Technical Tip: FortiClient EMS custom installer for specific version or operative system
Description
This article describes how to create a FortiClient installer package in FortiClient EMS, for old versions or If only the installer is required for one operating system and thus reduce bandwidth consumption.
Scope
FortiClient EMS,
Solution
- For specific operating systems: When an installation package is compiled by the FortiClient EMS console, by default it contains the installers for Windows and Mac OS, the compressed package can exceed 1 GB. The installation package can be made lighter if the installer is created for a single specific operating system.
- For older versions of Microsoft Windows: According to official documentation, FortiClient EMS v7.0.9 is the last version that supports outdated Microsoft operating systems:
- Windows 7 (no ZTNA supported).
- Windows 8.1.
- Windows Server 2012.
Log in to Fortinet's official support page https://support.fortinet.com/ and download the installer for v7.0.9 for 32/64 Bits in .zip file for old Windows versions. Or if the installer is required for a particular operating system, it is necessary to download the corresponding installer (Windows only or MacOS only) in more detail in: FortiClient EMS offline installer
In FortiClient EMS Console, go under Depolyment & Installers -> FortiClient Installer -> +Add.
 
Choose a Custom Installer, then in the option highlighted 'here'.
 
Set Name and enable installers to upload, and provide old Windows installer files (Win32 bits may be required).
Or only provide an installer for Windows or Mac if a single operating system is required.
 
In General, define Name and Notes; this last is optional.
 
In Features, select all applicable, which depends of the License and Policies: Windows, macOS, and Linux licenses
Important notes:
- Each feature selected represents a bigger installer and a FortiClient with more scanning engines to run, taking into consideration computers with limited hardware.
- If a feature is disabled, it will not be available even if the Endpoint Policy defines it as such.
 
In Advanced is possible to configure the following options for auto-assigning FortiClient EMS secure policy:
 
In Telemetry, FortiClient will connect to this destination, be sure it is accessible from anywhere: Telemetry
 
FortiClient EMS will compile a new installation package and will be available in a few moments at the link created:
 
Additional Note:
For FortiEMS v7.4.+, In section Add FortiClient Installer -> More Options, enable 'This EMS has no internet connection' setting.
Then select 'Upload packaged installer'.
Disclaimer:
Fortinet strongly recommends the use of updated software. This article is for informational purposes only and provides an alternative for users who need to protect these operating systems.
