Technical Tip: How to resolve the 'spctl command failed' error during FortiClient installation on macOS

Devices running macOS may encounter issues when installing FortiClient. The error typically occurs during the execution of scripts in the final installation step, as shown below.

Immediately after the installation fails, a generic error message is displayed.

1. Search for and open the 'Console' application.
2. In the menu on the left, select 'Log Reports'.
3. Several files will be listed. Locate and open the file named 'fctinstallpost.log'.

4. Scroll down to the log entry corresponding to the time of the installation attempt.
5. If the error 'spctl command failed' appears, the issue is caused by a restriction that may have been configured manually or through MDM.

Once the problem is identified, adjust the macOS 'Privacy & Security' settings by changing the option 'Allow applications downloaded' from 'App Store' to 'App Store and identified developers'.

After this change, the installation should complete successfully.

Note: On devices managed via MDM, this modification must be applied through MDM policies. The procedure may vary depending on the MDM vendor.