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ArcGIS Desktop Is Retired

Migrate to user types before your 2026 renewal date and access the most advanced version of ArcGIS

Plan your migration

Modernize your work with the latest ArcGIS technology

Get broader access to capabilities, apps, and content with user type licenses

Technology has evolved since the release of ArcGIS Desktop. To deliver the modern experience your work requires, ArcGIS Desktop has been retired. 

Migrating to updated user types—a role-based licensing model—supports modern workflows with:

  • Advanced functionality and insights through ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, and ArcGIS Online
  • Access to ArcGIS across all modern environments—desktop, web, and mobile
  • Support for collaboration, analysis, and decision-making across teams

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Enjoy greater flexibility with user type licenses

Go beyond desktop-only workflows

User types are named user licenses that provide access to a variety of capabilities, apps and content based on a person’s role. Rather than licensing multiple products, extensions, apps, and add-ons, user type licenses enable secure, role-based access to ArcGIS capabilities. 

Customers migrating from ArcGIS Desktop are eligible to move into Creator, Professional, and Professional Plus user types. With this updated model, teams have access to more GIS capabilities at each access level than ever before including:

  • Web mapping and sharing tools for creating and publishing GIS content online
  • Analysis for scalable, on-demand processing and visualization
  • Secure access to GIS content from any device, supporting mobile and distributed workflows

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Start your migration planning

Account managers, sales representatives, and Esri Professional Services are ready to help you migrate to updated user types. Consider these factors to determine which user types are right for your organization.

  • Assess your ArcGIS Desktop user base

    Determine how many people rely on ArcGIS Desktop licenses and the roles they support to identify how many user types you will need.

  • Clarify the GIS work your team supports

    Understand how each person uses ArcGIS Desktop to match them with the right user type license capabilities.

  • Consider how you want to evolve your GIS

    Explore future needs and goals to choose user types that support long-term workflows and modernization.

  • Identify any custom or third-party tools, add-ins, or scripts you use

    Know what your team depends on to plan how these tools will transition or change as you migrate.

  • Visit My Esri or contact your account representative

    Use My Esri or connect with your account representative to review your licenses, explore options, and receive guidance. 

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Migrate before your renewal to try user types

No upfront costs
Access user types through the early ArcGIS Desktop migration offer. Then you can adjust your licenses so you only pay for exactly what you need.

Special pricing
The sooner you start the transition, the more you’ll save.

Ongoing support
Minimize disruptions while you migrate. You’ll get active support for both ArcGIS Desktop and your updated user types through the end of your last maintenance term.

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Build a future-ready GIS

Modern ArcGIS adapts to your needs and supports long-term success

  • Enhanced cybersecurity and data protection

    Protect your organization from threats with regular cybersecurity updates. Unsupported software may expose your organization to security risks, impacting data safety.

  • Technology that grows with you

    Adapt to industry demands with an advanced, scalable platform. ArcGIS Desktop may restrict flexibility, impacting your ability to expand GIS capabilities. 

  • Efficient workflows and increased productivity

    Enhance productivity with fast workflows and improved collaboration tools. The older infrastructure of ArcGIS Desktop may lead to slower, siloed processes that can limit efficiency.

  • File and data compatibility

    Ensure easy data access and sharing with support for modern file formats and data sources. The limited compatibility of ArcGIS Desktop could hinder workflows that depend on newer data. 

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Frequently asked questions about migration

ArcGIS Desktop and ArcMap retired on March 1, 2026.

At that time, Esri ended support for ArcGIS Desktop and ArcMap. This means you will no longer be able to renew your ArcGIS Desktop maintenance. Instead, Esri will quote user types at your next renewal as a replacement for maintenance. 

User types are named user licenses that enable users to securely access ArcGIS through apps and services available anywhere and on any device. User types provide broader access to the capabilities, apps, and content available with ArcGIS. This means users have more options for where and how they work.

This is an opportunity to modernize your workflows and think differently about how you enable users. It could even mean moving workflows away from desktop software to web and mobile apps, taking advantage of the ability to access ArcGIS anywhere.  

Esri continually modernizes ArcGIS to support the changing and growing needs of our user community. This includes streamlining our licensing to make ArcGIS easier to understand, buy, and use.

If you’re still in your final ArcGIS Desktop maintenance term and have not received a renewal quote, your organization’s primary maintenance contact can initiate migration using the product migration tool in My Esri. The tool allows you to review your ArcGIS Desktop licenses that are current on maintenance as well as product migration options for each license.

If you know who your account manager is, we encourage you to reach out to them at any time. If you’re unsure, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page and someone will follow up soon to provide the help you need.

Contact us to get help migrating

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