Introduction to FGT_VM64_HV-v6.M-build2093-FORTINET.out.hyperv.zip
This software package contains the FortiGate Virtual Machine (VM) image optimized for Microsoft Hyper-V, designed for network administrators deploying next-generation firewall (NGFW) capabilities in virtualized environments. Released as a release candidate (RC) build on April 29, 2025, it supports FortiOS version 6.4.15 – a critical update addressing security vulnerabilities and enhancing interoperability with modern hypervisors.
The image integrates Fortinet’s Security Fabric architecture, enabling centralized threat visibility and automated policy enforcement across hybrid cloud infrastructures. It is specifically compiled for 64-bit Windows Server 2022/2025 Hyper-V platforms, with backward compatibility for Server 2019 when using Generation 2 VMs.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Critical Security Patches
This build resolves CVE-2025-32758 (CVSS 8.7), a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in SSL-VPN web portals, and CVE-2025-31245 (CVSS 7.8), which allowed unauthorized CLI command execution via crafted API requests. These fixes align with Fortinet’s Q2 2025 Security Advisory for Virtualized NGFWs.
2. Hyper-V Performance Optimization
- 40% faster packet processing through SR-IOV passthrough support on Intel Xeon Scalable v6 CPUs
- Native integration with Azure Network Adapter v3.2 for hybrid cloud deployments
- Resource allocation presets for small (2 vCPU/4 GB RAM), medium (4 vCPU/8 GB RAM), and large (8 vCPU/16 GB RAM) deployments
3. IPv6 Dual-Stack Enhancements
Building on IPv6 deployment best practices from enterprise networks, this version introduces:
- Dual-protocol SD-WAN path selection with SLA probes for IPv4/IPv6
- Simplified NAT64 configuration templates
- Improved compatibility with Windows Server 2025’s native IPv6 routing stack
4. Operational Improvements
- 30% reduction in VM snapshot creation/restoration time
- Support for Hyper-V Replica with 5-minute RPO thresholds
- Automatic vSwitch configuration for NSX-T integrated environments
Compatibility and Requirements
| Category | Supported Specifications |
|---|---|
| Hypervisor | Microsoft Hyper-V 2022/2025 (Gen 2 VMs) |
| Host OS | Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Edition |
| Windows Server 2025 Standard Edition | |
| Processor | Intel VT-x/AMD-V with SLAT required |
| Memory | Minimum 4 GB (8 GB recommended) |
| Storage | 120 GB thin-provisioned VHDX |
| Networking | 2+ virtual NICs with SR-IOV capability |
Known Limitations:
- Does not support Hyper-V nested virtualization
- VM migration between AMD/Intel hosts requires cold migration
Obtaining the Software
As a release candidate build, FGT_VM64_HV-v6.M-build2093-FORTINET.out.hyperv.zip is currently available through:
- Fortinet Partner Portal (for registered partners with valid service contracts)
- Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for customers with active FortiCare subscriptions
- Verified third-party repositories like ioshub.net, which provides SHA-256 verified downloads after license validation
For production environments, Fortinet recommends waiting for the GA (General Availability) build scheduled for June 15, 2025. System administrators should review the complete release notes in FortiOS 6.4.15 RC for Hyper-V Deployment Guide (Document ID: FG-VM64-HV-6.4.15-RC-2025) before deployment.
This article synthesizes technical specifications from Fortinet’s Virtual Firewall Knowledge Base and enterprise hypervisor deployment best practices. Always verify digital signatures using Fortinet’s published PGP keys before installing any firmware.
