How to install an Expert Advisor in MetaTrader 5
Updated 4 October 2026 · EzoO Bots
An Expert Advisor (EA) is a program that trades for you inside MetaTrader 5. Installing one takes about five minutes. This guide uses EzoO Frame as the example, but the steps are the same for any EA file that ends in .ex5.
What you need
- MetaTrader 5 installed on a Windows computer or a Windows VPS.
- A trading account at your broker (start with a demo account).
- The EA file, for example EzoO_Frame.ex5.
- A licence key if the EA needs one. EzoO Frame keys are tied to one MT5 account number.
Step 1: Open the MT5 data folder
In MetaTrader 5 click File › Open Data Folder. A Windows folder opens. Go into MQL5, then Experts.
Every MT5 installation has its own data folder. If you run two MetaTrader terminals (two brokers, or a terminal on a VPS), open the data folder from the terminal you want to trade in.
Step 2: Copy the EA file into Experts
Copy EzoO_Frame.ex5 into the Experts folder. Keep the file name exactly as it is. If Windows hides file extensions you may see only "EzoO_Frame", which is fine.
Step 3: Refresh the Navigator
Back in MT5, open the Navigator window (Ctrl + N). Right-click Expert Advisors and choose Refresh. The EA now appears in the list. Restarting MT5 does the same.
Step 4: Attach it to a chart
Open a chart of the symbol you want to trade, for example XAUUSD. Drag the EA from the Navigator onto the chart. A settings window opens.
Step 5: Allow trading and enter your key
- On the Common tab tick Allow Algo Trading.
- On the Inputs tab double-click the value next to License Key and paste your key.
- Check the other inputs (starting lot, multiplier, take profit, drawdown limits) and click OK.
Step 6: Turn on Algo Trading
Click the Algo Trading button in the MT5 toolbar so it turns green. In the top-right corner of the chart the EA's hat icon turns blue. EzoO Frame also shows a panel with License Active and RUNNING.
Keep it running
An EA only trades while MetaTrader 5 is open and connected. If your computer sleeps or loses internet, the EA stops. Many traders run MT5 on a VPS (a computer in a data centre that stays on all the time). Some brokers offer a free VPS once your account meets their conditions.
Common problems and fixes
"License Key is not valid"
The key belongs to one MT5 account number. Check that the number at the top of MT5 matches the account you used to get the key, and paste the key without spaces.
The hat icon is grey or crossed
Algo trading is off. Click Algo Trading in the toolbar and make sure "Allow Algo Trading" is ticked on the EA's Common tab.
The EA is not in the Navigator
The file is probably in another terminal's data folder. Use File › Open Data Folder from the terminal you are using, paste the file into MQL5 › Experts and refresh.
No trades yet
Most EAs wait for their own entry conditions. Also check that the market is open, the spread is not above the EA's maximum spread, and read the messages in the Experts tab at the bottom of MT5.
Prefer to watch it? The setup tutorial on our home page shows every step with an English voice-over.
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