Where Does FortiClient Store Config and Backups?
Where FortiClient keeps its XML config and how to back it up with FCConfig.
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FortiClient centers on an XML configuration that admins push from EMS and users back up through Settings. The supported move is export and import, either in the GUI or with the FCConfig (Windows) and fcconfig (macOS) command tools in the install directories.
There is no single documents folder to memorize because exports go wherever you save them. The tools live at C:\Program Files (x86)\Fortinet\FortiClient on Windows and under /Library/Application Support/Fortinet/FortiClient/bin on macOS.
Where FortiClient stores this, by platform
C:\Program Files (x86)\Fortinet\FortiClient\
Home of FCConfig.exe for export, import and VPN only import modes. Back up with FCConfig export before reinstalls. EMS managed clients may overwrite local changes on next policy sync.
/Library/Application Support/Fortinet/FortiClient/
Holds the fcconfig tool and app support data. Same export and import workflow as Windows. EMS enrollment decides whether local edits survive.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up FortiClient settings?
Run FCConfig export from the FortiClient program folder to dump the full XML wherever you choose. Settings, Backup and Restore in the GUI does the same job for one off moves. Password protect the file since it can hold VPN credentials.
I only want the VPN tunnels, not the whole config. How?
Import the VPN section only with the FCConfig importvpn mode instead of the full restore. That keeps endpoint protection and web filter policies from the current install while bringing over tunnels.
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