How to Download and Evaluate a FortiGate VM (Virtual Appliance) If you are looking to test Fortinet’s Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) features, build a lab for certification (NSE), or deploy a virtual firewall into your cloud environment, the FortiGate Virtual Machine (VM) is the solution. Unlike physical hardware, the FortiGate VM offers the full security suite (IDS/IPS, SSL inspection, web filtering, VPN) on hypervisors like VMware, Hyper-V, KVM, or cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. Here is everything you need to know about downloading and getting started. 1. Where to Download the FortiGate VM You cannot download the official FortiGate VM software from generic public repositories. You must use Fortinet’s official channels:
Fortinet Support Portal (support.fortinet.com) – For customers with valid support contracts. Fortinet Developer Network (FNDN) – For partners and developers. Cloud Marketplaces – Direct deployment via AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
2. The "Evaluation" Option (No Hardware Required) If you do not have a support contract, Fortinet offers a free trial:
30-day Trial License: Available directly from the Fortinet website. How to get it: fortigate vm download
Go to the Fortinet Trial page. Select "FortiGate VM." Choose your hypervisor (e.g., VMware ESXi, Workstation, or KVM). Register with a valid email. You will receive a .lic license file and a download link for the OVF/OVA.
3. Supported Hypervisors & Formats When you initiate a download, you must select the correct build: | Hypervisor | File Format | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | VMware ESXi | .ovf or .ova | Most stable for production labs. | | VMware Workstation/Fusion | .vmx | Good for local PC labs. | | Microsoft Hyper-V | .vhdx | Generation 2 VM required. | | KVM / Proxmox | .qcow2 | Preferred for open-source environments. | | Nutanix AHV | .qcow2 | Specific build available. | 4. Step-by-Step Download Process (Via Support Portal)
Log in to support.fortinet.com . Navigate to Download > Firmware Images . Under "Product," select FortiGate / FortiOS . Under "Version," choose your OS version (e.g., v7.4.x or v7.6.x). Under "Build," filter for VM (e.g., FGT_VM64-v7-build1234 ). Click the download icon (diskette) next to the appropriate hypervisor file. How to Download and Evaluate a FortiGate VM
⚠️ Warning: The raw .out file is for hardware upgrades only. Do not download that for a VM.
5. Initial Setup & Licensing After downloading the OVF/OVA, import it into your hypervisor.
Default Credentials: admin / (blank password). You will be forced to change the password on first login. Licensing: The VM will be in "unregistered" mode (low throughput ~10 Mbps) until you apply a license. Fortinet Developer Network (FNDN) – For partners and
Evaluation: Upload the .lic file received via email. Paid: Enter your FortiCloud token or upload a license file.
6. Important Notes Before You Download