Install Guide · MT5
How to Install an EA
in MetaTrader 5
MT5 uses .ex5 files instead of .ex4, and stores them in MQL5\Experts. The steps are almost identical to MT4 — the folder names just differ.
MT4 vs MT5: Key Differences
| Feature | MT4 | MT5 |
|---|---|---|
| EA file extension | .ex4 | .ex5 |
| Folder path | MQL4\Experts | MQL5\Experts |
| Set file location | MQL4\presets | MQL5\presets |
| Restart required | Yes (or Refresh) | Yes (or Refresh) |
Watch: Video Tutorial
Follow along with this walkthrough covering the full MT5 EA installation process.
Step-by-Step Installation
1
Open MT5 and go to File → Open Data Folder
With MT5 running, click File in the top menu bar and select Open Data Folder. A Windows Explorer window opens showing MT5's data directory.
2
Navigate to MQL5 → Experts
Open the
MQL5 folder, then open Experts.…\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\[ID]\MQL5\Experts\
3
Copy your .ex5 file into the Experts folder
Paste your
.ex5 file here. If your package includes a set file (.set), that goes in MQL5\presets — not here.4
Restart MetaTrader 5
Close and reopen MT5. The EA will appear under Expert Advisors in the Navigator panel. Alternatively, right-click Expert Advisors → Refresh.
5
Drag onto chart, load set file, click OK
Open the correct chart. Drag the EA from Navigator onto it. In the dialog: go to Inputs tab → Load → select your
.set file. Check Allow Algo Trading in the Common tab. Click OK. A smiley face confirms it's live.Algo Trading button. MT5 calls it "Algo Trading" instead of "AutoTrading". The green button in the toolbar must be active. Without it, the EA loads silently but places no trades.
Troubleshooting
EA not appearing after restart
Confirm the file extension is .ex5 (not .ex4 or .mq5) and it's in MQL5\Experts. Right-click Expert Advisors in Navigator → Refresh. Still missing — try a full MT5 restart.
Journal shows "trading disabled"
Check Tools → Options → Expert Advisors: enable "Allow algorithmic trading". Also confirm your broker account allows algorithmic trading — some demo accounts have it disabled by default.
Ready to run your MT5 EA?
All MT5 EAs include set files, backtest reports, and direct Telegram support from the developer.