FortiClient VPN-only install — quick guide for admins

💡 Why people search “FortiClient VPN-only install” — and what you really want

If you’re reading this, you’re probably facing one of those messy real-life setup jobs: you need FortiClient’s VPN so people can remote into the office, but you don’t want the rest of the endpoint bells and whistles (EDR, Web Filter, Fabric Agent, etc.) shoved onto every laptop.

That’s the exact pain: FortiClient is often packaged as a full security suite, and in enterprise pushes it’s common to see EMS (Fortinet’s management) force extra modules. For small IT teams, contractors, or anyone who just wants a clean IPsec/SSL VPN connection without telemetry-heavy features, the “VPN-only” install is the sweet spot — lighter footprint, fewer reboot nags, and fewer helpdesk tickets.

This guide walks you through why VPN-only installs can be tricky, how the FortiClient installer behaves on Windows and macOS, safe steps to get a clean VPN-only client, and what to try when corporate EMS keeps re-installing the extras. I’ll also point out when you might be better off with a native OS client or a consumer VPN for privacy/streaming tasks. Think practical, no-nonsense, and tested-in-the-field advice for South African IT admins and power users.

📊 Quick comparison: VPN-only install options and platform notes

This table highlights practical trade-offs. The FortiClient UI installer does let you pick components on a manual install, but once EMS control is in play, the server-side policy can force extra modules. Many South African IT teams prefer the OS native VPN for simple IPsec tunnels because it’s lightweight and less “noisy” for end users. If you need streaming or consumer privacy, a dedicated consumer VPN app is often easier.

The sizes are ballpark estimates — installers vary by version. Crucially: if your company manages endpoints with FortiClient EMS, the EMS profile is king. Removing modules locally may only be a temporary fix unless you change EMS policies.

😎 MaTitie SHOW TIME

Hi, I’m MaTitie — the author and a bloke who’s spent too many late nights wrestling with stubborn VPN installs.

I’ve tested FortiClient in messy corporate environments and also tried simpler setups for freelancers and small offices in Cape Town and Jo’burg. Let’s be real — if you only want a fast, reliable VPN for privacy or streaming, you shouldn’t be forced into an enterprise-grade stack.

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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, MaTitie might earn a small commission. Appreciate the support — it keeps the lights on.

💡 How to actually install FortiClient VPN-only (step-by-step)

Start by identifying who controls endpoints: is it you (local admin) or a central EMS? If EMS controls deployment, your choices are limited unless you change EMS policies.

1. Windows (manual install)

• Download the official FortiClient installer from Fortinet or your corporate software portal.
• Right-click → Run as administrator.
• When the installer gives component options, deselect everything except “VPN” (or “VPN and SSL-VPN”).
• Complete install and configure the connection profile (IP/hostname, username, pre-shared key or certificate).
• Reboot if asked.

2. macOS (manual install)

• Use the .dmg/.pkg from Fortinet.
• Open installer and on the component screen uncheck EDR, Web Filter, and other extras — keep VPN.
• On macOS Ventura+ you’ll need to allow network extensions in System Settings → Privacy & Security, and approve the profile if macOS asks.
• If Gatekeeper blocks the installer, right-click → Open to bypass.

3. When EMS is present (the common headache)

• EMS pushes packages and policies. If an EMS profile is applied, local component selection is usually overridden.
• Options: ask your EMS admin to create a deployment package that only includes the VPN module; or use the EMS console to assign a minimalist profile.
• If you cannot change EMS, the workaround is using the OS native VPN client to connect to the FortiGate (if the firewall allows it).

4. Clean installs and leftovers

• Uninstall any older FortiClient versions fully (use FortiClientCleanupTool on Windows if available).
• On macOS, check /Library/Application Support and /Library/LaunchDaemons for leftover agents before reinstalling.
• Test on one machine before rolling out to users.

Practical tip: make a small lab VM that mirrors the user environment — saves you from accidental company-wide policy chaos.

🔍 Troubleshooting checklist (most-common fixes)

• “Installer forces extras back” → Check EMS server push policies.
• “VPN fails to connect after install” → Confirm tunnel type: IPsec vs SSL-VPN, correct PSK or certs, and firewall NAT traversal.
• “macOS permissions block network extension” → Approve under System Settings → Privacy & Security.
• “Missing tun/tap driver” → Some older FortiClient versions need a helper driver; update to the latest signed build.

If you want a lighter hand-off for users, consider scripting the VPN profile import (Windows: rasphone.pbk or PowerShell; macOS: networksetup /scutil) — scripts can be simpler than forcing a UI install.

🧩 Why some teams choose alternatives

FortiClient is powerful — it integrates with FortiSASE, FortiNAC, FortiPAM and other Fortinet components, giving central visibility and policy enforcement. But that power brings complexity. If your needs are just remote access (no EDR, no web filtering), consider:

• OS native VPN for IPsec/L2TP: minimal, transparent for users.
• Consumer VPN apps for privacy/streaming — easier for non-technical folks.
• Browser-based secure access strategies for SaaS apps (some enterprises prefer browser-based SASE patterns) — this trend is covered by enterprise guides emphasizing reduced endpoint complexity [TechRadar, 2025-08-29].

Historic context: SSL VPNs used to be the go-to because they reduced client management headaches — there’s a lot of background on that evolution worth skimming if you care about long-term architecture decisions [ITDaily, 2025-08-29].

If you’re on a Mac and hardware/accessories matter to you (USB tokens or dongles), keep in mind newer macOS versions and accessories can change driver expectations — hardware guides can help make sense of the current UX [Engadget, 2025-08-29].

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I remove FortiClient extras after install if EMS is not used?

💬 Yes — on standalone installs you can deselect or uninstall modules. If you later connect to an EMS-managed environment, those modules might be reinstalled by policy.

🛠️ What should I do if the VPN client installs but the tunnel won’t build?

💬 Check tunnel type (IPsec vs SSL), credentials (PSK vs cert), and whether NAT or firewall rules on the client side block UDP/500/4500. Also confirm FortiGate side settings match.

🧠 Is using a consumer VPN app a bad idea for remote work?

💬 If you need access to internal resources, yes — consumer VPNs won’t get you to corporate IPs. But for privacy or streaming, a consumer VPN like NordVPN is simpler and often more user-friendly.

🧩 Final Thoughts…

Installing FortiClient as VPN-only is usually doable when you control the endpoint, but EMS-managed environments require coordination with whoever runs the management console. For small teams, the OS native client is often the easiest and least intrusive choice. For privacy/streaming, consumer apps win for user-friendliness.

If you’re an IT admin in South Africa, test on a small group, document the exact installer options you used, and keep a rollback plan. That saves headscratchers and after-hours support calls.

📚 Further Reading

Here are 3 recent articles that give more context to this topic — all selected from verified sources. Feel free to explore 👇

🔸 Recrudescence de cyberattaques : pour protéger vos appareils, CyberGhost casse ses prix pour la rentrée (-82%)
🗞️ Source: Clubic – 📅 2025-08-29
🔗 Read Article

🔸 Il servizio VPN che ti regala mesi extra come nessun altro
🗞️ Source: Tom’s HW – 📅 2025-08-29
🔗 Read Article

🔸 How to watch Dutch Grand Prix 2025: Live stream the F1 from anywhere
🗞️ Source: WhatHiFi – 📅 2025-08-29
🔗 Read Article

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📌 Disclaimer

This article mixes publicly available reference material, news context, and on-the-ground testing. It’s meant to help you make practical decisions — not replace official Fortinet documentation or your corporate IT policies. Always test in a controlled environment before changing production endpoints. If anything looks odd, ping your vendor or me and we’ll sort it.