How to Use MT5 on Windows VPS and Run Multiple MT5 Instances

With Cloud Clusters's MT5 pre-installed Windows VPS, you can get started with MetaTrader 5 without manual installation. Our self-developed MT5 Multi-Instance Manager allows you to create one or multiple independent MT5 terminals, log in to different trading accounts, and run them simultaneously on a single Windows VPS. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your MT5 instances, configure different trading accounts, manage multiple terminals, and enable automatic recovery after a server restart.

Step 1: Connect to Your Windows VPS and Open MT5 Manager

• First, connect to your Windows VPS using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
• Locate the Create & Manage MT5 Instances shortcut.
• Double-click the shortcut to open the MT5 Multi-Instance Manager.

This is Cloud Clusters's self-developed utility for creating and managing multiple independent MT5 terminals. You will use this tool throughout the setup process.

Step 2: Create One or Multiple MT5 Instances

You can create a single MT5 terminal or multiple independent terminals at once. In the MT5 Multi-Instance Manager, configure the following options:

1. Select the Broker's MT5 Installation
   Select the broker-specific MT5 installation you want to use as the source for creating new instances. For example, IC Markets MT5 or Exness MT5.
   

2. Enter an Instance Name
   Enter a name for your MT5 instance or instances. Choose a descriptive name to make each terminal easier to identify and manage.
   

3. Set the Batch Count and Start Immediately
   Enter the number of MT5 instances you want to create in Batch Count. You can create additional instances later whenever needed.

The manager automatically skips instance names that already exist. Check Start immediately if you want the newly created MT5 terminals to launch automatically once creation is complete.

4. Create Your MT5 Instances

Click Create Instance(s) to start the process and wait for the manager to finish creating your instances. The new terminals will appear in the instance list.

Step 3: Log In to Different Trading Accounts

Once your MT5 instances have been created and launched, you can log in to the corresponding broker accounts in each terminal.

Each MT5 instance operates independently, maintaining its own account credentials, broker connection settings, and terminal data. You can log in to different brokers and trading accounts in separate MT5 windows. Logging in to or switching accounts in one instance does not automatically change the account in another instance.

After logging in, verify that each MT5 terminal successfully connects to its corresponding broker.

Step 4: Run Multiple MT5 Terminals Simultaneously

After configuring your trading accounts, you can run multiple MT5 terminals simultaneously on the same Windows VPS.

You can now manage multiple trading accounts without repeatedly logging out and switching accounts within a single MT5 terminal.

Step 5: Start, Stop, and Manage Multiple MT5 Instances

Once you have created multiple terminals, you can manage them directly through the MT5 Multi-Instance Manager. The manager provides batch controls, so you do not need to open each instance individually.

Start Multiple MT5 Terminals

To launch existing instances: Select the instances you want to launch. Click Start Selected.

Wait until their status changes to Running.

Stop Multiple MT5 Terminals

To close selected instances: Select the MT5 terminals you want to stop. Click Stop Selected.

Wait until their status changes to Stopped.

Only the selected instances will stop. Other running terminals will continue operating.

Important: Stopping an instance only closes the terminal. Its individual folder, configuration, and saved data remain intact. You do not need to create the instance again.

Delete an MT5 Instance You No Longer Need

If you no longer need a particular MT5 terminal, you can permanently remove it through the manager. Follow these steps:

1. Open the MT5 Multi-Instance Manager.
2. Select the instance you want to remove. Click Destroy Selected.

3. Review the instance name in the confirmation dialog. Click Yes to confirm deletion.

The selected instance and its isolated data directory will be permanently deleted. Other MT5 instances will remain unaffected. If you only want to close a terminal temporarily while keeping its data, use Stop Selected instead.

Step 6: Configure Automatic MT5 Recovery After a VPS Restart

If your Windows VPS restarts, the MT5 Multi-Instance Manager can attempt to restore the instances that were running before the restart. The manager records the running status of each instance and uses this information during the recovery process.

Before Restarting Your VPS

1. Open the MT5 Multi-Instance Manager.
2. Check the Status column.
3. Make sure the MT5 instances you want to restore are running.
4. Verify their Auto-Restore status.

Instances that were stopped before the restart will remain closed.

After Your VPS Restarts

1. Connect to your Windows VPS through Remote Desktop.
2. Sign in to the Windows desktop.
3. Allow time for the recovery process to reopen previously running MT5 instances.
4. Open the manager to verify that the expected terminals are running.

Important:

Automatic recovery requires a Windows user session. MT5 will not start before someone signs in to the Windows desktop after a reboot.

Also, reopening an MT5 terminal does not guarantee that its broker connection or automated trading activity has resumed. Always verify the connection status and trading activity inside each terminal.

Step 7: Access and Back Up Individual MT5 Instance Files

Each MT5 instance has its own isolated directory, keeping its configuration and trading-related files separate from other terminals. To access an individual instance folder:

1. Open the MT5 Multi-Instance Manager.
2. Select the instance you want to access.
3. Click Open Folder.
4. Windows File Explorer will open the selected instance's directory.

You can use this directory to locate or back up important MT5 files. If no instance is selected, clicking Open Folder opens the main MT5 instances directory.

Tip: Back up important files before modifying or deleting an instance, especially if you have custom configurations, indicators, or Expert Advisors.