How to reset meta trader 5 window format to default​

MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is a widely used trading platform developed by MetaQuotes Software. It’s an advanced version of MetaTrader 4 (MT4), offering additional features, such as more timeframes, advanced charting tools, and support for trading multiple asset classes like Forex, stocks, futures, and cryptocurrencies.

While MT5 is known for its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, sometimes traders may inadvertently change the layout of the platform, making it difficult to navigate or use effectively. Whether you’re trying to restore your window layout after a customization or have accidentally modified your workspace, resetting the format to the default can help you regain control.

Why Reset the MetaTrader 5 Window Format?

Resetting the MT5 window format can help in the following scenarios:

Accidental Changes: If you accidentally moved, closed, or resized panels and windows, it may be challenging to get everything back to the original layout.

Cluttered Workspace: Over time, traders may open too many charts or indicators, causing the interface to become cluttered.

Custom Layouts Gone Wrong: You may have tried customizing your workspace but were unable to achieve the desired layout, and resetting to the default format is the easiest way to start fresh.

Troubleshooting: If the platform is lagging or you experience glitches due to your workspace configuration, resetting the format can eliminate the issue.

Now that we know the reasons for resetting, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide.

How to Reset MetaTrader 5 Window Format to Default

Step 1: Backup Your Custom Settings

Before resetting the layout, you should consider backing up your custom settings if you plan to use them again in the future. MT5 allows you to save profiles, templates, and chart settings.

Save Profiles:

Go to File > Profiles > Save As.

Name your profile and save it. This will preserve your current layout.

Save Templates:

Right-click on any chart > Template > Save Template.

Name the template and click Save. This will allow you to restore specific chart styles later.

Save Indicators and Expert Advisors:

If you’ve applied custom indicators or Expert Advisors (EAs), ensure they are saved or noted down before resetting. You can find your indicators under the Navigator panel and can save the settings for future use.

Step 2: Restore Default Workspace Settings

MetaTrader 5 offers a straightforward way to reset the entire workspace to its default configuration. Follow these steps:

Open MetaTrader 5: Launch the MT5 platform if it’s not already running.

Click on the “View” Tab: In the top menu, go to the View tab, which contains various display options.

Select “Workspace”: Under the View tab, find the Workspace option. You can either:

Click Reset Workspace, or

Choose Restore Default Layout.

If you select Reset Workspace, the platform will remove any open charts, windows, and custom layouts, returning the workspace to its default configuration.

Confirm Reset: If prompted, confirm that you want to reset the workspace to the default layout.

Step 3: Close and Reopen the Platform

Sometimes, resetting the layout doesn’t take full effect until you restart the platform. Here’s how to complete the reset:

Close MetaTrader 5: Close the MT5 platform completely by clicking the close button on the top right corner.

Reopen MetaTrader 5: Launch MT5 again. When the platform reopens, it should display the default workspace settings.

Step 4: Manually Reset Individual Windows or Panels

In some cases, resetting the whole workspace might not reset certain windows, charts, or panels. If that’s the case, here’s how to reset individual items:

Chart Reset:

Right-click on the chart you want to reset.

Select Properties from the context menu.

In the Properties window, click Defaults to restore the chart’s default appearance.

Terminal Window Reset:

The Terminal window, which shows order history, trade positions, and news, can also be customized.

To reset this, go to View > Terminal and click the icon for the relevant tab (e.g., Trade, History, etc.). If the terminal is not visible, enable it from the View menu.

Navigator Window Reset:

The Navigator window shows your accounts, indicators, and Expert Advisors.

If this window is misplaced or missing, go to View > Navigator to re-enable it. Then you can resize or reposition it as per your needs.

Data Window and Market Watch:

You can also reset the Market Watch and Data Window by right-clicking and selecting Restore Default.

Step 5: Reset the Color Scheme to Default

If you’ve customized the color scheme of your charts or background, you can reset them to the default as well:

Reset Chart Colors:

Right-click on a chart and select Properties.

In the Colors tab, you can manually reset the color scheme by selecting Default at the bottom.

Restore Background Colors:

Under the same Properties window, you can reset the background and other chart elements to their default settings.

Step 6: Restore MetaTrader 5 from a Backup Profile

If you’ve saved a backup profile earlier and want to restore it after resetting, follow these steps:

Go to File > Profiles.

Select the Profile: Find the saved profile in the list and select it. This will restore the layout that you previously saved.

Additional Tips for Maintaining a Clean Workspace

Organize Your Charts: If you regularly work with multiple charts, consider grouping them logically (e.g., by asset class or time frame) and save the layout as a template for quick access.

Use Hotkeys: MetaTrader 5 offers several hotkeys to quickly reset or toggle various windows. Familiarize yourself with these shortcuts for faster navigation.

Update the Platform: Occasionally, bugs or glitches may cause issues with the layout. Ensure that you have the latest version of MT5 installed. You can check for updates under Help > Check for Updates.

Consider a Clean Installation: If the layout reset doesn’t solve the issue or you continue facing problems with the interface, you may want to consider performing a clean installation of MetaTrader 5. This involves uninstalling the software, deleting any leftover files, and reinstalling the platform from scratch.