Forticlient VPN ARM processer

[aspnovac]

Hi,
We bought an Microsoft Surface Pro 9 which has an ARM processer.
The point of buying this was to hook it up with the Fortinet VPN, so we could go anywhere and still be connected.
Problem is i can't install it on the Surface Pro 9, due to having an ARM processer.
I was wondering if there was any early access or beta for Forticlient VPN for ARM processers that we could try?

Or is there any other solution?

I tried the Microsoft store app, but that doesn't seem to work with SAML.
The VPN connection is SAML with Azure.

[JLPM]

I have a Surface Copilot laptop; I could successfully download the ARM installer using @frustrated_user instructions. 

However, when I try to install it, I get the following error: "FortiClient VPN Setup Wizard ended prematurely". Any help on how to solve it will be appreciated! Thank you :)

[MichaelS11]

You probably downloaded the x64 client and just renamed it to arm64.  Not all browsers seem to give you the option to get the download link.  I don't like giving links as it's bad practice, but below is the link.  Please check link before you copy and paste them. Check the domain is legit, eg fortinet.com -  Type it out if you need to. And check the digital signature in the file properties.  

https://filestore.fortinet.com/forticlient/downloads/FortiClientVPNInstaller_arm64.exe

MD5 hash of FortiClientVPNInstaller_arm64.exe:
f4737d9292fb3cb60a070874e479bfe4

SHA1 hash of FortiClientVPNInstaller_arm64.exe:
1989758a9753b07595acbf5f7008b84c854e5b1d

[JLPM]

Thank you for your reply!

I tried using your link, but I still get the same error. I think I was using the correct ARM installer because the file size matches, but it's different from the x86 one.

Maybe I am getting this error because I tried to install the x86 some months ago and left some files corrupted. I also tried to run the FCRemover tool (which I found online, but I don't have access to the support portal's latest version). But it is still not working :(

[sWW26]

I'm suffering with the same issue, tried the arm64 download but there must be some old files hanging around from the previously failed installation. Either that or the installer doesn't actually work on Windows.

[frustrated_user]

@sWW26 and @JLPM , on Windows' "Device Manager", enable "View Hidden Devices" and check if there's any Fortinet/Forticlient driver installed (will probably be greyed out as being inactive or with a warning sign if any error present).

Be careful while there.

Removing any Fortinet/Forticlient device may help. Occasionally, Windows may also show an option to remove the driver. It that happens, check the option and confirm.

[JLPM]

Thank you for your answer! Unfortunately, I couldn't find any Fortinet/Forticlient device :( 

[PaulGammon]

Exactly the same here.  The installer runs, rolls back and ends prematurely.  No Forti devices in device manager.  So frustrating as I'm desperate to carry my Surface Pro around rather than a lumpy laptop

[Nk2C2]

I also display messages like you. The inability to use VPN has a significant business impact, yet the fortinet staff have not provided any support, leaving users to resolve the issue on their own.

[frustrated_user]

There should be a log on your temporary folder. On any Explorer window ou run dialog,  type '%tmp%' and hit enter.  

I still can't understand how dumb and lazy Fortinet is regarding this matter. It's a security nightmare.

[JLPM]

I found the log (it doesn't let me attach it to this forum) and I think the main lines describing the error codes are these:

"The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package. This may indicate a problem with this package. The error code is 2836."

...

=== Verbose logging stopped: 02/04/2025 13:05:33 ===

[SETUPEXE 13480] 2025-04-02 13:05:33 ConfigureMsi 149 hr=80070643
[SETUPEXE 13480] 2025-04-02 13:05:33 DoManuallyDrivenInstallation_UsingMSIGui 366 hr=80070643
[SETUPEXE 13480] 2025-04-02 13:05:33 Error Installing FortiClient VPN. Error=80070643