Technical Tip: Verify the 'Upgrade Path' setting before upgrading FortiGates from FortiManager using a new Firmware Template

[Matt_L]

Description	This article is a reminder to verify the 'Upgrade Path' setting before upgrading FortiGates from FortiManager using a new Firmware Template.
Scope	FortiManager v7.0, v7.2, v7.4
Solution	In FortiManager firmware streams v7.0, v7.2, and 7.4, the default 'Upgrade Path' setting when upgrading FortiGates via a new Firmware Template is 'Skip All Intermediate Steps In Upgrade Path If Possible'. Upgrading FortiGates without using the supported upgrade path( if multiple upgrade steps are required) can result in configuration loss and/or corruption. Instead, use the 'Follow The Recommended Upgrade Path' setting in the 'Upgrade Path' section of the new Firmware Template when upgrading FortiGate devices using Fortimanager. If not using a Firmware Template and upgrading the FortiGates using the 'Device Firmware Upgrade' method, the 'Skip All Intermediate Steps In Upgrade Path If Possible' is NOT enabled by default. This issue has been raised with developers internally and the default setting for Firmware Templates will be changed to 'Follow The Recommended Upgrade Path' in upcoming firmware versions.