How to Multi-Install & Run MT5 on a Single PC/VPS: Complete Guide for Beginners

What You Will Achieve with This Guide

You can run multiple MT5 instances from the same broker, assigning different EAs to multiple accounts on a single PC or VPS.
The key is to safely copy the original MT5 and isolate the entire folder to avoid issues related to administrator privileges (UAC).

Refer to this article for the initial MT5 download method: MT5 Installation to First Launch: Complete Guide with Screenshots (Windows Compatible)

Prerequisites and Key Points (Beginner’s Approach)

Target OS: Windows (PC/VPS)
Why outside “Program Files”? The Program Files folder is protected by UAC (User Account Control), which can cause difficulties with configuration file writing or automatic updates. Beginners should first move it to a location with straightforward permissions, such as directly under C:\, before duplicating for better stability.
“Folder Isolation” = Independence of “Core” and “Data”: Each MT5 launch has a unique data folder (a long alphanumeric hash). If these are separate, settings, MQL5/Experts, and other files can be managed independently.

What is UAC (User Account Control)?
It’s a Windows mechanism that restricts or requires confirmation when an application writes to critical areas to protect the system. Program Files has strong protection, often leading to unexpected errors or permission issues when MT5 saves settings or outputs logs. Moving it to C:\ direct before duplication reduces problems.
Related article: MT5 x EA UAC (User Account Control) Permission Errors: Causes and Avoidance Methods [Beginner’s Guide]

Steps: Safely Run Multiple MT5 Instances

The following uses “HFM Metatrader 5” from HF Markets as an example. The process is essentially the same for other brokers.

Move the Original Folder Directly to C:\

By default installation, MT5 is usually located at:

C:\Program Files\HFM Metatrader 5\

Cut this folder and Paste it directly under C:\.

Example: C:\HFM Metatrader 5\
*Avoid multiplying installations within Program Files as it tends to cause UAC issues.

Duplicate the Folder and Name it with a “Number”

Copy and paste C:\HFM Metatrader 5\ to duplicate it, then rename for easy identification:

C:\HFM Metatrader 5_No1\
C:\HFM Metatrader 5_No2\

Create and Place Shortcuts

Right-click on terminal64.exe inside each folder → *Create shortcut*

Setting an icon will make operation easier.

Launch Test

Move the shortcuts to the desktop. Naming the shortcuts clearly, like the following, is convenient:

Example: HFM_1, HFM_2

Desktop screen MT5 shortcut (renamed)
Double-click the desktop shortcuts to launch (No1 and No2 can be launched separately).

Verification: Check if Data Folders (Hashes) are Separate

In each MT5, click [File] → [Open Data Folder].
The opened path will display a folder name containing a long alphanumeric hash.
If you can confirm that the hashes are different for No1 and No2, the separation is complete and successful.

Troubleshooting: Server Not Appearing in the Dropdown

If your desired server doesn’t appear in the server dropdown on the login screen,

1. Right-click “Accounts” in the Navigator window → Select “Open an Account”.
2. Enter and search for your broker, e.g., “HFMarkets” in the broker search.
3. Do not press “Next” on this screen, instead, Cancel it temporarily.
4. Reopen the login screen, and the desired server should now appear in the server dropdown.

Alternative Method: Separate Installation Destinations with the Installer

You can also install multiple instances by running setup.exe multiple times and numbering the installation folders.

However, choosing a location within Program Files increases the impact of UAC. For beginners, the manual duplication method directly under C:\ tends to lead to fewer issues.

Checklist for Stable Operation of Multiple MT5s

Constantly monitor CPU, memory, and disk load in Task Manager
Lighten MT5 load: Minimize displayed charts / Reduce the number of bars / Turn off news, notifications, and sounds
Prevent log file bloat: Delete unnecessary logs / Shorten log retention period
If necessary, configure automatic restart + automatic logon to shorten recovery time from failures
If using a VPS, pay attention to bandwidth and latency (broker-proximate region recommended)
Related article: VPS Operation Basics (Preventing Stops/Slowness / Settings to Lighten MT5)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. My EAs/Indicators only appear in No1, not No2.

A. It is highly likely that they have been placed in a data folder with a different hash. Check the actual path by going to [File] → [Open Data Folder] in each MT5, and correctly copy the files to MQL5/Experts or MQL5/Indicators.

Q2. What is the difference from the /portable method?

A. This article’s method uses “folder copy” + “launch from a different path”, which individualizes the data folder (hash) created under AppData. The /portable method places the data directly in the core folder, which makes it even easier for complete portability or bulk migration. However, some users find the initial launch option settings slightly more advanced.

Q3. Is it bad to add more instances under Program Files?

A. While possible, UAC may cause permission dialogues or write failures during settings saves or automatic updates. It is not recommended for beginners. Moving and duplicating instances directly under C:\ is safer and quicker.

Q4. How do I fix the server not appearing in the login dropdown?

A. Go to the Navigator’s “Accounts” → “Open an Account” → Search for the broker name → Cancel. This triggers a rescan, and the server will then appear in the login screen’s dropdown.

Summary

Copy the entire folder outside Program Files (e.g., C:\MT5\ICM_01) → Duplicate → Launch from the shortcut
If the hash is different when checking [Open Data Folder], the settings and MQL folders are completely separated
It is simpler and safer for beginners to start with the “folder isolation” method, which does not require /portable