MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is a versatile trading platform that lets you customize charts, toolbars, indicators, and windows. But sometimes your layout can get cluttered or accidentally changed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on Reset MetaTrader 5 Window to its original “clean slate” settings. Use these methods to quickly Reset MetaTrader 5 Window Format to Default.

Why You Might Need to Reset MT5 Window Format

• You accidentally closed essential panels (e.g., Market Watch, Toolbox, Navigator).
• Chart layouts, indicators, or templates became cluttered.
• Toolbars got customized in unintended ways.
• You want a fresh starting point for a new strategy or workspace.

Having a predictable default layout ensures consistency and helps you avoid missing critical tools during live trading.

Method 1: Delete Terminal.ini to Reset MT5 Window

???? Step‑by‑Step

1. With MT5 running, go to File → Open Data Folder in the menu.
2. Double‑click the Config folder.
3. Exit MT5 completely (make sure no background terminal.exe process runs).
4. Locate and delete the file named Terminal.ini.
5. Restart MT5. Your window layout, toolbars, and chart placement will reset to default.

One Reddit user explains:
“You could try deleting terminal.ini in the config folder of the MT5 data folder. It should reset everything to defaults.”

This method is quick and leaves your charts and historical data intact—it only resets layout settings.

Method 2: Delete Entire Data Folder for Complete Reset

Prefer resetting absolutely everything including profiles and templates?

???? How to Proceed

1. Open MT5 and navigate to File → Open Data Folder.
2. Close MT5 fully.
3. Go up one level to the root folder (often named something like MetaQuotesTerminal<ID>).
4. Delete everything inside this folder (but do not delete the root—you might want to back it up).
5. Re-launch MT5. It will recreate the data folder from scratch, restoring everything to the default install settings.

This cleans out profiles, templates, EAs, history, and more—so back up any custom files first.

Method 3: Reinstall MT5

If something went seriously wrong (broken files, corrupt install):

1. Uninstall MT5 via Windows Settings.
2. Re-download the installer from your broker or MetaQuotes.
3. Reinstall into a brand new folder (don’t reuse the previous install path).
4. Launch MT5—everything defaults to factory settings.

Note: Use this as a last resort—it resets everything including account history and custom scripts.

What Exactly Resets and What Is Kept

Here's a comparison to clarify:

Method	Layout & Windows	Templates/EAs/Indicators	Trading History	Profiles/Charts
Delete Terminal.ini	✅ Reset	✅ Kept	✅ Kept	✅ Kept
Delete entire Data Folder	✅ Full reset	???? Deleted	???? Deleted	???? Deleted
Reinstall MT5	✅ Full reset	???? Deleted	???? Deleted	???? Deleted

How to Recreate Your Preferred Default Layout

Once reset, you’ll need to set up your workspace again. Here's a suggested process:

Step 1: Restore Standard Panels

• Open panels via View → Toolbars/Market Watch/Navigator/Terminal.
• Arrange them using drag‑and‑drop.

Step 2: Customize Chart Template

• Right‑click any chart → Template → Save Template...
• Name it Default.tpl. This ensures that new charts automatically use this layout.

Step 3: Back-Up Your Configuration

• To preserve settings, copy the entire Data Folder and store it securely.
• Alternatively, export your Default.tpl template from MQL5ProfilesTemplates.

That way, you can restore your workspace easily later on.

Quick Video Recap

Watch the concise guide above to follow a visual walkthrough of resetting MT5 to factory settings (via data folder deletion). This is the best method to Reset MetaTrader 5 Window Format to Default quickly and safely.

Tips Before You Reset MT5 Window

1. Back up important data: Save custom indicators, expert advisors, templates, or historical files separately.
2. Confirm no background processes: Ensure no MT5 instances are running before file deletion.
3. Uninstall cleanly: If reinstalling, do not mix old and new files—start afresh.
4. Use backups for recovery: After resetting, import your templates or EAs from stored copies.

Summary Table

Task	How to Reset	Keep Chart Data?	Keep Profile Layout?
Fast layout reset	Delete Terminal.ini inside Config	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Complete settings reset	Delete all files in Data Folder	❌ No	❌ No
Full reinstall	Uninstall and install new instance	❌ No	❌ No

Final Thoughts

• For most users, deleting Terminal.ini is quick, effective, and non‑destructive.
• If deeper problems persist, a full Data Folder wipe or reinstall is the answer—just make sure to back up anything important.
• Once reset, recreate your ideal workspace and save it as Default.tpl for future ease.

If you need help backing up your EA files or automating the process, feel free to ask. Happy trading and may your MT5 stay tidy!