The basic version requires manual scans. The full free version enables real-time protection (on-access scanning). When a file is downloaded, copied, or executed, FortiClient scans it immediately. Furthermore, it includes FortiGuard AI-based malware detection, moving beyond simple signatures to heuristic and behavioral analysis. This reduces the window of vulnerability from hours (manual scan) to milliseconds.
The full free version includes a vulnerability scan that checks the endpoint for:
The scanner generates a remediation report, allowing the user or IT admin to patch known CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) before attackers exploit them.
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. The basic version requires manual scans
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Troubleshooting: If you receive a license error, please put in a ticket with the Help Desk referencing "FortiClient Free Upgrade."
Click the Upgrade button. A prompt will appear explaining that you are moving from the "VPN Only" license to the "Free Endpoint Protection" license.
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 scanner generates a remediation report, allowing the
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.
Upgrading from the free FortiClient VPN-only agent to a licensed version (often via FortiClient EMS) transitions the software from a basic connectivity tool into a comprehensive endpoint security suite.
While the free version is reliable for simple remote access, it lacks advanced security layers, central management, and direct human technical support. 🛡️ Feature Comparison: Free vs. Licensed
The "full version" is typically managed by FortiClient EMS (Endpoint Management Server), which unlocks several critical enterprise modules: Free (VPN-Only) Licensed (EMS Managed) Remote Access Basic IPSec & SSL VPN ZTNA, Always-On, Auto-Connect Endpoint Security Next-Gen AV, Anti-Exploit, Sandbox Web Filtering URL & Content filtering Vulnerability Scan Scan for OS/App vulnerabilities Central Management No (Manual per device) Yes (via FortiClient EMS or Cloud) Technical Support Community Forums only 24x7 Direct Phone/Web Support 🛠️ Key Benefits of Upgrading 1. Direct Technical Support Installation: Allow the installation to complete
The Problem: 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.
The Upgrade: Licensing grants access to FortiCare, allowing you to open high-priority tickets for critical issues. 2. Centralized Management (EMS)
Instead of manually configuring every laptop, FortiClient EMS allows IT admins to push configurations, monitor security posture, and update software across thousands of endpoints simultaneously. Forticlient - Full client installer? - Fortinet Community
By obtaining and installing the “full” free endpoint protection version (or enabling additional modules post-install), you gain:
Note: The “free full version” is not time-limited but may lack real-time FortiGuard updates for malware definitions (those typically require a paid subscription). Still, the static engine and on-demand scanning offer a significant upgrade over VPN-only.