How To Properly Install MetaTrader 5 On Linux

Things You Need to Install MT5 on Linux

MetaTrader 5 is built for Windows. To run it on Linux, you need special tools. These tools help Windows programs work on Linux systems. Here are the main tools you can use.

Wine

Wine stands for “Wine Is Not an Emulator.” It lets Windows programs run on Linux without installing Windows. Wine translates Windows commands into Linux commands. This makes MT5 think it’s running on Windows.

Wine is free and works well with most programs. It has been around for many years. Many Linux users trust Wine for running Windows software. Wine gives you complete control over your installation.

Official Scripts

MetaQuotes provides official installation scripts for Linux. These scripts automatically install Wine and MT5 together. They work on Ubuntu and Debian systems.

Official scripts are the fastest way to install MT5. They require minimal setup and work reliably. The script handles all technical details automatically.

Requirements and Compatibility to Run MT5 on Linux 

Your computer needs at least 4GB RAM and 5GB free storage space. Wine version 6.0 or newer works best. Older Wine versions may cause crashes or display problems. MT5 runs well for live trading with these requirements.

Types of Linux That Support MT5

Most Linux distributions can run MetaTrader 5, but some work better than others. Here are the best options for MT5 installation.

1. Ubuntu

Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution. It has official support from MetaQuotes. The installation scripts work perfectly on Ubuntu. Most online guides are written for Ubuntu systems.

2. Debian

Debian is Ubuntu’s parent distribution. It also has official script support from MetaQuotes. Debian is very stable and reliable for trading. Many servers use Debian for trading systems.

3. Linux Mint

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu. It works well with MT5 installation methods. Mint has a user-friendly interface similar to Windows. This makes it good for traders switching from Windows.

4. Fedora

Fedora doesn’t have official script support. But you can still install MT5 using Wine or Bottles. Fedora users need to install Wine manually first.

5. Other Distributions

Most other Linux distributions can run MT5 through Wine. You may need to install Wine and dependencies manually. The process is harder on less common distributions.

How to Install MT5 on Linux

There are two main ways to install MetaTrader 5 on Linux. You ca

Each method has different benefits. Choose the one that fits your skill level and needs.

Method 1: Automatic Installation via Official Script

The official script is the fastest and most reliable method. MetaQuotes maintains these scripts, so they always work with the latest MT5 versions. This method is perfect for beginners who want quick setup.

Step 1: Check Your System

Before starting, make sure you’re using Ubuntu or Debian Linux. Open terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T and type this command to check:

lsb_release -a

Press Enter and you’ll see your Linux distribution name. The official script only works on Ubuntu and Debian systems. If you use a different Linux distribution, use the Wine method below.

Step 2: Open Terminal

If you haven’t already, press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the terminal. Make sure you have an active internet connection before proceeding. You can test this by typing “ping google.com” and pressing Enter. If you see responses, your internet works fine. Press Ctrl+C to stop the ping test.

Step 3: Run Installation Command

Copy and paste the given command for your system. Don’t type it manually to avoid errors.

For Ubuntu systems:

wget https://download.mql5.com/cdn/web/metaquotes.software.corp/mt5/mt5ubuntu.sh ; chmod +x mt5ubuntu.sh ; ./mt5ubuntu.sh

For Debian systems:

wget https://download.mql5.com/cdn/web/metaquotes.software.corp/mt5/mt5debian.sh ; chmod +x mt5debian.sh ; ./mt5debian.sh

Right-click in the terminal and select “Paste” to paste the command. Then press Enter to start the installation.

Step 4: Install Dependencies

The script will check what’s already installed on your system. It might ask “Do you want to continue? [Y/n]” – always type “Y” and press Enter. This installs Wine and other required components.

If prompted to install additional packages like Mono or Gecko, type “Y” and press Enter. These packages are essential for MT5 to work properly.

Step 5: Complete Wine Installation

The script automatically downloads and installs the correct Wine version for your system. This process takes 5-15 minutes depending on your internet speed. You’ll see text scrolling in the terminal – this is normal.

Don’t close the terminal window or interrupt the process. If installation stops or shows errors, restart your computer and try again.

Step 6: Install MT5

After Wine installation completes, the MT5 installation wizard will automatically appear. This looks exactly like installing MT5 on Windows. Click “Next” through each screen, read and accept the license agreement, and choose your installation preferences.

The default installation location works fine for most users. The installation takes 2-3 minutes and you are ready to use MT5 now.

Method 2: Manual Installation via Wine

Wine gives you complete control over your MT5 installation. It’s perfect for advanced users who want to customize everything. Wine also uses the least computer resources and works on all Linux distributions.

Step 1: Install Wine

First, you need to open the terminal to type commands. Press Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard to open the terminal window. The terminal is where you type commands to install software on Linux.

For Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install wine

For Fedora:

sudo dnf update

sudo dnf install wine

For Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S wine

Type these commands exactly as shown and press Enter after each line. Your system will ask for your password when you use “sudo” – this is normal and required for installing software.

Step 2: Configure Wine

After Wine installs successfully, you need to configure it for MT5. In the same terminal window, type this command:

winecfg

Press Enter and a Wine configuration window will open. This window lets you change how Wine behaves. Click on the “Applications” tab at the top. In the “Windows version” dropdown menu, select “Windows 10.” This tells Wine to pretend it’s running Windows 10, which MT5 needs to work properly.

Click “OK” to save these settings and close the window.

Step 3: Install Wine Dependencies

MT5 needs special Windows libraries to work correctly. In your terminal, type this command:

winetricks

Press Enter and a new window called Winetricks will open. This tool helps install Windows components that programs need. Click “Select the default wineprefix” and then click “OK.” Next, click “Install a Windows DLL or component” and click “OK.”

Find and check the boxes for “vcredist2019” and “dotnet48” in the list. These are important libraries for MT5. Click “OK” to install them. This process takes 5-10 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Step 4: Download MT5 Installer

Open your web browser and go to the MetaQuotes website at www.metatrader5.com. Click the “Download” button to get the MT5 installer file called “mt5setup.exe.” Your browser will download this file to your Downloads folder, which is usually located at /home/yourusername/Downloads/.

Make sure you download from the official MetaQuotes website only. Fake MT5 installers can steal your trading information.

Step 5: Install MT5

Go back to your terminal window. You need to navigate to where you downloaded the MT5 installer. Type this command:

cd ~/Downloads

Press Enter to go to your Downloads folder. Now run the MT5 installer through Wine by typing:

wine mt5setup.exe

Press Enter and the MT5 installation wizard will appear just like on Windows. Click “Next” through each screen, accept the license agreement, and choose where to install MT5. The default location works fine for most users.

Step 6: Launch MT5

After installation completes, you can start MT5 by typing this command in terminal:

bash

wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/MetaTrader\ 5/terminal.exe

Press Enter and MT5 will start. You can also create a desktop shortcut by right-clicking on your desktop, selecting “Create Launcher,” and using the above command as the launch command.

A Quick Comparison of All Installation Methods of MT5 on Linux

Each installation method has different strengths. This table helps you choose the best method for your needs and skill level.

When to Use Each Method

Choose Official Script if: You use Ubuntu or Debian and want the fastest, most reliable installation with zero technical knowledge required.

Choose Manual Wine if: You use any Linux distribution, want complete control over your installation, or the official script doesn’t work for your system.

Why Use MetaTrader 5 on Linux?

Linux is a free operating system used by many developers and tech professionals. Most traders use Windows, but Linux offers better benefits for trading. Using MetaTrader 5 on Linux gives you several advantages.

Benefits of Using MetaTrader 5 on Linux

Better Security: Linux is safer than Windows. It gets fewer viruses and malware attacks. This keeps your trading money and data more secure.

More Stable: Linux runs smoothly for long periods without crashes. This is important for traders who need their platform running 24/7. Your trading bots and automated systems work better.

Costs Nothing: Linux is completely free. You don’t pay licensing fees like Windows requires. This saves money for traders on a budget.

Better Performance: Linux uses less computer resources than Windows. Your computer runs faster and can handle more trading programs at once.

Easy to Customize: You can change Linux to work exactly how you want. Set up your trading environment perfectly for your needs.

Strong Community: Linux has millions of helpful users worldwide. You can find answers to problems quickly in forums and guides.

Good for Developers: Many traders also write code. Linux works great with programming tools and trading algorithms.

How to Troubleshoot Common MT5 Installation Errors on Linux?

While installing MT5 on Linux usually works smoothly, you might face some problems. Here are solutions to the most common issues.

1. Installation Fails to Start

This problem occurs when Wine is missing or not properly installed on your system. Linux needs Wine to run Windows programs like MT5. Some installations might also be incomplete or corrupted.

Solution

First, open your terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T. Then install Wine and its helper tools by typing these commands:

sudo apt install wine winetricks

Press Enter and type your password when prompted. This ensures Wine is properly installed with all necessary components. If you’re trying to run an installation file, make sure it has proper permissions by typing:

chmod +x filename.exe

Replace “filename.exe” with your actual MT5 installer name. This gives the file permission to run on your system.

2. MetaTrader 5 Crashes on Launch

MT5 crashes happen when Wine thinks it’s running on an old Windows version. MT5 needs specific Windows libraries to work properly. Outdated graphics drivers also cause crashes because MT5 uses advanced graphics features.

Solution

Open Wine configuration by typing this in terminal:

winecfg

When the Wine configuration window opens, click on the “Applications” tab at the top. In the “Windows version” dropdown menu, select “Windows 10” and click “Apply.” This tells MT5 it’s running on a modern Windows system.

Next, update your graphics drivers through your system settings. For Ubuntu users, go to “Software & Updates” and click the “Additional Drivers” tab to install recommended graphics drivers.

Finally, install missing Windows libraries by typing:

winetricks vcredist2019 dotnet48

These are Microsoft Visual C++ and .NET Framework components that MT5 needs to run properly.

3. Graphical Glitches or Poor Performance

Display problems happen because Wine doesn’t have all Windows graphics libraries by default. MT5 uses DirectX for smooth charts and graphics. Without proper graphics support, you get slow performance or corrupted display elements.

Solution

Install DirectX and graphics improvements by opening terminal and typing:

winetricks d3dx9 dxvk

This installs DirectX 9 libraries and DXVK (a Vulkan-based graphics layer). After installation, restart MT5 to see the improvements.

If using Bottles, open your MT5 bottle settings and enable DXVK by clicking the toggle switch next to it. This provides better graphics performance automatically.

4. Network Connection Issues

MT5 can’t connect to brokers when Wine blocks network access or your firewall blocks MT5. Wine sometimes doesn’t pass network permissions correctly to Windows programs. This prevents MT5 from downloading price data or connecting to your broker’s servers.

Solution

First, test if your internet works by opening a web browser and visiting any website. If the internet works elsewhere, the problem is with Wine’s network settings.

Open Wine configuration by typing:

winecfg

Click on the “Libraries” tab. In the “New override for library” field, type “wininet” and click “Add.” Then select “wininet” from the list and click “Edit.” Choose “Native (Windows)” and click “OK.” This tells Wine to use Windows networking components.

If you have a firewall active, configure it to allow Wine and MT5. In Ubuntu, open “Firewall Configuration” from your applications menu and add exceptions for Wine programs.

5. Wine Version Compatibility Problems

Different Wine versions handle Windows programs differently. Newer Wine versions sometimes break compatibility with older programs. MT5 was designed for specific Windows features that might not work in all Wine versions.

Solution

Check your Wine version by typing this in terminal:

wine –version

If you have Wine version older than 6.0, update it by adding the official Wine repository:

sudo apt install software-properties-common

sudo apt-add-repository ‘deb https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ focal main’

sudo apt update

sudo apt install winehq-stable

If MT5 was working but stopped after a Wine update, you can downgrade to the previous version. First, check available versions:

apt list –installed | grep wine

Then install a specific older version if needed. Stable Wine versions (like 6.0, 7.0, 8.0) work better than development versions for trading.

6. 32-bit vs 64-bit Architecture Issues

Wine can run in 32-bit or 64-bit mode, but MT5 expects a specific architecture. When Wine is configured for the wrong architecture, MT5 installer fails or crashes. This happens because Windows programs need matching system architecture to load their libraries correctly.

Solution

Set Wine to use 64-bit architecture by typing these commands in terminal:

export WINEARCH=win64

winecfg

The first command tells Wine to use 64-bit mode. The second opens Wine configuration where you should see “Windows 10” and “64-bit” in the settings. If you see 32-bit, delete your Wine prefix and start over:

rm -rf ~/.wine

export WINEARCH=win64

winecfg

This creates a fresh 64-bit Wine environment for MT5.

Performance & Live Trading Considerations

Running MT5 through Wine on Linux affects performance compared to native Windows installation. Here’s what to expect for live trading.

Real Trading Performance Expectations

MT5 on Linux runs about 5-10% slower than native Windows. This small difference rarely affects manual trading. However, high-frequency algorithmic trading might notice the delay.

Order execution speed remains fast enough for most trading styles. Scalping and day trading work fine with proper setup.

Resource Usage Comparison

Stability Recommendations

Hardware Recommendations:

• Minimum 8GB RAM for comfortable trading
• SSD storage for faster chart loading
• Stable internet connection with backup option

Risk Management:

• Always test your setup with demo accounts first
• Have a backup trading method ready (web platform or mobile app)
• Monitor system performance during important trading sessions

Conclusion

MetaTrader 5 works well on Linux with the right setup method. You have four reliable options: Wine for full control, PlayOnLinux for simple interface, official scripts for quick setup, or Bottles for modern app management. Each method runs MT5 smoothly for live trading.

Beginners should use official scripts on Ubuntu or Debian. Advanced users can try Wine for maximum control. Always download MT5 from official sources and test with demo accounts first. Keep your system updated for best performance.

Linux provides better security and stability than Windows for trading. MT5 runs reliably on Linux for both manual and automated trading with proper setup.