What Features Stop Working After FortiGate License Expiry?

The "expiration date" on the firewall dashboard is a frequent source of worry for IT managers. We frequently receive the question, "Will my network go down if my license expires?" at StackLink.
In a nutshell, your FortiGate won't prevent traffic from passing. But it will lose the intelligence that makes it a leader in the business and turn into a "dumb" firewall. Here's a detailed explanation of which FortiGate 40F or 60F functionalities stop functioning and which remain operational.

Step 1: Recognizing the "Static" State

The gear keeps working according to its most recent configuration when your FortiGuard subscription expires. Similar to a smartphone without internet, it still contains apps, but they are unable to update or retrieve new data.

What Continues to Work:

• Basic Routing: OSPF, BGP, and other static and dynamic routing protocols are still in use.
• Firewall Policies: Your previously established IP/Port rules will continue to govern traffic flow.
• VPN Tunnels: In most cases, the current Client-to-Site (SSL) and Site-to-Site (IPsec) VPNs will still function.
• Physical interfaces and VLANs: Your network architecture is unaltered.

Step 2: Critical Security Services That Stop

The danger is right here. Any feature that depends on Fortinet's servers for a real-time "lookup" or signature update will either malfunction or grow dangerously out of date.

1. Web & Video Filtering (Categorization)

It's the most instantaneous "break." FortiGate classifies URLs (such as "Social Media" or "Malicious") using FortiGuard servers. The firewall cannot "ask" the server what a site is if it does not have a license.

• The Outcome: You will be left vulnerable if the firewall blocks all web traffic (Fail-Close) or permits everything (Fail-Open), depending on your configuration.

2.  Antivirus & IPS Updates

The Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and Antivirus (AV) engines will continue to operate, but they will employ expired signatures.
• As a result: You are safe from 2024 threats yet totally unaware of 2026 zero-day exploits.\ 

3. Application Control

Application Control uses a database to identify traffic, much like web filtering does (e.g., separating "Facebook Chat" from "Facebook Video").
• The outcome is that modifications to already-existing applications or new ones won't be acknowledged.

Step 3: Support and Firmware Access

Beyond technological aspects, the device's "business" side undergoes substantial modifications.
• When you upgrade your software, you can no longer access the Fortinet Support Portal. Patches for significant vulnerabilities, such as the most recent CVE-2026-21643, are not available for download.
• Technical Support (TAC): In the event of an issue, you are no longer able to open tickets with Fortinet engineers.
• Hardware RMA: You won't have a legitimate contract for a replacement if your 40F or 60F hardware malfunctions.

Step 4: Comparing Your Hardware

The 40F and 60F are the best options for small-to-midsize branches if you are using outdated hardware or need a new start with a valid license bundle.

Summary: The "Continuous Support" Policy

Don't put off renewing for too long. Fortinet has a policy on backdating. If you purchase a one-year license renewal after your current one has expired for three months, the new license will be retroactively effective to the original expiration date. In essence, you "pay for the gap" to guarantee ongoing coverage.
Is the expiration of your license soon? Would you like me to assist you in determining which of the many FortiGuard bundles—Unified Threat Protection vs. Enterprise Protection—best suits your business?