ArcMap fails to launch without any errors

Description

While trying to launch ArcGIS Desktop 10.8.2, it fails to launch without throwing any errors and the window closes abruptly. ArcMap unexpectedly exits during the "Loading Document..." stage on startup without returning an error message.

Note:
ArcMap is in Mature support and will be retired March 1, 2026. There are no plans for future releases of ArcMap, and it is recommended that you migrate to ArcGIS Pro. See Migrate from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro for more information.

Cause

This issue may occur for several reasons:

• If the computer does not meet the minimum system requirements, ArcMap may not launch.
• If some of the ArcMap files are corrupted or missing, it may prevent the software from launching.
• There may be issues with the user profile, such as incorrect permissions, that prevent ArcMap from launching.
• If the operating system or other software on the computer is outdated or incompatible with ArcMap, it may prevent the software from launching.

Solution or Workaround

There are few workarounds to resolve the issue:

1. Log in with a different user profile with administrative privileges.
2. Check for corrupt files by repairing or reinstalling ArcMap, and change the installation directory from the C: drive to the D: drive.
3. Navigate to registry editor, and then go to:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

4. Click Edit > Permissions, and for ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES > Allow Full Control.
5. Navigate to: 

C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Roaming\ESRI

6. Rename the Desktop 10.8 folder and then the whole ESRI folder.
7. Stop printer spooler: Start > Services.msc > Printer Spooler > Stop.
8. Rename the CATID folder to CATID_old, navigate to:

C:\Program Files (x86)\ArcGIS\Desktop 10.x\bin\Configuration