# Backtesting — Banana EA MT4 v6.0

Banana EA v6.0 features optimized Strategy Tester performance, including local offline authorization for backtests.

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## Server-Free Local Backtest Authorization[​](#server-free-local-backtest-authorization "Direct link to Server-Free Local Backtest Authorization")

In previous versions, running automated optimizations in the Strategy Tester could generate frequent network requests to the license server.

Offline Strategy Tester Authorization in v6.0

Banana EA v6.0 authorizes Strategy Tester runs **locally on your machine**.

* **No Network Delay**: Backtest runs do not send WebRequests to the license server.
* **Optimization Friendly**: Optimization passes execute at full native MQL4 speed without being throttled by network license checks.
* **Simulated Clock Licensing**: The tester license window is valid through `2030-12-31` (simulated historical tester date). Note that live/demo trading still uses wall-clock verification and the `2026-12-31` EOL date.

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## Strategy Tester Setup Steps[​](#strategy-tester-setup-steps "Direct link to Strategy Tester Setup Steps")

1. Open MetaTrader 4 and press `Ctrl + R` to open the **Strategy Tester** panel.
2. Select `BananaEA-Auto.ex4` in the **Expert Advisor** dropdown.
3. Select your symbol (e.g. `EURUSD` or `GER40`).
4. Set Model to **Every tick** for precise execution testing.
5. Check **Use date** and set your desired historical testing window.
6. Click **Expert properties** -> **Inputs** -> **Load** and select a v6.0 preset (`BEA-V6-CHALLENGE.set`).
7. Click **Start** to run the backtest.