ArcGIS Pro stuck on license server

Summary

Fix issues with ArcGIS not recognizing the change from server licensing to named user licensing.

Body

What this fix does

Use these steps to stop ArcGIS Pro from trying to connect to a deprecated license server. This fix switches you to Named User licensing, which means you sign in with your Middlebury institution account instead of using a license server. Further documentation can be found in ESRI's knowledge base.


Step 1: Close ArcGIS Pro

Quit ArcGIS Pro completely.
Do not leave it running in the background.


Step 2: Open the Windows registry

Open the Windows Registry Editor.

Step 3: Navigate to the ArcGIS Pro licensing keys

Go to one of these locations in Registry Editor:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > ESRI > ArcGISPro > Licensing
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER > SOFTWARE > ESRI > ArcGISPro > Licensing

Only one location may exist on your computer.


Step 4: Change or remove license values

Look for these values in the Licensing folder:

  • LicenseType
  • ARCGIS_LICENSE_HOST

Take these actions:

  • Change LicenseType to NamedUser
  • Clear the value for ARCGIS_LICENSE_HOST so it is blank

Do not edit any other values.

Info: You may still see a loading spinner after this change. This is expected and does not mean the fix failed.


Step 5: Reopen ArcGIS Pro and wait

Open ArcGIS Pro.
Wait until the loading spinner in the top-right corner stops.

When the screen finishes loading, the License type drop-down becomes active.


Step 6: Select Named User licensing

Open the License type drop-down.
Select Named User License.

Wait again while ArcGIS Pro processes the change.


Step 7: Sign in with your institution account

When the sign-in window appears:

  1. Enter middlebury for the ArcGIS organization's URL
  2. Click continue
  3. Sign in with your Middlebury account credentials

ArcGIS Pro should now open normally when sign-in completes.

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 896
Created
Mon 4/20/26 9:18 AM
Modified
Mon 4/20/26 12:28 PM