Beginner’s Guide: How to Install EA on Trading VPS

Installing an EA (Expert Advisor) on a trading VPS is the safest way to ensure that your trading robot can operate 24/7 without interruptions from power outages, laptop sleep mode, or internet disconnections. In this guide, you will learn step-by-step how to install an EA on a VPS for MT4/MT5, complete with a checklist and solutions for common issues. If you don’t have a trading account yet, read the previous guide on how to create an MT4/MT5 account.

Note: If you want a faster process with minimal errors, services like VPSTrading.net offer ready-to-use trading VPS (MetaTrader pre-installed) along with trading support tools, so you don’t have to set up from scratch.

Why Install EA on a Trading VPS?

Here are the most important reasons why traders, from beginners to professionals, use VPS:

• EA runs 24 hours without relying on personal laptops/PCs
• More stable connection (minimal interruptions)
• More consistent execution during busy market hours
• Protected from power and home internet disruptions
• Can run multiple MetaTrader terminals simultaneously

Preparation Before Installing EA on VPS

Prepare the following to ensure a smooth process:

1. VPS Access: IP/Hostname, Username, Password (Remote Desktop/RDP)
2. MetaTrader Application: MT4 or MT5
3. Trading Account: login, password, broker server
4. EA File:
   • MT4: .ex4 / .mq4
   • MT5: .ex5 / .mq5
5. (Optional) indicators/libraries/presets:
   • Indicators: .ex4/.ex5
   • Library: .dll
   • Preset: .set

Important Tip: EA for MT4 cannot be installed on MT5, and vice versa.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing EA on Trading VPS (MT4/MT5)

1) Log in to VPS using Remote Desktop (RDP)

• On Windows: press Windows + R → type mstsc → enter VPS IP → log in
• On Android: use Microsoft Remote Desktop App → Add PC → log in

Once logged in, treat the VPS like a regular Windows computer.

2) Ensure MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) is Installed

If not installed:

• Download the MetaTrader installer from your broker
• Install as usual
• Run MetaTrader at least once to create the data folder

More practical alternative: You can choose a forex VPS service from VPSTrading.net that is already prepared for MetaTrader needs, making the initial setup faster.

3) Open MetaTrader Data Folder (Correct Location for EA)

This is the part that often causes the EA to not appear.

1. Open MT4/MT5
2. Click File → Open Data Folder
3. Navigate to the folder:

• MT4: MQL4Experts
• MT5: MQL5Experts

Place the EA file in that folder.

If there are additional files:

• Indicators:
  • MT4: MQL4Indicators
  • MT5: MQL5Indicators
• Library/DLL:
  • MT4: MQL4Libraries
  • MT5: MQL5Libraries
• Preset .set: folder Presets

4) Transfer EA File from PC to VPS

The easiest methods:

A) Copy-Paste (via RDP)
Copy the EA file on your PC → paste it into the Experts folder on the VPS

B) Download on VPS
Open a browser on the VPS → download the EA → move it to the Experts folder

5) Restart MetaTrader to Recognize EA

• Close MetaTrader
• Reopen MetaTrader

Alternatively, right-click in the Navigator → Refresh (restarting is the safest option)

6) Enable AutoTrading / Algo Trading

To allow the EA to execute orders:

MT4

• Click the AutoTrading button until it turns green
• Tools → Options → Expert Advisors:
  • ✅ Allow Automated Trading
  • (If necessary) ✅ Allow DLL imports
  • (If necessary) ✅ Allow WebRequest

MT5

• Click Algo Trading until it is active
• Tools → Options → Expert Advisors:
  • Check the necessary boxes

7) Attach EA to Chart

1. Open the symbol chart (e.g., XAUUSD/EURUSD)
2. Select the timeframe according to the EA’s recommendation
3. Navigator → Expert Advisors → drag EA onto the chart
4. Set the EA parameters in the Inputs tab
5. Click OK

Indicator of active EA:

• There is a smiley icon / active status on the chart
• No fatal errors in the Experts/Journal tab

Important: Do Not “Log Off” VPS

To keep the EA running after you log out:

✅ Correct: Close the Remote Desktop window (disconnect) or use the Shutdown → Disconnect menu
❌ Incorrect: Shutdown or Log off (this will stop the Windows session and MetaTrader may stop working)

Checklist for Installing EA on VPS

✅ EA is in MQL4Experts / MQL5Experts
✅ MetaTrader has restarted
✅ AutoTrading/Algo Trading is ON
✅ Allow Automated Trading is active
✅ EA has been attached to the chart and is active
✅ Broker connection is normal (not “No connection”)
✅ Exit VPS by disconnecting, not logging off

Common Troubleshooting

EA Not Appearing in Navigator

Cause: wrong folder or MetaTrader has not restarted
Solution: File → Open Data Folder → re-place → restart MetaTrader

EA Installed but Not Entering Trades

Check:

• Is AutoTrading ON?
• Is Allow automated trading ON?
• Are there errors in Experts/Journal?

Error “DLL not allowed”

Solution:

• Enable Allow DLL imports

Recommendation: Ready-to-Use Trading VPS

If you want quick results with minimal trial and error, consider a VPS specifically designed for trading.

At VPSTrading.net, you will generally receive:

• A VPS focused on trading needs (stable for MT4/MT5)
• MetaTrader installation ready for use (faster start)
• Trading support tools to assist operational activities (setup, monitoring, autorun, metaguard, and other technical needs depending on the package/service)

Ideal for beginners who want to focus on strategy & risk management, not technical hassles.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can EA run 24 hours if the laptop is off?
A: Yes, because the EA runs on the VPS.

Q: How many MetaTrader/EAs can be run on a VPS?
A: Depends on the VPS CPU and RAM, as well as the EA load (heavy indicators/frequent executions).