Setting up SFU VPN on Windows

OVERVIEW

This article describes how to set up the FortiClient app on a Windows computer to connect to SFU VPN:

1. Downloading FortiClient VPN
2. Installing FortiClient VPN
3. Setting up the VPN connection
4. Connecting to SFU VPN
5. Troubleshooting connection issues
6. Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

SFU managed devices should already have the FortiClient app installed, but you may need to set up the connection (step 3).

System Requirements

As of February 24, 2025, only FortiClient VPN version 7.2.x or higher is compatible with SFU VPN.

In addition to meeting the account and security requirements outlined in Getting started with SFU VPN, your computer must meet the following system requirements:

• Windows 10 or 11 (64 bit)
• Intel processor or equivalent (ARM-based not supported)
• 2 GB RAM
• 1 GB free hard disk space

For a complete list of system requirements, see FortiClient Administration Guide (7.2.0).

DETAILS

1. Downloading FortiClient VPN

Download VPN for Windows

As of this article, the latest version available is 7.4.2. The FortClient VPN app can also be found on the FortiClient Product Downloads website.

2. Installing FortiClient VPN

1. Launch the installer (FortiClientVPNOnlineInstaller.exe) from the downloaded location. Allow it to make changes to your computer to proceed.
   
   
    
2. Accept the License Agreement then select Next.
   
   
    
3. Select Install. The setup wizard will begin installing FortiClient VPN on your device.
   
   
    
4. Select Finish to exit the installer.
   
   

3. Setting up the VPN connection

1. Launch the FortiClient VPN app (double click the FortiClient VPN shortcut on your desktop, or select it from your system tray > Open FortiClient console).
    
2. Check "I acknowledge..." box and then click I accept.
   
   
    
3. Select Configure VPN and configure the connection as follows. Then click Save.
   
   

4. Connecting to SFU VPN

1. Enter your SFU Computing ID and password then select Connect.
   
   
    
2. Enter your MFA code in the Answer field. Then select OK.
   
    
3. If the connection is successful, you'll see a confirmation screen with the VPN connection details:
    
4. To close your VPN connection, select Disconnect.

Make sure to connect to the VPN every time you need it. The VPN will disconnect if your computer is idle or sleeps and does not re-connect automatically.

Troubleshooting

If you're still unable to connect to SFU VPN, see Troubleshooting SFU VPN connection issues for help before submitting a ticket.

Other FAQS

2. How do I view and edit my VPN connection settings?

If you need to update the connection settings, select the menu then select Edit the connection:

4. How do I uninstall the FortiClient app?

Re-run the installer and select Remove: