Map templates are missing in ArcMap

Description

When launching ArcMap, there are no system template options shown other than the Blank Map template. When changing the layout from the Select Template window, only the Blank Document template is available, as shown in the image below.

       

For comparison, the following images show the user interface when the system templates are available:

 

Cause

This issue occurs when map templates are missing from the default MapTemplates folder from the following location:

C:\Program Files(x86)\ArcGIS\Desktop10.X\MapTemplates

This issue may also happen if the current map template path in ArcMap is not set to the default MapTemplates folder.

Solution or Workaround

To restore the missing map templates, follow the instructions below.

1. Navigate to the following folder path, and verify if the Standard Page Sizes and Traditional Layout folders are available.

C:\Program Files (x86)\ArcGIS\Desktop10.X\MapTemplates

  

Note:
If the folders are missing in the MapTemplates folder, run a software repair and reinstall ArcMap before proceeding to Step 2. To do this, navigate to Control Panel > Programs > Program and Features. Right-click ArcGIS Desktop > Uninstall/Change > Repair. Reinstall the latest service pack.
If the folders mentioned above are available, proceed to Step 2.

2. Navigate to the following folder path:

C:\Program Files (x86)\ArcGIS\Desktop10.X\Utilities

3. Launch AdvancedArcMapSettings.exe.

4. In the ArcMap Advanced Settings Utility dialog box, click the System Paths tab.
5. Under All users, change the Templates path to the appropriate network location:

C:\Program Files (x86)\ArcGIS Desktop10.X\MapTemplates

6. Click Apply.
7. Relaunch ArcMap.