How to Run Multiple MetaTrader 4/5 Instances (MT4/MT5) on One Computer

Running multiple MetaTrader terminals is the simplest way to keep multiple trading accounts separate and stable, especially if you're connecting an Expert Advisor (EA) and want each account to have its own dedicated terminal.

This guide shows two approaches:

• Method A (recommended): Install multiple terminals into different folders (cleanest, least confusing)
• Method B (alternative): Use “portable”/self-contained terminals (useful when you want each terminal to keep its own data locally)

We cover both MT4 and MT5, on Windows and macOS via Wine/CrossOver.

Key concepts (before you start)

Terminal instance vs trading account

• A MetaTrader terminal instance is the application you open (a specific installation you launch).
• A trading account is the login you use inside that terminal.

Important: A single terminal instance can only be logged into one trading account at a time.

Why you want separate instances

Separate terminal instances help you avoid:

• Accidentally switching logins inside the same terminal
• EAs getting attached to the wrong account
• Confusing “which terminal is connected to what” when automating trades

EA attachment matters

For most automation setups, “connected” usually means:

• MetaTrader is open
• The EA is attached to a chart
• Algo/AutoTrading is enabled
• The EA can read/write to its communication files

If MetaTrader is closed or the EA isn’t attached, connection checks may take longer (they often wait for a response up to a timeout).

Windows: running multiple MT4/MT5 instances

Method A (recommended): install multiple terminals into different folders

This is the easiest and most reliable approach.

1. Download the MT4/MT5 installer from your broker.
2. Run the installer.
3. Choose a unique installation folder for each terminal instance, for example:
   • C:\\Program Files\\MetaTrader 5 - Account 1
   • C:\\Program Files\\MetaTrader 5 - Account 2
   • C:\\Program Files\\MetaTrader 4 - Account 1
4. Complete the install.
5. Repeat for each account/terminal you want.

Tip: Name the folders clearly (Account 1 / Account 2) so you don’t mix them up later.

Method B (alternative): portable / self-contained terminals

“Portable” setups aim to keep the terminal’s data and configuration self-contained so multiple instances don’t share the same data folder.

The exact approach can vary by broker build and platform. In general, you want each terminal instance to:

• Have its own install directory
• Use its own data directory

If you’re not sure, Method A above is the safest and easiest.

macOS (Wine/CrossOver): running multiple MT4/MT5 instances

On macOS, MT4/MT5 typically runs inside Wine/CrossOver. The “terminal instance” concept stays the same: you want multiple separate installs (or separate bottles) so each instance stays isolated.

Method A (recommended): separate installs / separate bottles

Depending on your setup, the cleanest pattern is:

• One bottle per terminal instance (strong isolation), or
• One bottle with multiple installs in separate folders (still workable, but easier to mix up)

High-level steps:

1. Create a new Wine/CrossOver environment (bottle) or choose where the terminal will live.
2. Install MT4/MT5 for Account 1.
3. Repeat for Account 2 (preferably in a separate bottle, or at minimum a separate folder).
4. Launch each terminal instance separately and log into the intended trading account.

Method B (alternative): duplicate an existing terminal

If you already have one working terminal instance, you can often duplicate the installation so you don’t redo setup each time.

General checklist after duplicating:

• Confirm it launches independently
• Confirm its EA files and settings are present
• Confirm it uses a separate data/config location (or at least doesn’t overwrite the original)

If duplication causes settings/logins to collide, revert to Method A with clean separate installs.

Best practice for Propr: one terminal per Propr account

If you’re using Propr to automate trading:

• Treat each Propr account as needing its own MetaTrader terminal instance
• Keep each instance logged into exactly one trading account
• Attach the Propr EA to a chart in each terminal

Enabled vs Connected (what you’ll see in Propr)

• Enabled means Propr will consider the account active for automation.
• Connected means the EA is reachable right now (MetaTrader is open and the EA is running).

If an account is enabled but MetaTrader isn’t running, you may see an alert reminding you to open MetaTrader and attach the EA.

Troubleshooting

“Connect” takes a while

Connection checks often ping the EA and wait up to a timeout for a response. If MetaTrader is closed or the EA isn’t attached, the check can take a few seconds.

EA not showing up / not working

Common fixes:

• Restart MetaTrader
• Ensure Algo/AutoTrading is enabled
• Attach the EA to a chart (and confirm the smiley face / active state)
• Compile the EA once if required (some setups need an initial compile)

Wrong account connected

If you accidentally log into a different account inside a terminal, you may connect the “wrong” account. The safest prevention is one terminal per account plus clear naming.

Next steps

• Use the in-app setup wizard: /setup
• Manage and connect terminals on the Accounts page: /accounts