Once registered, the client may ask for a license key or connection to a FortiGate/EMS.
For the Free Standalone Version:
If connecting to a Corporate Firewall (FortiGate):
The prompt "upgrade to the full free version" often refers to transitioning from the FortiClient VPN-only (the free standalone app) to a licensed edition (such as ZTNA or EPP) that requires FortiClient EMS (Endpoint Management Server) for activation.
While the "VPN-only" version remains free to download and use for basic connectivity, the "full" features and technical support are reserved for paid, licensed versions managed by EMS. Key Differences: Free vs. Licensed Versions
The free version is strictly a remote access tool, whereas the licensed versions act as a complete endpoint security suite. Once registered, the client may ask for a
FortiClient limitations and features - the Fortinet Community!
Here’s a structured, informative piece you can use or adapt for a blog, internal IT guide, or knowledge base article.
Title: How to Upgrade FortiClient to the Free Version
Objective: Upgrade the FortiClient VPN-only client to the full free version to enable advanced features and technical support.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Troubleshooting: If you receive a license error, please put in a ticket with the Help Desk referencing "FortiClient Free Upgrade."
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.
Action step: If you’re still running the stripped-down FortiClient VPN-only edition, uninstall it today and download the full free endpoint protection client. Your security posture—and your ability to get help when something breaks—will thank you.
To upgrade to a "full" version of FortiClient that includes additional features (like AntiVirus, Web Filtering, and Application Firewall) and technical support, you must transition from the standalone free VPN client licensed edition managed by FortiClient Endpoint Management Server (EMS) While the basic VPN client is free, there is no 100% free "full" version
that includes technical support; phone and ticket support from are strictly reserved for paid license holders Upgrade Path Guide 1. Determine Your Licensing Needs If connecting to a Corporate Firewall (FortiGate):
The "full features" you see advertised in the free client are unlocked via specific licensing tiers: ZTNA Edition:
Includes Zero Trust Network Access, VPN, and Vulnerability Scanning. EPP/APT Edition:
Adds AI-based AntiVirus (NGAV), Sandbox integration, Ransomware protection, and Application Firewall. Router-Switch.com 2. Obtain a License (The Only Way to Get Support)
To receive official 24x7 technical support (TAC), you must purchase a subscription through a Fortinet Sales Representative or authorized partner. Trial Option: You can enable a free trial license by installing FortiClient EMS . This trial typically allows you to manage up to 3 endpoints indefinitely with full ZTNA/AV features but does not include official technical support (support is limited to community forums). Fortinet Document Library 3. Installation & Activation Steps Once you have a license or have set up an EMS trial: VPN Client Full Featured vs. VPN Only - Fortinet Community 26 Nov 2019 —
1. There is the full featured FortiClient: keeps bugging the users for the Telemetry registration. If registered to an EMS server, Fortinet Product Downloads | Support The prompt "upgrade to the full free version"