How do I uninstall MT4?

To uninstall MetaTrader 4 (MT4), the most common and recommended method is through your Windows operating system's "Apps" or "Programs and Features" settings. This ensures a clean removal of the primary application files.

Methods to Uninstall MetaTrader 4

There are a few ways to remove MT4 from your computer, depending on your Windows version and personal preference.

1. Using Windows Settings (Recommended for Windows 10/11)

This is the simplest and most direct way to remove MT4, especially on modern Windows versions.

1. Click on the Start Menu (usually the Windows icon) and select Settings (the gear icon).
2. In the Settings window, click on Apps, then select Installed apps from the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll down the list or use the search bar to find the entry for your MT4 installation. It might be named something like FXGlory-MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 4, or [Your Broker's Name] - MetaTrader 4.
4. Click on the application entry, then click the Uninstall button.
5. Follow any on-screen prompts from the uninstallation wizard to complete the process.

For more information, you can refer to the official Microsoft Support page on uninstalling apps.

2. Using the Control Panel (Alternative for Older Windows or if Settings method isn't visible)

This method is reliable across various Windows versions and provides a comprehensive list of installed programs.

1. Open the Control Panel. You can do this by searching for "Control Panel" in the Start Menu search bar.
2. Under the "Programs" section, click on Uninstall a program (or "Programs and Features" if your view is set to large/small icons).
3. Locate your MetaTrader 4 installation in the list. It will likely be named similar to FXGlory-MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 4, or [Your Broker's Name] - MetaTrader 4.
4. Select it and click the Uninstall button at the top of the list.
5. Follow the instructions provided by the uninstaller wizard.

Detailed guidance is available on the Microsoft Support page for repairing or removing programs.

3. Using the MT4 Installation Directory Uninstaller (If other methods fail)

Sometimes, the uninstaller can be directly accessed from the program's installation folder if other methods encounter issues.

1. Navigate to the directory where MT4 is installed. Typically, this is C:\Program Files\MetaTrader 4 or C:\Program Files (x86)\MetaTrader 4, or a custom path you chose during installation.
2. Look for an executable file named uninstall.exe or uninstaller.exe.
3. Double-click this file and follow the on-screen instructions to remove the program.

Cleaning Up Residual Files

After uninstalling MT4, some leftover files, folders, and even registry entries might remain. While not always strictly necessary, cleaning these can free up disk space and prevent potential conflicts if you plan to reinstall MT4 or install a different trading platform in the future.

Manual Cleanup Steps

Before proceeding with manual deletion, ensure MT4 is completely uninstalled and closed.

• Program Files/Program Files (x86): Check the original installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\MetaTrader 4 or C:\Program Files (x86)\MetaTrader 4) and delete any remaining folders related to MT4 or your broker's terminal.
• AppData Folder: MT4 often stores user profiles, custom indicators, expert advisors (EAs), and templates here.
  • Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R.
  • Type %APPDATA% and press Enter.
  • Look for a folder named MetaQuotes and delete any MT4-related terminal folders within it (e.g., C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\XXXXXXXXX, where XXXXX is a unique identifier).
  • Also check %LOCALAPPDATA% and %PROGRAMDATA% for similar MetaQuotes or MT4-related folders.
• Caution regarding Registry: While more advanced users might delete registry entries (e.g., HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MetaQuotes or HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MetaQuotes), this is generally not recommended for beginners as incorrect modifications can cause severe system instability.

Important Considerations Before Uninstalling

Before you begin the uninstallation process, keep these points in mind:

• Backup Customizations: If you have custom indicators, Expert Advisors (EAs), scripts, or templates that you wish to keep, make sure to back them up before uninstalling. These are usually located in the MQL4 folder within your MT4 installation directory or its AppData path.
• Close MT4: Ensure that all instances of MetaTrader 4 are completely closed before starting the uninstallation process to avoid errors or incomplete removal.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is typically not required for uninstallation, but ensure no background processes related to MT4 are actively running or connected.