This is a step by step guide on how to download and install MetaTrader 5 on Linux. Start trading with MT5 and FBS!
What is MetaTrader 5?
MetaTrader 5 is a multi-asset trading platform designed for traders who want access to a broader range of markets and more advanced trading tools. MT5 allows you to trade Forex, stocks, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and futures from one interface via a reliable online broker like FBS. It provides advanced charting, faster execution, powerful algorithmic trading and more.
MT5 is available for Windows, macOS, web browsers, and mobile devices, but in this article we will break down how to run it on Linux systems (like Ubuntu) using a compatibility tool like Wine.
How to download and install MT5 on Linux Desktop
Step 1: Install a compatibility tool
A compatibility tool allows you to run MT5 on Linux. We recommend Wine, so you can trade from a lightweight, open-source system (often faster and more stable than Windows on older machines).
1. Open a terminal window and type the following command to install the latest version of Wine Stable:
sudo apt-get install wine-stable
2. To install a version for developers, type in:
sudo apt-get install wine-developmen
3. You might see an error when installing if your Ubuntu version lacks a repository. To fix it, type in the following commands one by one:
4. The next command will help you update the package information:
5. Finally, install Wine:
sudo apt-get install --install-recommends winehq-stable
6. Confirm Wine is installed:
You should see wine-6.0 or newer.
Step 2: Download MetaTrader from FBS
Download the Windows version (an .exe file) of MT5 from the Trading Platforms section of fbs.com.
Step 3: Install MetaTrader using Wine
After you’ve downloaded the setup file, run it. There are two options:
Open it with Wine Windows Program Loader, follow the installation steps in the Windows-style setup window and run terminal.exe.
Copy the folder containing the terminal’s previously installed files from a Windows system. Once copied, simply launch the terminal’s executable file, terminal.exe — it will automatically open using Wine.
If you run into an issue while installing MT5 on Linux using the methods we’ve described, try a web version of MT5 or a mobile version. To learn how to trade from your mobile device, read the FBS article Three Steps to Start Trading on Your Mobile Device.
Once you register with FBS, create a trading account and log in (if you haven’t already).
How to download and install MT5 using only one command
To make the installation as easy as possible, type this into your terminal command line:
wget https://download.mql5.com/cdn/web/metaquotes.software.corp/mt5/mt5ubuntu.sh ; chmod +x mt5ubuntu.sh ; ./mt5ubuntu.sh
The script will be downloaded and run automatically - just enter your password.