DOCSDesktop agent
Install the desktop agent
The QuantLab agent is what makes builds and backtests run on yourhardware. It's a small background app that drives your own MetaTrader, for full-fidelity results, total privacy, and zero compute bills.
Your compute
Backtests use your CPU, no metered cloud bills, ever.
Your privacy
Strategies and code stay on your machine, never a shared cloud.
Always in sync
Results stream live to the web app the moment a run finishes.
- 01
Download the agent
From your dashboard, open Devices → Download agent and grab the installer for your operating system (Windows is supported today; macOS is in beta). The download is a signed Windows installer, about 76 MB. - 02
Run the installer
Launch the installer and follow the prompts. The agent installs as a lightweight background service and adds a tray icon. It only runs when you ask it to build or backtest, it's idle the rest of the time. - 03
Pair it with your account
On first launch the agent shows a six-digit pairing code. Enter it in the web app (or click the magic link it opens) to securely link the agent to your QuantLab account. Pairing uses a one-time token, your password is never stored on the machine. - 04
Let it set up MetaTrader
If MetaTrader 5 is already installed, the agent detects it automatically. If not, it installs MT5 for you and opens a free demo account so you can backtest immediately, no broker signup, no manual configuration. - 05
Run your first local backtest
Back in the web app, build a bot and hit Run MT5 DeepTest. The agent compiles the code and drives your MetaTrader Strategy Tester, then streams the equity curve and metrics back to your browser. Everything stays on your machine. - 06
(Optional) Connect your own AI key
Want uncapped builds? In Settings → Integrations, paste your Anthropic or OpenAI API key. Builds generated with your key don't count against your plan's monthly cap, you simply pay the model provider directly.