FortiClient VPN - Stuck on "Connecting"

[JPL-Safari]

Installing 7.4.0.1658 on two different Windows 11 (Dell Vostro and Dell Inspiron) Laptops.  Both laptops were Wiped and Prepped with the same Windows 11 23H2 Pro OS and are set up using very basic Intune Profiles (Intune barely does anything).

The VPN Client, when launched, only goes as far as "Connecting".  It never times out and appears as if its stuck.  

Are there any Windows Settings I should be looking at which would impact the clients ability to establish a connection?  Logs dont appear to show anything indicating the VPN is even attempting to connect.

[RomanPalmieri]

Good afternoon, to fix this, you must install the Visual C++ 2015-2022 libraries.

https://learn.microsoft.com/es-es/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist?view=msvc-170

Architecture Bond Version

X86	12.0.40664.0	vcredist_x86.exe
X64	12.0.40664.0	vcredist_x64.exe

Then open it from C:\Program Files\Fortinet\FortiClient\FortiTray.exe 
and mark as new the connection.

Regards.

[willywilliam]

Hi there :waving_hand:,

We've seen this issue a few times with FortiClient VPN on fresh Windows 11 23H2 setups. If it’s stuck on “Connecting” without timing out, here are a few things you might want to check:

1. Windows Firewall & Defender Settings :shield:️
   Sometimes, Windows Defender Firewall can block FortiClient processes. Try allowing FortiClient through the firewall manually or temporarily disable it for testing.

2. Network Adapter Settings :globe_with_meridians:
   Go to your adapter properties and ensure that IPv6 is either disabled (if not needed) or properly configured. Also, ensure DNS isn’t manually overridden unless required.

3. FortiClient Configuration :wrench:
   Double-check that the VPN settings (server address, port, protocol) are correctly applied. Sometimes XML config files from FortiManager or manual settings may carry over unintended configurations.

4. Driver & TAP Adapter Conflicts :gear:
   Check Device Manager for any faulty or duplicated TAP adapters. Removing and reinstalling FortiClient can sometimes resolve this.

5. Intune Policies (Just in Case) :magnifying_glass_tilted_left:
   Even though you mentioned it's lightly configured, confirm there’s nothing silently blocking VPN usage, such as endpoint protection or network isolation settings.

We've used VPNs not only for work, but sometimes to access region-locked tools or games :video_game: that don’t connect well on direct networks. If FortiClient isn't making the connection, it's often due to local device settings or a silent block somewhere in the stack.

Hope this helps! Let us know how it goes :rocket: