Contact an authorized Fortinet partner or reseller to purchase licenses. Licensing is typically sold on a per-endpoint, subscription basis (e.g., FortiClient Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), EPP/APT, or Chromebook licenses). Step 2: Set Up the EMS Console Log into your account.
What specific (like web filtering or malware protection) do you need?
Once you have the license, you install the EMS console. From there, you can "upgrade" existing free clients by pointing them to your new management server. Conclusion
If you use FortiClient for remote work or endpoint security, you have likely encountered this notification:
: Users of the free version are explicitly excluded from the Fortinet Technical Assistance Center (TAC) . You must rely on the Fortinet Community Forums or Fortinet Knowledge Base for troubleshooting. Contact an authorized Fortinet partner or reseller to
When you download FortiClient from Fortinet’s public website without a paid EMS (Endpoint Management Server) license, the default installation typically offers:
Download official patches, engine updates, and software upgrades securely. With the Free VPN Client
Upgrading generally refers to integrating the client with a . This shifts the software from a passive tool to an active participant in a company's security posture:
Direct troubleshooting for complex VPN or deployment issues. What specific (like web filtering or malware protection)
$0. Value: Priceless protection.
The free download is a stripped-down client designed solely for secure remote access. Basic SSL VPN and IPsec VPN connectivity. Included: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) support.
Automatically quarantines compromised devices.
There are two clean ways:
Integrates next-generation antivirus (NGAV), ransomware protection, and automated malware remediation.
Before diving into the upgrade process, it is crucial to understand what you are currently running. Fortinet distributes FortiClient in three primary editions:
For many organizations and individual users, FortiClient is known as a reliable VPN client for connecting to FortiGate firewalls. However, what’s less commonly understood is that the free version of FortiClient exists in two tiers: the and the free full version (often called FortiClient Fabric Agent or the free endpoint protection version). Upgrading from the limited default install to the full free version unlocks critical security features and—crucially—access to technical support.
When you upgrade, you unlock a suite of tools that the basic version lacks: Conclusion If you use FortiClient for remote work