FortiClient SSLVPN - Connect Button Does Nothing

[hammy116]

Good morning,

I am struggling with an issue with FortiClient SSL VPN (Standalone VPN) on a Windows 11 computer. I have installed the FortiClientVPNOnlineInstaller.exe from the FortiClient downloads page. The install finishes correctly. I am able to set up the VPN. I've used the exact same VPN configuration on other computers with no problems. On this computer, when I click "Connect" it seems that nothing happens.The expected response would be for FortiClient SSL VPN to open a web page for me to log into my SSO to authenticate.

I've performed the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Restarted the computer.

2. Uninstalled FortiClient VPN/reinstalled FortiClient VPN.

3. Checked, double-checked, and triple-checked the configuration. Even tried multiple remote gateways that should work.

4. Ran SFC scan on the computer.

5. Performed a Network Reset via Windows Network Settings on the computer.

6. Ran DISM /RestoreHealth on the computer.

7. Flushed the DNS cache.

8. Tested the FortiClient VPN on a wired connection and a wireless connection. Same results.

9. Tried setting multiple different default web browsers.

10. Confirmed that I can ping the remote gateways in command prompt.

11. Tried turning off Windows Firewall to ensure there are no conflicts there.

12. Ensured that the FortiClient VPN Service Scheduler is running in services.

13. Checked the Event Viewer log for errors.

14. Tried disabling IPv6 and using IPv4 only.

Also, note that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN worked using the same remote gateway on this same computer in the past. So, there doesn't seem to be a connectivity issue with the remote gateway that I can see. It almost seems as though something is preventing FortiClient SSL VPN from opening. Here's my config below...

[ebilcari]

Is there any 'aggressive' antivirus installed in this system? Is the Fortinet SSL VPN adapter created in control panel after installing the FCT?

[hammy116]

Thank you for the reply. I appreciate it. The antivirus is Windows Defender/Windows Security. I've tried testing with A/V disabled. Same results. In the Network Adapter/Network Connections interface, I see the following listed:

Fortinet Virtual Ethernet Adapter

Fortinet SSL VPN Virtual Ethernet Adapter

[Wolfpackgrad]

I am in exactly the same boat.  Can someone please let me know if you can find a solution.

[jimmcgrann · Accepted solution]

Try downloading and installing the latest VC_redist.x64.exe from Microsoft, worked for me.

[hammy116]

Good morning. Thank you so much! This totally fixed the issue. You have relieved a headache for me and I am in your debt. Have a great day.