Why is Forticlient 6.0 so difficult to uninstall?

[slartibartfast]

I had Forticlient 6.0 installed in a Windows 10 VM for test purposes. (This is the VPN-only client without the other functions.) However after attempting to uninstall the program via "Programs & Features" it was still there despite no error messages from the uninstaller.

Additionally, the option to exit in the Forticlient system tray icon was greyed out. (Online instructions for uninstalling typically start with "Exit the Forticlient system tray icon".) Attempting to stop Forticlient processes with Task Manager resulted in the stopped processes automatically restarting. The Forticlient scheduler service could not be stopped through the Services panel. The IObit uninstaller was unable to uninstall it. (Removed it from "Programs & Features" but Forticlient was in fact still installed and running.) This thing is like a virus!

Finally the only way I was able to delete Forticlient was to reboot Windows into Safe Mode, delete the program files, and delete the Fortinet scheduler service using the command line. Of course this is leaving a lot of cruft in the registry and probably other places in the system.

Although this appears to have worked I hate to take that kind of sledgehammer approach - for future reference what is the best way to uninstall Forticlient when the built-in uninstaller doesn't do the job?

[dpostjr]

its 2024 and this issue is still around.  had a user install the full suite and I CAN NOT get it uninstalled and just use the free VPN client.  safemode does not work.  the app does not show up in safemode.  logged in as admin and do not have permission to stop the service or uninstall anything either from add/remove programs or in control pannel, programs and features.  Tech support pretty much told me to kick rocks.  GAH!  no company should lock their software on any PC.  this is totally unacceptable.

[ebilcari]

Have you tried to use the FortiClient Removal Tool, some details are shown in this article.

[simonchampagne]

this help, take note that you dont need to be on safemode, i just use the tool in admin, restart the pc and eveything work fine.

i was then able to install the new application

[6sITdept]

I had the same problem.  i discovered that if I disconnect the Security Fabric then I was able to go to the system tray and "shutdown".  then I was able to go to Control panel-> Apps and uninstall. 

yes that's a pain in the butt.

[filiaks1]

I have sen many issues where even after remove reg keys remain and a clean install is needed. Forti needs to work on their VPN agent remove options.