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 your VPS reboots or starts.
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 a reboot
Minimal downtime if the server restarts during market hours
How to Add a Program to Startup via the Windows Registry
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 all programs that automatically launch system-wide on boot.
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
✅ 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
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 after login.
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
🤝 Need Assistance?
If any part of the setup feels unclear, the QuantVPS team is happy to help. If you’d like us to verify your environment from our side, feel free to open a support ticket and get connected with the team: https://www.quantvps.com/