Firmware

Fortinet periodically updates the FortiGate firmware to include new features and resolve important issues. After you have registered your FortiGate, you can download firmware updates from the support web site, https://support.fortinet.com.

 

Before you install any new firmware, be sure to follow the steps below:

• Review the Release Notes for a new firmware release.
• Review the Supported Upgrade Paths document to make sure the upgrade from your current image to the desired new image is supported.
• Backup the current configuration, including local certificates. For more information, see Firmware on page 228.
• Test the new firmware until you are satisfied that it applies to your configuration.

Installing new firmware without reviewing release notes or testing the firmware may result in changes to settings or unexpected issues.

Only FortiGate admin users and administrators whose access profiles contain system read and write privileges can change the FortiGate firmware.

 

Backing up the current configuration

In case you need to restore your FortiGate configuration, you should always back up the configuration before installing new firmware.

 

To create a local backup:

1. Go to the Dashboard and locate the System Information widget.

2. Select Backup beside System Configuration.

3. Choose either Local PC or USB Disk to save the configuration file.

4. If desired, select Encrypt configuration file.

5. Select Backup.

Downloading firmware

Firmware images for all FortiGates is available on the Fortinet Customer Support website,

https://support.fortinet.com.

 

To download firmware

1. Log into the site using your user name and password.

2. Go to Download > Firmware Images.

3. A list of Release Notes is shown. If you have not already done so, download and review the Release Notes for the firmware you wish to upgrade your FortiGate to.

4. Select HTTPS Download.

Firmware can also be downloaded using FTP; however, as FTP is not an encrypted file transferring protocol, HTTPS downloading is recommended.

5. Navigate to find the folder for the firmware version you wish to use.

6. Select your FortiGate model from the list. If your unit is a FortiWiFi, be sure to get the appropriate firmware, which will have a filename starting with FWF.

7. Save the firmware image to your computer.