The 10 Steps to Install Your EA
Purchase and download your EA file
After purchase you will receive a .ex5 file (the compiled Expert Advisor). Save it somewhere easy to find — your Desktop works fine. Never rename the file; it must match the name used during compilation.
Tip: Your EA file will end in .ex5 — this is the ready-to-run version. You do not need the .mq5 source code to run it.
Open MetaTrader 5
Launch MT5 and log in to your broker account. You need a live or demo account connected — the EA will not attach to a chart without an active session.
Tip: Don't have MT5 yet? Download it free from your broker's website. Most brokers offer a demo account with no deposit required.
Open the MQL5 data folder
In the MT5 top menu click: File → Open Data Folder. This opens Windows Explorer (or Finder on Mac) at the root of your MT5 data directory. This is where all EAs, indicators, and scripts are stored.
Tip: On Windows the path typically looks like: C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\[ID]\MQL5
Navigate to the Experts folder
Inside the data folder, open the MQL5 subfolder, then open the Experts folder. This is the only folder MT5 recognises for Expert Advisors. Do not place your file anywhere else.
Copy your .ex5 file into the Experts folder
Drag and drop (or copy/paste) your .ex5 file directly into the Experts folder. No subfolders needed — just the root of Experts. You can close the Explorer window once the file is in place.
Tip: If you received multiple files (e.g. a DLL or SET file), place them all in the same Experts folder.
Refresh the Navigator panel in MT5
Back in MT5, find the Navigator panel on the left side (View → Navigator if it's hidden). Right-click on the "Expert Advisors" item in the tree and select Refresh. Your EA will appear in the list.
Tip: Alternatively, you can close and reopen MT5 entirely — it will scan the Experts folder on startup.
Open a chart for the correct symbol
In the Market Watch panel, find XAUUSD (or the symbol your EA is designed for). Right-click it and choose "Chart Window" to open a new chart. Set the timeframe your EA is configured for — check your EA documentation.
Tip: Pro-Scalper EAs are optimised for XAUUSD on M1 or M5. Check the product page for the recommended timeframe.
Drag the EA onto the chart
In the Navigator panel, find your EA under Expert Advisors. Drag it onto the open XAUUSD chart, or double-click it. An input settings window will open automatically.
Configure the EA inputs
The Inputs tab shows all the EA's adjustable parameters — lot size, stop loss distance, session times, and more. Set them according to your risk preference. When done, click OK.
Tip: Not sure what to set? Start with the default values. They are tested and safe for a standard account. You can adjust later.
Enable AutoTrading
This is the step most beginners miss. Click the AutoTrading button in the MT5 toolbar (it turns green when active). Without this, your EA will analyse the market but never place a trade.
Smiley face = EA is running correctly
Check the top-right corner of your chart. A smiley face means the EA is active and AutoTrading is enabled. A sad face (☹) means AutoTrading is off — click the toolbar button to enable it.
Tip: You should see a smiley face (😊) in the top-right corner of the chart when the EA is running correctly. A sad face means AutoTrading is off or the EA encountered an error.
Common Problems & Fixes
Something not working? These are the issues we see most often from new EA users.
EA not visible in Navigator after refresh
Make sure the .ex5 file is directly inside MQL5/Experts/ — not in a subfolder. Then right-click Expert Advisors → Refresh, or restart MT5.
Sad face (☹) icon on the chart
AutoTrading is disabled. Click the green AutoTrading button in the toolbar. Also check Tools → Options → Expert Advisors and ensure "Allow automated trading" is ticked.
"DLL imports are not allowed" error
Go to Tools → Options → Expert Advisors and tick "Allow DLL imports". Some EAs require a DLL for advanced features.
EA says "Trade is not allowed"
Right-click the chart → Expert Advisors → Properties → Common tab → tick "Allow live trading". Also verify your broker allows automated trading on your account type.
EA attached but no trades being placed
Check the Experts log tab at the bottom of MT5 for messages. Common causes: outside session hours, spread too high, insufficient margin, or the EA is waiting for its entry conditions.
"Invalid account" or licence error
Most EAs are tied to your MT5 account number. Make sure you are logged in to the account you registered the EA on. Contact support if the number is correct but it still fails.
AutoTrading: The Setting Most Beginners Miss
AutoTrading is MT5's global kill-switch for all automated activity. Even if your EA is perfectly installed and attached, it will silently do nothing if AutoTrading is off. There are two places to check:
Toolbar button
The AutoTrading button in the top toolbar. It should be green and read "AutoTrading". If it's grey/red, click it once to enable.
Options setting
Tools → Options → Expert Advisors → tick "Allow automated trading". This is the master switch — if unchecked, the toolbar button has no effect.
Chart-level permission
Right-click chart → Expert Advisors → Properties → Common → tick "Allow live trading". Each chart attachment has its own permission.
Broker account type
Some broker account types (read-only, investor password logins) do not allow automated trading. Make sure you're logged in with your full trading password.
Want the EA to trade while your PC is off?
Use a VPS (Virtual Private Server). It runs MT5 in the cloud 24/7, so your EA never misses a trade — even when you close your laptop. Many brokers offer a free VPS for accounts with a minimum balance. Ask your broker or search for "MT5 VPS" providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run multiple EAs on the same MT5?
Yes. Attach one EA per chart window. You can have multiple chart windows open simultaneously, each running a different EA or the same EA on a different symbol. Make sure your broker allows multiple open positions.
Does my computer need to stay on for the EA to trade?
Yes — MT5 must be running for the EA to work. If you turn off your PC, the EA stops. To trade 24/7 without leaving your computer on, use a VPS (Virtual Private Server). Many brokers offer free VPS for active accounts.
What is the difference between .ex5 and .mq5?
.mq5 is the source code (readable, editable). .ex5 is the compiled version (not readable, ready to run). You only need the .ex5 to use an EA. The .mq5 is only needed if you want to modify the code.
Can I use the EA on a demo account first?
Absolutely — and we recommend it. Attach the EA to a demo account chart, watch how it behaves across a few sessions, and get comfortable with the settings before going live.
How do I update the EA when a new version is released?
Close the EA on all charts first (drag it off or right-click → Remove). Then replace the .ex5 file in the Experts folder with the new version, refresh Navigator, and re-attach to your charts.
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