FortiGuard Online Scanner review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

FortiGuard Online Scanner is a free, web-based tool for checking a suspicious file or program for viruses. It is aimed at people who want to submit an individual file they found on their computer or downloaded from the internet, including solo users and small organizations looking for a quick file check. The workflow centers on selecting a file and submitting it for scanning. Optional name and email fields are available for users who want Fortinet to contact them, but they are not described as a requirement for submitting a file.

Its narrow scope is the main consideration. The scanner accepts one file per scan and caps uploads at 1 MB, so it fits small individual files rather than batches or larger downloads. The published product information describes file scanning, not on-demand scans of a whole computer or URL scanning. Buyers who need to inspect several files, larger items, or a full device should choose a tool with those capabilities instead; FortiGuard Online Scanner is a better fit when the task is limited to one small file.

There is no paid tier to weigh: the scanner is free, and its listed platform is the web. That keeps the choice straightforward for occasional checks without a software installation. The trade-off is that its usefulness depends on the file meeting the size limit and the user being willing to submit each item separately. Pick it for a free, focused check of a small file; skip it if your workflow calls for multiple-file submissions, larger uploads, computer-wide scanning, or URL checks.

FortiGuard Online Scanner pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Free, web-based scanning for suspicious files or programs
  • Accepts files from a computer or downloaded from the internet
  • Optional name and email fields allow Fortinet to contact users
• Where it doesn't
  • Scans only one file per submission
  • Uploads are limited to 1 MB
  • Does not scan an entire computer or URLs

FortiGuard Online Scanner fact sheet, pricing and score →

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 14 Nov 2026 · How we research and update