Fortinet provides a for the VM. This gives you full NGFW features (no throughput cap) for 30 days. After 30 days, it reverts to a limited "Evaluation mode" (1 Mbps) or stops passing traffic. To get the trial, you must have a (free) Fortinet Support account.
Download The Fortigate VM: A Complete Guide to Virtual Firewall Deployment (2026)
: Usually a .zip file containing the virtual disk (e.g., .vmdk , .vhdx ) and configuration files (e.g., .ovf ).
How to Download the FortiGate VM Virtual Appliance FortiGate Virtual Machines (VMs) offer the same powerful next-generation firewall (NGFW) capabilities as physical appliances but in a flexible, software-based format. Whether you are setting up a lab for testing or deploying in a cloud environment, getting the right image is the first critical step. 🔒 Prerequisites Before you begin, ensure you have: Download The Fortigate Vm
: Once you are logged in, look for the Support link in the top navigation bar. Hover over it, and a drop-down menu will appear. From this menu, select VM Images .
| Issue | Likely Cause | Solution | |-------|--------------|----------| | "No firmware found" | Account lacks entitlement | Contact Fortinet partner or sales for a demo license. | | Slow download speed | High traffic | Try again during off-peak hours or use a download manager. | | Corrupted zip file | Network interruption | Re-download and verify checksum. | | Hyper-V import fails | Unsupported generation | Ensure you use Gen1 VM for older images or convert the VHD. |
Features the same FortiOS operating system used on FortiGate hardware. Fortinet provides a for the VM
To get the most out of your FortiGate-VM deployment, consider these recommendations:
You must have a registered account at support.fortinet.com.
Open your web browser and navigate to the (fortinet.com). Log in with your existing credentials. To get the trial, you must have a
To unlock its true potential, you return to the Support portal to register your VM instance and download a .lic license file. You upload this through the FortiGate’s web interface, the VM reboots, and the "evaluation" banners vanish. Your virtual security appliance is now fully operational, ready to guard your virtual network.
Use these tips to avoid common pitfalls.