Did anyone upgrade Windows-based FortiClient EMS to v7.4.0?

[FG_VA]

We have FortiClient EMS on version v7.2.4 with 750 FortiClient EPP licenses. The product is tightly integrated into our Fortinet Security Fabric and connected to AD. Everything works relatively well and serve the purpose.

FortiClilent EMS v7.4.0 is the whole new beast; migration process from Windows-based EMS to Linux-based seems to be overly complicated.

I am wondering, is it worth an effort migrating to v7.4.0? Or, perhaps, better wait, and upgrade it to v7.2.5 for now?

Did anyone went through EMS migration to v7.4.0?

VA

Thank you for any feedback,

[AEK]

Personally I didn't perform this upgrade, only a fresh installation. But you may check the upgrade guide if not already done.
https://docs.fortinet.com/document/forticlient/7.4.0/ems-administration-guide/880046/upgrading-from-...

On the other hand, before thinking to upgrade EMS to 7.4.0, you may check if the below new features are worth the effort.
https://docs.fortinet.com/document/forticlient/7.4.0/new-features/415575/overview

Last point, EMS 7.2.x still have some nice days ahead, as it EoES is announced for 2026-02-01 and its EoS for 2027-08-01.
So I'd think twice before upgrading, or at least I'd not make it a priority for now.

[FG_VA]

It looks like EMS v7.4 is not quite ready for prime time. On the contrary to any other Fortinet appliances (including virtual ones) installation of FortiClient EMS v7.4.0 is a rather complex, cumbersome, multi-stage, error-prone process. ...let alone migrating existing production FortiClient/EMS-Windows environment to FortiClient/EMS-Linux environment.

To be able "upgrading" EMS v7.2 to v7.4, having Premium FortiCare is no longer sufficient. Now you have to buy the whole new "FortiClient Best Practices Service (BPS) annual subscription" providing access to a specialized team that "delivers remote guidance on deployment, upgrades, and operations" to be able making the switch. What a money grab!