What is the future of desktop geodatabases in ArcGIS?

The future of desktop geodatabases is approaching a significant transition. ArcGIS Desktop 10.8.x (including ArcMap and ArcCatalog) is the final version to support the creation and management of desktop geodatabases. This capability will be phased out alongside the retirement of ArcGIS Desktop in March 2026.

While ArcGIS Pro continues to support connections to existing desktop geodatabases, this support is not indefinite. Beginning in 2028, new versions of ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise will no longer support connecting to desktop geodatabases.

To prepare for this shift, users are strongly encouraged to explore formats such as file geodatabases or mobile geodatabases to support their workflows.