If you're running multiple trading terminals — such as MT4, MT5, NinjaTrader, or custom applications — having them launch automatically at startup can save time and reduce manual work. This guide shows you how to configure Windows Server 2022 to automatically run your trading platforms every time you log on to your VPS, using either the Startup folder (recommended) or the Windows Registry Run key (advanced).
Important — these methods run at logon, not at boot: Both methods below (Startup folder and Registry Run key) only fire when a user actually logs on to the VPS — that means when you connect over RDP. On a headless VPS, nothing logs on automatically after a reboot, so your trading platforms will not be running the moment the server powers on. They'll launch as soon as you RDP in and your session starts. If you need something running before anyone connects, that requires a Windows Service or a scheduled task configured to run "whether user is logged on or not" — that's outside the scope of this guide; contact support if you need help with that setup.
Why This Matters
For active traders, especially those using several terminals across different accounts, restarting a VPS shouldn't require relaunching every platform manually. Setting them to auto-start ensures:
Your terminals are always up and running
You're ready to trade immediately after logging back in following a reboot
Minimal downtime if the server restarts during market hours
Method 1 (Recommended): Add a Shortcut to the Startup Folder
This is the simplest and safest way to auto-launch a program at logon — no registry editing required.
Step #1: Open the Startup Folder
Press Win + R
Type:
shell:startupPress Enter — this opens your personal Startup folder
Step #2: Add a Shortcut for Each Trading Platform
Right-click your trading platform's desktop shortcut (or find the .exe in its install folder), and select Copy
Go back to the Startup folder window and Paste (or right-click → paste shortcut)
Repeat for each additional terminal you want to launch automatically
That's it — anything with a shortcut in this folder launches automatically the next time you log on to the VPS.
Note: If you create or edit a shortcut's target path manually and the install path contains spaces (e.g., C:\Program Files\MetaTrader 5\terminal64.exe), make sure the path is wrapped in quotes in the shortcut's Target field — otherwise Windows may fail to launch it or launch the wrong thing.
Method 2 (Advanced): Add a Program via the Windows Registry Run Key
Use this method if you need more control (e.g., scripting the entries) or prefer editing the registry directly. For most users, Method 1 above is easier and just as effective.
Step #1: Open the Registry Editor
Press Win + R
Type: regedit
Press Enter
Confirm any security prompts
Step #2: Navigate to the Startup Key
Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
This location contains programs that launch when a user logs on. (Note: despite living under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, this Run key still requires an interactive logon to fire — it does not run before anyone signs in.)
Step #3: Create a New Startup Entry
In the right pane, right-click → New → String Value
Name it something descriptive — for example:
MT5_Live, AutoTrader, or Platform_1
Step #4: Set the Program Path
Double-click the new string value
In the Value Data box, enter the full path to the .exe file
For example:
C:\Program Files\MetaTrader 5\terminal64.exe
Important: if the path contains spaces (as in the example above), wrap it in double quotes, otherwise Windows may misread the path and fail to launch it:
"C:\Program Files\MetaTrader 5\terminal64.exe"
Tip: To find the exact path:
Right-click your trading platform's shortcut
Select Open file location
Copy the address from the address bar
Add the exact .exe name to the end, and wrap the whole path in quotes if it contains spaces
Step #5: Add More Terminals (If Needed)
Repeat the above process for each additional terminal you want to launch on startup. Each entry can be named separately.
Step #6: Restart the Server
Once you've added all desired platforms:
Close Registry Editor
Reboot your VPS from the QuantVPS dashboard or using:
shutdown /r /t 0
All the platforms you added should now start automatically the next time you log on (RDP in) after the reboot.
Important Tips
Wait for terminals to fully load before launching additional tasks after startup to avoid resource spikes
If you're using custom templates or auto-login credentials, confirm these are saved within the platform's config
Avoid adding unnecessary apps to startup — each one consumes CPU/RAM on boot
Remember: these methods start your platforms at logon, not at power-on — you'll still need to RDP in for them to launch after a reboot
Always quote any file path that contains spaces, whether in a Startup folder shortcut target or a registry Run value
Need Assistance?
Our support team is available 24/7. If you have any questions or run into issues, open a support ticket from your QuantVPS dashboard and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.