How to Stop MetaTrader 4 Automatic Updates

Understanding the Need to Disable Automatic Updates

To start off our tutorial on how to stop MetaTrader 4 Automatic Updates, it's crucial to understand the reasons behind the need to prevent these updates from happening automatically. MetaTrader 4 is an immensely popular trading platform known for its robustness, dependability, and the extensive array of features it offers to traders. However, while automatic updates are typically deployed to introduce new functionalities and enhance security, they can sometimes bring about changes that may not align with every user's preferences or requirements.

Here are several compelling reasons why one might seek to stop MetaTrader 4 automatic updates:

Compatibility Issues: Traders often rely on custom indicators, scripts, or Expert Advisors (EAs) that are intricately customized to their trading strategy. Updates could potentially alter the MT4 environment in ways that render these tools incompatible, thereby disrupting trading operations.
Stability Concerns: Updates are intended to improve the platform, but on occasion, they can introduce bugs or performance issues. For traders who depend on the platform's stability for their daily trading activities, sticking with a version that they know to be reliable is paramount.
Learning Curve: With updates possibly changing the platform's interface or functionality, traders who have invested considerable time in mastering MT4 may not wish to adapt to new changes or relearn aspects of the platform, preferring to maintain their efficiency and effectiveness.
Regulatory and Broker Compatibility: Some updates might conflict with specific regulatory standards or the proprietary features of brokers. Maintaining a particular version of MT4 can be crucial for ensuring uninterrupted integration with broker systems and adherence to trading regulations.
Controlled Testing Environment: For traders conducting strategy or tool testing, controlling every variable is essential, including the trading platform version. Automatic updates could introduce unforeseen changes that might skew test results.

Acknowledging these factors, the decision to stop MetaTrader 4 automatic updates empowers traders to preserve a consistent and stable trading environment, tailored to their unique strategies and preferences. Now, with a clear understanding of why halting automatic updates can be critical, let's delve into the step-by-step process required to ensure your MetaTrader 4 platform remains precisely as you wish, free from unwanted updates.

Disabling MetaTrader 4 Automatic Updates

Step 1: Check Your Current MetaTrader 4 Build Version

Open MetaTrader 4, navigate to the top menu, and click on “Help” -> “About”.
A pop-up window will appear where you can find the build version in the lower-left corner.

Screenshot of the MetaTrader 4 trading platform with a focus on the 'About' pop-up window. The platform's interface is visible in the background with a currency pair chart, trading indicators, and menu options. A red arrow points from the 'Help' menu at the top towards the 'About' window which displays information about the MetaTrader version.

Step 2: Open The Data Folder of Your MetaTrader

From the MetaTrader top menu, click on “File” -> “Open Data Folder”. An explorer window will pop up, showing your data folder.

Screenshot demonstrating how to access the data folder in the MetaTrader 4 trading platform. The image shows the platform's interface with multiple currency pair charts in the background. A red arrow points from the 'File' menu at the top left of the screen towards the 'Open Data Folder' option, which is highlighted.

Step 3: Locate the WebInstall Folder

Pay attention to the URL of the data folder, which should contain “AppData > Roaming > MetaQuotes > Terminal” followed by a series of numbers and letters.
Navigate up until you are in the “MetaQuotes” folder, which can usually be done by clicking on the word “MetaQuotes” in the URL.

Screenshot illustrating the navigation process to the 'MetaQuotes' folder within the MetaTrader 4 data structure. The MetaTrader 4 trading platform is visible in the background, with market price charts and various trading indicators.

Step 4: Replace The WebInstall Folder

Rename the “WebInstall” folder to “WebInstall-backup”.
Download a specific file: WebInstall
Copy it into the folder

A close-up view of a Windows Explorer window showing the contents of the 'MetaQuotes' directory. Within the directory, there are several folders and a file, but the focus is on two items circled in red: a folder named 'WebInstall-backup' and a file named 'WebInstall'. The 'WebInstall' file is selected, and it displays a size of 0 KB, indicating that it is empty.

Step 5: Close the Terminal

Ensure you close the MetaTrader terminal before proceeding to the next step.

Step 6: Download MetaTrader Version

Download the MetaTrader 4 build version you wish to use from: https://mega.nz/folder/yFEAnLRL#0j1_fDzNFhEcU_KLxqv3hg

Step 7: Locate The Terminal.exe on Your PC

MetaTrader core files are usually located in “C:\Program Files (x86)\”.
Right-click on the MetaTrader icon on your desktop and select “Open file location” to find the correct folder.

The image displays a computer screen with a context menu open over the MetaTrader 4 shortcut icon, presumably on the desktop, with the option "Open file location" highlighted.

Step 8: Replace terminal.exe

Unzip the folder with the MetaTrader build version you downloaded and replace the files in the folder with the MetaTrader core files. Choose “Copy and Replace” when prompted.

The image is a screenshot of a file conflict dialog on a Windows operating system. The user is attempting to copy a file named "terminal.exe" into the "MetaTrader 4" directory located in the Program Files (x86) folder, but there is already a file with the same name in that destination.

Step 9: Restart MetaTrader Terminal

Restart your MetaTrader to finalize the update prevention process.
To verify, repeat step 1 to ensure the build version matches the one you installed.

A smaller window labeled "About" is open on top of the trading charts. Inside this window, there is information pertaining to the trading platform itself: the company name "Global Prime Pty Ltd", the address, contact information, and website, along with an email for support. Notably, the window also indicates the version of the software being used, which is "MetaTrader 4 Version: 4.00 build 1409" and the build date, "22 Feb 2024".

Conclusion

This workaround disables automatic updates for MetaTrader 4 by manipulating the update mechanism. Remember, this process might need to be repeated if MetaTrader somehow bypasses these changes or after a manual update. Always proceed with caution and back up important files before making any modifications.

Disclaimer

By following the steps provided in this tutorial to stop MetaTrader 4 automatic updates, you acknowledge and accept the risks associated with disabling automatic updates. Halting these updates can lead to security vulnerabilities, missed enhancements, compatibility issues with brokers or external tools, and unresolved performance problems. It's crucial to understand that choosing to manually control your MetaTrader 4 version comes with potential impacts on your trading environment's security and functionality.

Please be aware that the author of this guide and any affiliated entities cannot be held liable for any consequences, including direct or indirect damages or losses, that may arise from implementing the steps to disable automatic updates. Proceeding with this action is at your own discretion and risk. Always ensure you have a solid backup and recovery strategy before making any changes to your trading software setup.