Installing a FortiGate VM trial license allows you to test the firewall's features on platforms like VMware or KVM without an immediate purchase. Recent versions (7.2+) feature a permanent trial mode that is activated directly through your FortiCloud account. 1. Prerequisites
FortiCloud Account: You must have a registered account on the Fortinet Support Portal.
VM Image: Download the appropriate .ovf or .qcow2 file for your hypervisor from the Fortinet Firmware Images page. 2. Installation & Activation Steps
Deploy the VM: Import the downloaded image into your hypervisor (e.g., VMware Workstation). Ensure the VM is configured with exactly 1 vCPU and 2GB RAM to match trial limits.
Initial Login: Power on the VM and log in via the console. The default username is admin with no password.
Configure Connectivity: Set up basic networking so the VM can reach the internet:
config system interface edit port1 set mode dhcp # Or set a static IP/Gateway next end Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Activate via GUI:
Access the web interface by entering the VM's IP address in a browser.
When prompted for a license, select FortiCare Trial or Login with FortiCloud. Enter your FortiCloud credentials.
Accept the license agreement and the system will reboot to apply the trial license. 3. Trial License Restrictions fortigate vm license trial install
The evaluation license is meant for lab testing and has the following permanent constraints: Hardware: Limited to 1 vCPU and 2 GB RAM.
Configuration: Supports a maximum of 3 interfaces, 3 firewall policies, and 3 routes.
Security: Low encryption only; no professional FortiCare support.
For more advanced setups, you can follow the FortiGate Private Cloud Administration Guide for detailed registration procedures. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Permanent trial mode for FortiGate-VM
Meet Alex, a network engineer tasked with setting up a lab to test new security policies. Instead of buying a new appliance, Alex decides to use a FortiGate VM trial license. Here is the story of how Alex navigated the process. The Setup: Starting from Scratch
Alex begins by creating a free account on the FortiCloud/FortiCare portal. This is a mandatory first step because, as of FortiOS 7.2.1, the old built-in 15-day trial has been replaced by a permanent evaluation license that must be linked to a registered account. Step 1: Deploying the Image
Alex downloads the FortiGate VM image (an OVF file for VMware) and imports it. The default configuration is modest but perfect for a lab: CPU: 1 Virtual Core RAM: 2 GB Storage: 30 GB Step 2: Gaining Network Access
After the VM boots, Alex logs in via the CLI with the default username admin and no password, then sets a fresh one. To access the web interface (GUI), Alex configures a static IP on the first interface and enables management access:
config system interface edit port1 set mode static set ip 192.168.1.99 255.255.255.0 set allowaccess https ssh ping end Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Installing a FortiGate VM trial license allows you
Alex also sets a DNS server (like 8.8.8.8) and a default route to ensure the VM can talk to FortiCare to validate the license. Step 3: Activating the Trial
Alex opens a browser, navigates to https://192.168.1.99, and is immediately greeted by a license prompt. The Choice: Alex selects Evaluation License.
The Credentials: Alex enters the email and password for the recently created FortiCloud account.
The Reboot: The VM communicates with Fortinet, downloads the license, and reboots automatically to apply the changes. The Twist: Limitations & Troubleshooting Once back in, Alex notices the permanent trial limitations:
Only three interfaces, firewall policies, and routes are allowed.
It supports only "low encryption," which is fine for a lab but not for secure production traffic.
Each FortiCloud account can only hold one free trial; if Alex tries to spin up a second one on the same account, it will fail.
With the FortiGate VM License now showing as "Valid" in the dashboard, Alex’s lab is finally ready for testing. Permanent trial mode for FortiGate-VM
It looks like you are looking for a guide on how to get a FortiGate VM (virtual appliance) up and running with a trial license. This is a common scenario for labs, testing configurations, or studying for Fortinet certifications (NSE4, etc.). Part 3: Step-by-Step FortiGate VM License Trial Install
Here is a helpful article/guide to walk you through the process.
Once licensed, test the features you intend to evaluate:
| Feature | Test Command / GUI Path |
|---------|------------------------|
| IPS Signature Update | execute update-now → Security Fabric → Fabric Management → Security Rating |
| AV Scan | Upload EICAR test file via a policy with AV profile |
| Web Filtering | Create policy with web filter block category "Social Networking" |
| SSL Inspection | Enable deep-inspection profile on a policy, browse HTTPS sites |
| IPsec VPN | VPN → IPsec Wizard → Create site-to-site (use loopback as peer for test) |
| VDOMs | System → VDOM → Enable, then create new VDOM |
| SD-WAN | Network → SD-WAN Zones → Add members and rules |
Monitor resource usage: get system performance status
We will break this into three phases:
Fortinet offers a limited-time trial license for the FortiGate Virtual Machine (FortiGate-VM). This is essential for testing Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) features, SSL VPNs, SD-WAN capabilities, or studying for Fortinet certifications (NSE 4/5/6/7).
Here is the step-by-step process for the installation and licensing workflow.
execute backup config tftp.If you find FortiGate VM essential for your organization, reach out to a Fortinet partner for a production license. If not, uninstall the VM and explore other virtual firewalls – but chances are, Fortinet’s enterprise-grade features will win you over.