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.

[frustrated_user]

How to get Forticlient VPN ARM64:

Windows

Download from the main page as usual clicking on Windows. It will download "FortiClientVPNInstaller.exe". On your browser downloads window/tab, copy the download link.

Paste it on the address box and before hitting enter, add "_arm64" before the ".exe", so it will read "FortiClientVPNInstaller_arm64.exe".

For Linux, it's basically the same process, just swap "x86_64" for "aarch64" on the URL of the DEB or RPM version.

Instead of making the software easy to download and use, fortinet keep adding walls. Users have to download the installer from suspicious links, like something forbidden, thus making it super simple for someone to distribute a false installer with malware inside.

[MichaelS11]

Thanks heaps frustrated_user :)

It worked for me.  The ARM64 VPN only client is now installed and is working on M3 Macbook Pro with VMWare Fusion 13.5 and Windows 11.

[frustrated_user]

Great! Same here, working perfectly on Win11 inside VMWare Fusion, and on Linux on UTM.

[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