As a developer/trader, being forced to update the metatrader platform can lead to many issues. Your code can stop working! Indicators, scripts and robots may not compile and you will be forced to recode or pay a developer to recode your systems each time there is an update. I'll explain how to avoid the update and prevent the pop up box within mt5 platform once it's running.
When you first open your platform, it will ask for your permission to update the platform (User Account Control = activated). Click no, and the platform will launch.
Next you will want to block Metaquotes IP address: 78.140.180.45
Go into your Windows Firewall (Setting -> Network & Internet -> Windows Firewall) and click on "Advanced Setting"
Click on "Inbound Rules" under "Actions" click on New Rule
Rule Type: Start off by selecting "Custom" rule -> Next
Program: click "All Programs" -> Next
Protocol and Ports: leave it as is, -> Next
Scope: Local IP , select Any IP address and for Remote IP address "These IP addresses" -> Add -> and paste in the IP address that I listed above
Action: "Block the Connection" -> Next
Profile: All check boxes -> Next
Name: Block Metaquotes -> Finished
Now go to File -> Exit (Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security) and your new rule will be saved.
Restart the MT5 platform, deny the permission to update the platform (UAC) as usual, and now you won't be bothered by the popup within the MT5 platform through out your trading day.
How did I find the Metaquotes IP address?
Download "CurrPorts" , install and open.
Open two MT5 platforms and connect to two different brokers.
Each broker will have their own IP address for trading data while you will notice that both platforms share one unique IP address. The IP address that both platforms share belong to Metaquotes. All you have to do is deny the IP address and your platform won't ask you to update to the latest software build.
If you are using any WebRequests for your expert advisors, it is best to remove these Expert Advisors to make your investigation easier when pinpointing the MetaQuotes server. If you are using a WebRequest, you will also see these IP addresses.
Once this article gains some traction, Metaquotes will surely change their IP address for the Auto Update. This will be a never ending battle of traders against Metaquotes.