Upgrading to the "full" or licensed version of FortiClient primarily involves moving from the standalone VPN-only free client to a version managed by the Endpoint Management Server (EMS) Key Benefits of Upgrading Direct Technical Support:
Once the full agent is installed, register it with your EMS server. If you receive a license warning about an "expired trial," ensure the EMS license is active and your endpoints are correctly registered.
The free version of FortiClient is strictly a lightweight Virtual Private Network (VPN) client. Upgrading to the "full" or licensed version of
Note: 24/7 phone or premium support requires a paid FortiClient license. The full free version includes standard web-based and community support.
Use the EMS server to push the full FortiClient installer to your endpoints, which will automatically overwrite the limited free VPN version. Note: 24/7 phone or premium support requires a
: Fortinet does not provide technical support for the free version.
What most users don’t realize is that they are sitting on a goldmine of security features. By initiating a , you can unlock enterprise-grade security tools, advanced telemetry, and—most importantly—access to technical support. : Fortinet does not provide technical support for
The upgrade from FortiClient’s basic VPN-only mode to the full free version takes under ten minutes but delivers a fundamentally different product: one that actively protects your system and comes with a lifeline to technical support. For any user or IT admin deploying FortiClient beyond a quick VPN connection, the full free version isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s the baseline you should start from.
: The free VPN client does not have a time-based trial limit. What is Missing
Access 24/7 global support hotlines for critical issues.
Now that you have successfully completed the FortiClient upgrade, don't just let it sit idle. Configure it to maximize your security posture: