Microsoft Windows

The following instructions guide you though the installation of FortiClient on a Microsoft Windows computer. For more information, see the FortiClient (Windows) Release Notes.

To check FortiClient's digital signature, right-click the installation file and select Properties. In this menu you can set file attributes, run the compatibility troubleshooter, view the digital signature and certificate, install the certificate, set file permissions, and view file details.

Installing FortiClient requires being logged in to the device as a user that belongs to the Administrators user group. During initial installation, FortiClient is restricted to Program Files and you cannot change the install path.

Once installed, FortiClient has system privileges. FortiClient performs upgrades that EMS triggers using the system account and does not require other user permissions.

To install FortiClient (Windows):

1. Double-click the FortiClient executable file. The Setup Wizard launches.
2. In the Welcome to the FortiClient Setup Wizard screen, perform the following actions:
   1. Click the License Agreement button, and read the license agreement. You have the option to print the EULA in this License Agreement screen. Click Close to return to the installation wizard.
   2. Select the Yes, I have read and accept the license checkbox.
3. Click Next to continue. The Destination Folder screen displays.
4. (Optional) Click Change to choose an alternate folder destination for installation.
5. Click Next to continue.

   A dialog displays during a new FortiClient installation and when upgrading from an older FortiClient version that does not have the AV feature installed.

   Uninstalling conflicting antivirus (AV) software before installing FortiClient or enabling the real-time protection (RTP) feature is recommended. Alternatively, you can disable the conflicting software's AV feature. When FortiClient connects to EMS, if the EMS-assigned endpoint profile has RTP enabled and a third party AV product is installed, FortiClient disables RTP.

   See the Microsoft knowledge base for caveats on installing AV software. See the Microsoft Anti-Virus exclusion list.

6. Click Next. The Ready to install FortiClient screen displays.
7. Complete the installation:
   1. Click Install.
   2. Click Finish. On a new FortiClient installation, you do not need to reboot your system. When upgrading the FortiClient version, you must restart your system for the configuration changes made to FortiClient to take effect. Select Yes to restart your system or select No to manually restart later. FortiClient updates signatures and components from the FDN.
   3. FortiClient attempts to connect FortiClient Telemetry to EMS.
   4. To launch FortiClient, double-click the desktop shortcut.