Install MT5 on a Forex VPS

FOREX KIT SETUP GUIDE

How to Buy & Set Up a Forex VPS and Install MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

A complete walkthrough for Forex Kit users — purchase a VPS, connect from Windows or Mac, and install MT5 so your trading runs 24/7 without relying on your home computer.

Why a VPS?

A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a Windows computer that lives in a data centre and runs around the clock. Once your MT5 platform and Expert Advisors are installed on it, they keep working even when your own laptop is off, asleep, or offline — and they benefit from a fast, stable connection to your broker.

Before you start

Have these ready so the setup goes smoothly:

  • An email address you can access — your VPS login details are sent here right after purchase.
  • Your broker’s MT5 server name and your account login & password (from your broker, not from the VPS).
  • A payment method — card, PayPal, Skrill, or crypto are all accepted.
  • About 20–30 minutes. The VPS itself is ready almost instantly, but Windows can take up to 15 minutes to finish provisioning before you connect.
Tip: pick the right location

During checkout you’ll choose a server location. Choose the one closest to your broker’s servers for the fastest execution. If you’re unsure, ask your broker, or use the ForexVPS broker latency tool and pick the location with the lowest latency (1 ms is ideal).

Part 1 — Buying your Forex VPS

For running MT5 with the Forex Kit, the Core plan is the right starting point for most users. It comfortably runs 1–3 trading platforms. If you plan to run several platforms or multiple Expert Advisors at once, step up to Edge.

Plan Runs CPU RAM Storage From*
Core (recommended) 1–3 platforms 2x 4 GB 100 GB $25.60/mo
Edge 3–6 platforms 4x 6 GB 150 GB $38.40/mo
Prime 6+ platforms 6x 8 GB 200 GB $51.20/mo

*Lowest yearly-billing price at the time of writing. Monthly billing and current promotions may differ — always check the live price on the order page. All VPS plans include a 14-day money-back guarantee.

  1. Go to the plans page

Open the Forex VPS Hosting page.

  1. Choose your plan and billing cycle

Select Core (or Edge for heavier use). Toggle between Monthly and Yearly — yearly saves roughly 35%.

  1. Click “Launch Now” / “Order Now”

This takes you to the configuration screen.

  1. Pick your server location and Windows version

Choose the location nearest your broker. For Windows, the default is fine; Windows 2016 uses fewer resources and is a good pick for the Core plan if offered.

  1. Create your account and pay

Enter your details, choose a payment method, and complete checkout. Card payments are billed automatically each cycle.

  1. Wait for your credentials email

Your VPS is provisioned immediately, but allow up to 15 minutes for Windows to finish installing. You’ll receive an email containing your VPS IP address (and port), username, and password. Keep this email handy — you’ll need it for the next part.

Part 2 — Connecting to your VPS from Windows

Windows has Remote Desktop Connection built in, so there’s nothing to install.

  1. Open Remote Desktop Connection

Click the Start menu, type Remote Desktop Connection, and open it. (You can also press Windows + R, type mstsc, and press Enter.)

  1. Enter your VPS IP address

In the Computer field, type the IP address from your credentials email. If the email shows an IP:PORT (for example 123.45.67.89:3389), enter it exactly as shown.

  1. Click “Connect” and enter your login

When prompted, type the username and password from your email. Tick “Remember me” to save them for next time.

  1. Accept the certificate

The first time you connect, you may see a certificate warning — this is normal. Click Yes / Connect anyway to continue.

  1. You’re in

A Windows desktop opens in a window. This is your VPS — you now control it just like a normal PC. Continue to Part 4 to install MT5.

Tip

To leave the VPS running but close the window on your own PC, just close the Remote Desktop window. Everything keeps running on the server. To fully log off, use the Start menu inside the VPS.

Part 3 — Connecting to your VPS from a Mac

Macs connect using Microsoft’s free Windows App (formerly “Microsoft Remote Desktop”) from the App Store.

  1. Open the App Store

On your Mac, open the App Store.

  1. Search for the Remote Desktop app

Search for Windows App (Microsoft’s Remote Desktop client; on older systems it appears as Microsoft Remote Desktop). Download and install it — it’s free.

  1. Open the app and click “Add PC”

Launch the app, then click the + button and choose Add PC.

  1. Enter your VPS address

In the PC name field, enter your VPS IP:PORT exactly as shown in your credentials email.

  1. Add your user account

Next to User account, click “Add User Account…” and enter the username and password from your email. Save it, then click Add. You can also give the VPS a friendly name.

  1. Connect

Double-click the VPS shortcut that now appears in the list. The first time you connect, accept all certificates when prompted.

  1. You’re in

The Windows desktop of your VPS opens on your Mac. Continue to Part 4 to install MT5.

Note

MT5 is installed on the VPS (Windows), not on your Mac directly. Your Mac is only the “screen” you use to control the Windows server. Everything you do from here happens inside the VPS.

Part 4 — Installing MetaTrader 5 on your VPS

These steps are done inside the VPS (the Windows desktop you connected to in Part 2 or 3). The process is identical whether you connected from Windows or Mac.

  1. Open a web browser on the VPS

Use the browser inside the VPS (Edge is pre-installed on Windows).

  1. Download MT5

The safest source is your broker, since their download is pre-configured with the correct server. Go to your broker’s website and find their MT5 / MetaTrader 5 download for Windows. If your broker doesn’t offer one, you can use the official MetaQuotes download at metatrader5.com/en/download.

  1. Run the installer

Open the downloaded mt5setup.exe file. Accept the licence terms and let it install (the defaults are fine). MT5 launches automatically when it finishes.

  1. Log in to your broker account

When MT5 opens, it asks for your account details. Enter your broker login, password, and select your broker’s server from the list. (These come from your broker — not from your VPS credentials.) Click Finish / Login.

  1. Confirm you’re connected

Look at the bottom-right corner of MT5. A connection status showing live data (e.g. numbers updating) means you’re connected to your broker. You’re now ready to trade or load your Forex Kit Expert Advisors.

Important: keep MT5 running

For your strategy to run 24/7, leave MT5 open on the VPS. When you disconnect Remote Desktop (close the window), MT5 keeps running on the server. Do not shut down or sign out of the VPS itself, or MT5 will stop.
Installing your Forex Kit Expert Advisor (EA)

To add an EA: in MT5 go to File > Open Data Folder, then open MQL5 > Experts, and copy your EA file (.ex5 or .mq5) into that folder. Restart MT5, then drag the EA from the Navigator panel onto a chart. Make sure Algo Trading is enabled (the button in the top toolbar turns green).

Troubleshooting & FAQ

I can’t connect to my VPS right after buying

Wait at least 15 minutes after purchase — Windows needs time to finish installing before it will accept connections. Also double-check you’ve entered the IP, username, and password exactly as they appear in your credentials email (including the port if one is listed).

Which plan should Forex Kit users choose?

The Core plan is fine for running 1–3 platforms, which covers most single-strategy setups. If you intend to run many platforms or several EAs simultaneously, choose Edge for extra CPU and memory.

Do I install MT5 on my Mac or on the VPS?

On the VPS. Your Mac (or Windows PC) is only used to remotely view and control the VPS. MT5 and your EAs live on the VPS so they keep running when your own computer is off.

Which MT5 server do I select when logging in?

The server is provided by your broker, not by ForexVPS. It’s listed in your broker’s welcome email or account dashboard. If you can’t find it, contact your broker’s support.

How many MT5 platforms can one VPS run?

The Core plan can run up to 3 MT4/MT5 instances when optimised, and Edge up to 6. Running fewer platforms leaves more resources for smoother performance.

My EA isn’t trading

Check that Algo Trading is enabled (green) in the MT5 toolbar, that the EA shows a smiley face in the top-right of the chart, and that your account is connected (live prices updating). Also confirm the symbol/market is open.

Where can I get help with the VPS itself?

ForexVPS offers 24/7 live chat and email support at support@forexvps.net. Their Knowledge Base also has detailed connection guides.

Disclaimer: Trading involves the risk of financial loss; only trade with money you can afford to lose. This guide is for setup assistance only and is not financial advice. Plan names, pricing, and promotions are subject to change — confirm current details on the ForexVPS website before purchasing. MetaTrader 5 is a product of MetaQuotes Software Corp.