaTrader keep running. Signing out or shutting down stops the EA.
Step 5: Make it resilient
- Add MetaTrader 5 to the Windows startup folder so it reopens after a restart.
- Set Windows updates to install outside market hours.
- After any restart, reconnect and confirm Algo Trading is green.
Step 6: Monitor from anywhere
Log in to the same account in the MT5 mobile app to watch positions. Reconnect to the VPS when you need the Experts tab or want to change inputs. Keep your risk limits set before you walk away.
Common VPS problems
- EA stopped overnight: the VPS restarted. Check Windows update history.
- Duplicate positions: the EA is also running on your home PC.
- Slow Remote Desktop: choose a data center closer to you or lower the display quality in the RDP app.
Frequently asked questions
Will my EA keep running if I close Remote Desktop?
Yes, as long as you close the window and do not sign out or shut down Windows.
Can I run MT5 on the VPS and my PC at the same time?
You can log in to the same account on both, but only run the EA in one place to avoid duplicate orders.
How do I update the EA on a VPS?
Replace the .ex5 file in MQL5/Experts, refresh the Navigator and reattach it to the chart.
Is my trading account safe on a VPS?
Use a strong VPS password, keep it private and change it if you suspect someone else has it.
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Risk disclosure: this article is for education only and is not financial advice. Trading with automated software carries a high risk of loss, and past or simulated results do not predict future results. Remix Ai sells software. We do not manage accounts, offer copy trading or sell trading signals.