Fortigate Vm License Trial Install

Once the license is applied:

  • The status should read "Trial License (15 days remaining)".

    • | Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | "Invalid license file" | The Serial Number in your license must match get system status exactly. | | No HTTPS GUI after reboot | Check if allowaccess includes https on port1. Use console: diagnose sys top | | Trial expired quickly | Fortinet trials are calendar-based (15 days from generation, not installation). |

  • Initial access

  • Obtain a trial license

  • Install the trial license

  • CLI method (if you have a license file):
  • After import, the device will process the license and may reboot.

  • Verify license

  • Post-install checks

  • Configure a management IP address:

    config system interface
edit port1
set mode static
set ip 192.168.1.99 255.255.255.0
set allowaccess ping https ssh http
end

  • Apply the Trial License: You need to upload the .lic file. If you have a web server or SCP method:

    execute restore license tftp <filename.lic> <tftp-server-ip>

    Or, for a direct web upload (easier via GUI – see Method B). fortigate vm license trial install

    • Note: You cannot “extend” a trial. You must buy a license or deploy a new VM with a fresh trial.

    This is the most critical step. The VM comes with a "base" license that has limited throughput and no security subscriptions. You must activate the trial to get full features.

  • In the License Information widget, click Update or License Status.
  • A popup window will appear. You should see an option for "FortiGate-VM Trial License".
  • This will redirect you to the Fortinet Support Portal (if not logged in, log in now).
  • Confirm the trial activation. The portal will generate a license file (or sync automatically depending on the version).

    • Method B: Manual Upload (If automatic sync fails) Once the license is applied: