Fortigate Vm: Virtualbox

Setting Up a FortiGate VM on Oracle VirtualBox: A Complete Guide Deploying a FortiGate VM Oracle VirtualBox

is one of the most cost-effective ways to build a cybersecurity lab, test network policies, or prepare for Fortinet certifications. While Fortinet primarily targets VMware and KVM, VirtualBox is a fully capable host for learning the FortiOS interface and basic firewall logic. 1. Prerequisites and Downloads To get started, you need a free FortiCloud account to access the necessary VM images. Registration : Sign up at the Fortinet Support Portal : Navigate to Support > VM Images as the product and choose New Deployment .out.kvm.zip packages are often compatible with VirtualBox).

: Ensure your host machine has at least 2 GB of RAM and 1 CPU core available to dedicate to the VM. 2. Deployment Steps

VirtualBox doesn't always have a native FortiGate template, so manual configuration is usually required. Import or Create If using an file: Use the File > Import Appliance option in VirtualBox. If using a or converted ): Create a "New" VM, choose Linux (64-bit)

, and attach the downloaded virtual disk as the primary storage. Network Configuration Adapter 1 (Management) Bridged Adapter

to receive a DHCP address from your home router for easy GUI access. Adapters 2+ (Traffic) : Set these to Internal Network to simulate "LAN" and "WAN" segments in your lab. System Settings

: Ensure "Enable EFI" is unchecked (unless the specific version requires it) and that PAE/NX is enabled under the Processor tab. 3. Initial Configuration via CLI

Once the VM boots, you must perform the initial setup through the VirtualBox console.

Technical Tip: Installation of FortiGate VM using VMware OVF file

After to have registered product on the portal: https://support.fortinet.com/ and downloaded 'FGT_VM64-v7. 0.5-build0304-FORTINET.

Setting up a FortiGate VM on VirtualBox is a popular way to build a security lab for free. While Fortinet primarily provides optimized images for VMware and KVM, you can successfully run it on VirtualBox by using the KVM (qcow2) image or the VMware (OVF) deployment package. 1. Download the FortiGate VM Image

To get the right files, you need a Fortinet Support Account. Navigate to: Support > VM Images. Select Product: FortiGate. Select Platform:

KVM: Download the .qcow2 file if you are comfortable converting disk formats (often more stable on VirtualBox).

VMware: Download the .ovf package, which is the standard for easy importing.

Trial Note: Fortinet offers a permanent evaluation license that supports 1 CPU, 2 GB RAM, and 3 interfaces. 2. Import into VirtualBox If using the OVF (VMware) package: Open VirtualBox and go to File > Import Appliance. Select the .ovf file from your downloaded folder.

Adjust Resources: Ensure the VM is set to 1 vCPU and 2GB RAM to stay within trial limits.

Disk Controller: Some users report better stability by changing the Storage Controller to AHCI. 3. Configure Network Adapters

This is the most critical step for a functional lab. FortiGate VMs typically use Port1 as the Management/WAN interface.

Adapter 1 (Port1): Set to Bridged Adapter (to get an IP from your home router) or NAT.

Adapter 2 (Port2): Set to Internal Network (e.g., name it "LAN-Lab") to connect other guest VMs as clients.

Promiscuous Mode: In VirtualBox "Advanced" settings for each adapter, set Promiscuous Mode to Allow All to ensure traffic flows correctly. 4. Initial CLI Setup Once the VM boots, log in via the VirtualBox console:

Default Login: admin with no password (you will be prompted to create one immediately).

Check IP: Run get system interface physical to find the IP address assigned to Port1.

Enable GUI Access: If Port1 didn't get an IP via DHCP, set it manually:

config system interface edit port1 set mode static set ip 192.168.1.99 255.255.255.0 set allowaccess https ssh ping next end Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 5. Access the Web GUI

Open a browser on your host machine and go to https://[Port1-IP]. Log in with your new credentials.

Activate Trial: Select the option to start a free trial. You will need to enter your Fortinet Support credentials to bind the license. The VM will reboot once the license is applied.

FortiGate VM on VirtualBox: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's digital landscape, network security is a top priority for organizations of all sizes. With the increasing complexity of cyber threats, it's essential to have robust security measures in place to protect your network infrastructure. One popular solution is the FortiGate virtual machine (VM), which offers a wide range of security features and capabilities. In this article, we'll explore how to deploy a FortiGate VM on VirtualBox, a popular virtualization platform.

What is FortiGate VM?

FortiGate VM is a virtualized version of the FortiGate next-generation firewall (NGFW), which is a hardware-based appliance that provides comprehensive security features to protect networks from cyber threats. The FortiGate VM is designed to run on virtualization platforms such as VMware, KVM, and VirtualBox, offering flexibility and scalability for organizations looking to secure their virtualized infrastructure.

Benefits of FortiGate VM

Deploying a FortiGate VM offers several benefits, including:

Flexibility: FortiGate VM can be deployed on various virtualization platforms, allowing organizations to choose the best fit for their infrastructure.
Scalability: FortiGate VM can be easily scaled up or down to meet changing network security requirements.
Cost-effectiveness: FortiGate VM eliminates the need for physical hardware, reducing capital and operational expenses.
Comprehensive security: FortiGate VM offers a wide range of security features, including NGFW, intrusion prevention, antivirus, and web filtering.

What is VirtualBox?

VirtualBox is a popular open-source virtualization platform developed by Oracle. It allows users to create and manage virtual machines (VMs) on a host machine, providing a flexible and isolated environment for testing, development, and production. VirtualBox supports a wide range of guest operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Deploying FortiGate VM on VirtualBox

To deploy a FortiGate VM on VirtualBox, follow these steps: fortigate vm virtualbox

Download the FortiGate VM image: Log in to the Fortinet support portal and download the FortiGate VM image for VirtualBox.
Create a new virtual machine: Launch VirtualBox and create a new VM by selecting "New" from the toolbar. Choose "Linux" as the type and "64-bit" as the version.
Configure VM settings: Allocate at least 2GB of RAM and 2 CPU cores to the VM. Create a new virtual hard disk with a minimum size of 20GB.
Import the FortiGate VM image: Select the downloaded FortiGate VM image and import it into VirtualBox.
Configure network settings: Configure the VM's network settings to connect to the host machine's network.
Power on the VM: Power on the FortiGate VM and access the console to configure the initial setup.

Initial Configuration

Once the FortiGate VM is powered on, follow these steps to configure the initial setup:

Login to the console: Login to the console using the default username and password (admin/admin).
Configure the IP address: Configure the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for the FortiGate VM.
Configure the DNS server: Configure the DNS server settings to enable internet access.
Activate the license: Activate the FortiGate VM license to enable all features and capabilities.

Configuring FortiGate VM

After the initial setup, you can configure the FortiGate VM to meet your network security requirements. Some common configurations include:

Interface configuration: Configure the FortiGate VM interfaces to connect to your network infrastructure.
Firewall policies: Configure firewall policies to control traffic flow and protect your network from cyber threats.
IPS and antivirus: Configure IPS and antivirus settings to detect and prevent intrusions and malware attacks.

Conclusion

Deploying a FortiGate VM on VirtualBox provides a flexible and cost-effective solution for organizations looking to secure their virtualized infrastructure. With its comprehensive security features and capabilities, FortiGate VM offers robust protection against cyber threats. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily deploy and configure a FortiGate VM on VirtualBox to meet your network security requirements.

Additional Tips and Best Practices

Regularly update the FortiGate VM: Regularly update the FortiGate VM to ensure you have the latest security features and patches.
Monitor performance: Monitor the performance of the FortiGate VM to ensure it's operating within optimal parameters.
Configure high availability: Configure high availability settings to ensure continuous operation in case of hardware or software failures.

FAQs

Q: What are the system requirements for running FortiGate VM on VirtualBox? A: The system requirements for running FortiGate VM on VirtualBox include a 64-bit host machine with at least 2GB of RAM and 2 CPU cores.
Q: Can I deploy FortiGate VM on other virtualization platforms? A: Yes, FortiGate VM can be deployed on various virtualization platforms, including VMware, KVM, and Hyper-V.
Q: How do I activate the FortiGate VM license? A: You can activate the FortiGate VM license by logging in to the Fortinet support portal and following the activation process.

Here are concise, useful pieces about running FortiGate VM in VirtualBox (setup tips, limitations, and learning resources).

Basic overview

FortiGate VM is a virtualized firewall appliance from Fortinet; VirtualBox can run older FortiGate VM images (mainly for testing/lab), but Fortinet officially supports hypervisors like VMware ESXi, KVM, Hyper‑V, and Nutanix — not VirtualBox.
Use case: quick labs, learning FortiOS features, configuration practice, and packet-inspection/basic routing tests (not for production).

What to download

Obtain a FortiGate VM image from Fortinet (trial or customer portal). For VirtualBox you’ll likely need the FortiGate “.qcow2” or “.img” variant and convert it to a VirtualBox‑compatible VDI or VMDK (see conversion step below).

Quick setup steps (high level)

Convert image: use qemu-img to convert qcow2/img → vmdk or vdi:
- Example: qemu-img convert -O vmdk FG_VM.qcow2 FG_VM.vmdk
Create new VirtualBox VM:
- Type: Linux / Other Linux (64-bit)
- RAM: 2–4 GB (depends on VM license and features)
- CPU: 1–2 vCPUs (more for heavy features)
- Storage: attach converted vmdk; enable PIIX/ICH9 or default paquets if needed
Network interfaces:
- Add multiple NICs in VirtualBox (Adapter 1 = management/internal, others = internal or bridged) and set them to Intel PRO/1000 (or paravirtualized if supported).
- For traffic between host and VM use Host‑Only or Bridged networking; for multi-segment labs use Internal Network.
Boot and license:
- Boot VM; access console via VirtualBox GUI. For web GUI, assign IP to management interface and browse to it.
- Apply trial license if required to unlock features.

Common tweaks & gotchas

Serial/console: FortiGate console appears on VM console; use it for initial login (default admin user with no password).
Drivers and NIC models: Use Intel e1000/e1000e in VirtualBox; some FortiGate builds require specific NIC models.
Disk format: Ensure correct conversion; wrong format or corrupt conversion prevents boot.
Performance: VirtualBox lacks paravirtualization optimizations available in KVM/ESXi, so performance and throughput are limited.
Features limited or unsupported: High‑performance inspection, SR‑IOV, and some hardware‑offload features not available. Licensing may restrict throughput and features.
Serial number / VMID: FortiGate licensing may tie to hypervisor/hardware IDs — running in VirtualBox can require workarounds and may not match Fortinet’s expected platform identifiers.
Image compatibility: Newer FortiOS images might not boot under VirtualBox; stick to versions known to work (older releases) for lab use.

Basic lab ideas to try

Configure interfaces and policies: create internal, DMZ, and WAN zones; allow/deny rules.
NAT and PAT examples: outbound NAT for internal subnet; 1:1 NAT to host services.
VPN lab: configure IPsec site‑to‑site between two FortiGate VMs (use two VMs or one + remote peer).
HA lab (limited): simulate basic HA state sync (may be flaky in VirtualBox).
Logging and debugging: set up syslog to a host VM, test FortiAnalyzer integration (lab scale).

Troubleshooting tips

VM won’t boot: check image conversion, VM chipset (PIIX vs ICH9), and enable EFI only if image requires UEFI.
No network connectivity: confirm NIC model, adapter type (bridged vs internal), and that interfaces inside FortiGate are up and configured.
Web GUI unreachable: verify management IP, route from host, and that HTTP/HTTPS admin is enabled on the interface.
Licensing errors: use trial license from Fortinet or reset VM serial per Fortinet guidance; be aware of licensing restrictions.

Alternative recommended hypervisors

Use KVM/libvirt or VMware ESXi/Workstation for better compatibility and performance; these are more widely supported by Fortinet and avoid many VirtualBox issues.

Learning resources (what to read/watch)

Fortinet docs: FortiGate VM deployment guide and FortiOS administration guide (look up latest FortiGate VM deploy docs on Fortinet support site).
Community labs and YouTube walkthroughs showing conversion (qemu-img) and VirtualBox boot examples.
Networking blog posts and step‑by‑step articles titled like “Run FortiGate VM in VirtualBox” or “FortiGate lab with VirtualBox” for practical command examples.

If you want, I can:

Provide exact qemu-img conversion commands and a ready VirtualBox VM configuration (assume FortiGate qcow2 input), or
Give a step‑by‑step walkthrough for a specific FortiOS version you have.

Related search terms sent.

Setting up a FortiGate VM on VirtualBox is a common way to build a high-performance network security lab without needing physical hardware. While Fortinet doesn't offer a native "VirtualBox" file, you can successfully "storyboard" your installation by using KVM or OpenXen images and adapting them to the VirtualBox environment. 1. Acquiring the Software The journey begins at the Fortinet Support Site.

Account Creation: You must register for a free account to access VM images.

Selecting the Image: Under the VM Images section, choose FortiGate as the product.

Platform Hack: Since VirtualBox isn't listed, download the KVM or OpenXen (qcow2 format) package.

Extraction: Decompress the downloaded zip file to reveal the virtual hard disk. 2. Preparing for VirtualBox

Because VirtualBox does not natively support the .qcow2 format used by KVM, a conversion is often necessary for a smooth experience.

FortiGate-VM virtual licenses and resources - Fortinet Document Library

Running a FortiGate VM on Oracle VirtualBox is a popular way to build a networking lab, but its utility depends heavily on your choice of FortiOS version and licensing. While VirtualBox is widely accessible, FortiGate's recent licensing shifts have made it significantly more restrictive for complex labs. Core Performance & Technical Review

Hypervisor Compatibility: FortiGate VMs are natively optimized for VMware (ESXi/Workstation) and KVM. To run it reliably on Oracle VirtualBox, users often need to import the KVM/OpenXen versions and manually convert disk formats (e.g., .qcow2 to .vmdk) or adjust paravirtualization settings to "KVM" within VirtualBox settings.

Resource Requirements: For smooth operation—especially when enabling "Heavy" features like Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) or Proxy—assigning at least 4GB of RAM is recommended. The bare minimum for a basic boot is 2GB.

Network Setup: VirtualBox's networking can be tricky. A typical lab setup requires Bridged Adapters for WAN access and Host-Only Adapters for a dedicated management interface (GUI/SSH). Licensing: The "Evaluation" Hurdle

As of 2026, the licensing model for free evaluation is a "Permanent Trial," but it comes with strict limitations compared to older versions. Permanent Trial (FortiOS 7.2+) Older 15-Day Trial (Pre-7.2) Duration Unlimited (Permanent) 15 Days (then expires) Firewall Policies Unlimited (usually) Network Interfaces Encryption Low Encryption Only (No AES) Low Encryption Only Management HTTP only (No HTTPS admin) HTTP/HTTPS Pros & Cons

Deploying a FortiGate-VM on Oracle VM VirtualBox requires specific image preparation because Fortinet does not provide a native .vdi or .ova format specifically tailored for VirtualBox. Deployment Summary

To run FortiGate in VirtualBox, you typically download the KVM/OpenXen version and convert the disk image format.

Image Source: Download the KVM or OpenXen deployment package from the Fortinet Support Portal.

Format Conversion: Use a tool like qemu-img to convert the .qcow2 file into a .vmdk or .vdi file that VirtualBox can boot. Resource Requirements:

CPU: 2+ virtual cores (ensure VT-x/AMD-V is enabled in BIOS and VirtualBox settings). RAM: At least 2 GB (standard for trial versions). Setting Up a FortiGate VM on Oracle VirtualBox:

Network: Set adapters to Intel PRO/1000 MT Desktop or Server for best compatibility. Evaluation & Trial License

Fortinet provides a Permanent Evaluation License for lab and study purposes.

Limitations: Max 1 CPU, 2 GB RAM, 3 network interfaces, and no FortiGuard updates.

Activation: Requires a registered FortiCare account to download and apply the license via the FortiOS GUI. Reporting Capabilities

Once the VM is running, you can generate reports directly on the device or via external collectors:

Local Reporting: If disk logging is enabled, navigate to Log & Report > Reports and select Generate Now.

FortiAnalyzer Integration: For more comprehensive reporting, the VM can send logs to a FortiAnalyzer VM.

Real-time Monitoring: Use FortiView for live traffic visualization and historical performance metrics within the dashboard. Common Troubleshooting Potential Solution Boot Loop / No OS

Ensure the disk was converted correctly to .vmdk and attached as an IDE or SATA controller. No GUI Access

Verify the management interface (usually Port 1) has allowaccess https configured in the CLI. Performance Issues

Enable Nested Paging and KVM Paravirtualization in the VM's acceleration settings. Fortigate VM error - virtualbox.org

Running a FortiGate VM on Oracle VM VirtualBox is a popular way to build a home lab for network security practice. Because Fortinet does not provide a native "VirtualBox" image, you typically use the KVM or OpenXen packages. Getting Started To get the VM, you must have a FortiCloud account.

Download: Log in to the Fortinet Support Site, go to Support > VM Images, and select FortiGate.

Platform Choice: While there isn't a direct VirtualBox option, most users download the KVM (.qcow2) or OpenXen package.

Note: You may need to convert the .qcow2 file to .vmdk or .vdi using tools like qemu-img to make it compatible with VirtualBox. VirtualBox Configuration Best Practices

For a stable experience, apply these settings in the VirtualBox Manager:

System: Enable VT-x/AMD-V and Nested Paging in your host BIOS and VirtualBox settings. Acceleration: Set Paravirtualization Interface to KVM.

Resources: Allocate at least 1–2 vCPUs and 2–4GB of RAM. Network Adapters:

Port 1 (WAN): Set to NAT or Bridged to get internet access via DHCP.

Port 2 (LAN): Set to Internal Network or Host-only Adapter to connect other VMs (like a Windows/Linux guest) behind the firewall.

Adapter Type: Use Intel PRO/1000 MT Desktop for the best compatibility. Evaluation License Limits

If you are using the free permanent trial mode (v7.x+), be aware of these constraints: Hardware: Limited to 1 CPU and 2 GB RAM.

Features: Maximum of 3 interfaces, 3 firewall policies, and 3 routes. Services: No FortiGuard updates or technical support. Initial Access

Once booted, the default login is admin with no password (it will prompt you to create one). To access the GUI: Issues with setting up Fortigate VM - Fortinet Community

Setting up a FortiGate VM on Oracle VM VirtualBox is a popular way to build a security lab without expensive hardware. This guide covers everything from obtaining the image to initial CLI configuration. 📥 1. Prerequisites & Download

You need an account on the Fortinet Support Portal to access VM images. Register: Sign up for a free account if you don't have one. Navigate: Go to Support > VM Images. Select Product: Choose FortiGate.

Select Platform: While VirtualBox isn't always listed as a primary platform, the KVM (.qcow2) or ESXi (.ovf) packages are often compatible.

Download: Select the latest stable version (e.g., FortiOS 7.x) and choose the "New Deployment" package. ⚙️ 2. VirtualBox VM Creation

Once downloaded, extract the files and follow these steps to create your VM: Machine Name: Use "FortiGate-VM" or similar.

Type & Version: Set Type to Linux and Version to Other Linux (64-bit). Memory: Allocate at least 1024 MB (1 GB) of RAM.

Hard Disk: Use "Use an existing virtual hard disk file" and point it to the .vhd or .vmdk file from your extracted download.

Network Adapters: This is critical for firewall functionality.

Adapter 1 (WAN): Set to Bridged or NAT to reach the internet.

Adapter 2 (LAN): Set to Internal Network or Host-Only to connect other lab VMs.

Adapter 3-4: Add more adapters as needed for DMZ or other zones. 🚀 3. Initial Boot & CLI Configuration

After starting the VM, wait for the login prompt in the VirtualBox console. Flexibility : FortiGate VM can be deployed on

Deploying FortiGate VM on VirtualBox: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

FortiGate is a popular network security appliance that provides a wide range of security features, including firewall, intrusion prevention, and threat protection. In addition to its hardware appliances, Fortinet also offers a virtual version of FortiGate, known as FortiGate VM, which can be deployed on various virtualization platforms, including VirtualBox. In this article, we will walk through the process of deploying FortiGate VM on VirtualBox.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

A computer with VirtualBox installed (version 6.0 or later)
A FortiGate VM image (downloadable from the Fortinet website)
A valid FortiGate VM license
A basic understanding of networking concepts

Downloading and Installing FortiGate VM Image

Go to the Fortinet website and download the FortiGate VM image for VirtualBox (.ova file).
Once the download is complete, import the image into VirtualBox by going to File > Import Appliance.
Select the downloaded .ova file and follow the import wizard to complete the process.

Creating a New Virtual Machine

Launch VirtualBox and click on New to create a new virtual machine.
Select Linux as the type and 64-bit as the version.
Set the memory allocation to at least 2048 MB (2 GB).
Create a virtual hard disk with a minimum size of 20 GB.

Configuring Virtual Machine Settings

Go to Settings > Network.
Select Adapter 1 and choose Bridged Adapter.
Select Adapter 2 and choose Internal Network.
Go to Settings > Storage.
Select the virtual hard disk and choose VBoxManage > clonehd to create a copy of the hard disk.

Starting the FortiGate VM

Select the virtual machine and click Start.
The FortiGate VM will boot up and display a login prompt.
Log in with the default username and password (admin/admin).

Initial Configuration

The FortiGate VM will prompt you to change the password and configure the network settings.
Configure the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS settings for the management interface.

Licensing and Activation

Go to System > Licensing and enter your FortiGate VM license.
Activate the license by clicking Apply.

Configuring FortiGate VM

Configure the FortiGate VM according to your network security requirements.
Set up firewall policies, intrusion prevention, and threat protection.

Conclusion

Deploying FortiGate VM on VirtualBox is a straightforward process that requires minimal configuration. With this step-by-step guide, you should be able to get started with FortiGate VM in no time. Remember to configure the FortiGate VM according to your network security requirements and activate the license to ensure full functionality.

Additional Resources

Fortinet Documentation: https://docs.fortinet.com
VirtualBox Documentation: https://docs.oracle.com/en/virtualization/virtualbox

FAQs

Q: What is the minimum system requirement for running FortiGate VM on VirtualBox? A: The minimum system requirement is 2048 MB (2 GB) of memory and 20 GB of disk space.

Q: Can I use a different virtualization platform to deploy FortiGate VM? A: Yes, FortiGate VM supports various virtualization platforms, including VMware, KVM, and Hyper-V.

Q: How do I activate my FortiGate VM license? A: You can activate your FortiGate VM license by going to System > Licensing and entering your license key.

Introduction

FortiGate is a popular network security appliance that provides a range of security features, including firewall, intrusion prevention, and VPN capabilities. VirtualBox is a free and open-source hypervisor that allows you to run virtual machines on your desktop or server. In this article, we'll walk through the steps to set up a FortiGate VM in VirtualBox.

Prerequisites

VirtualBox installed on your desktop or server
FortiGate VM image (download from Fortinet website)
A valid FortiGate license
A computer with sufficient resources (CPU, RAM, and disk space)

Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox

If you haven't already, download and install VirtualBox from the official website. Follow the installation instructions to install VirtualBox on your desktop or server.

Step 2: Download FortiGate VM Image

Go to the Fortinet website and download the FortiGate VM image (OVA file) for VirtualBox. You'll need to create an account or log in to your existing account to access the download page. Choose the correct version and platform (e.g., FortiGate 7.0.1 VM for VirtualBox).

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

Launch VirtualBox and click on "New" to create a new virtual machine.
Enter a name for your VM (e.g., "FortiGate-VM") and select "Linux" as the type and "64-bit" as the version.
Click "Next" and allocate at least 2 GB of RAM to the VM (more is recommended).
Create a new virtual hard disk or use an existing one. Select "VDI" (VirtualBox Disk Image) as the hard disk type.
Choose "Dynamically allocated" storage and allocate a minimum of 20 GB of disk space (more is recommended).

Step 4: Import FortiGate VM Image

Go to the "Storage" section of your new VM and click on the empty CD/DVD drive.
Click on the "CD/DVD Drive" dropdown menu and select "Choose a virtual CD/DVD disk file".
Browse to the location where you saved the FortiGate VM image (OVA file) and select it.
Click "OK" to import the image.

Step 5: Configure VM Settings

Go to the "System" section and select the "Processor" tab.
Allocate at least 2 CPU cores to the VM (more is recommended).
Go to the "Network" section and select "Adapter 1".
Choose "NAT" as the network adapter type.
You can also add more network adapters if needed.

Step 6: Start the FortiGate VM

Select the FortiGate-VM from the VirtualBox Manager and click on "Start".
The VM will boot up and display the FortiGate boot menu.
Follow the boot menu prompts to select the correct boot image.

Step 7: Configure FortiGate VM

Once the VM has booted up, access the FortiGate console using the default credentials (admin/admin).
Follow the setup wizard to configure the FortiGate VM, including:
- Setting up the admin interface
- Configuring network settings (e.g., IP address, subnet mask, gateway)
- Setting up a password for the admin user

Step 8: Activate FortiGate License

Go to the FortiGate web interface and navigate to "System" > "Status".
Click on "Activate License" and enter your valid FortiGate license key.
Follow the prompts to activate the license.

Conclusion

In this article, we've walked through the steps to set up a FortiGate VM in VirtualBox. By following these steps, you should now have a fully functional FortiGate VM up and running. You can use this VM to provide network security features for your virtual network. Make sure to consult the Fortinet documentation and VirtualBox user manual for more detailed information on configuring and managing your FortiGate VM.

✅ Step 6: Testing Connectivity

Ping 8.8.8.8 from the FortiGate CLI to verify WAN access.
Create a simple policy: port3 → port2 with action accept to allow LAN clients out.

After 15 days, the GUI shows "Invalid license"

Fix: SSH into FortiGate, run execute factoryreset, then re-apply for a new trial. Do not forget to change the UUID of the VM (via VBoxManage setvideemacaddress) if the license is fully blacklisted.