Perform an ArcGIS Pro soft reset

Summary

In ArcGIS Pro, issues related to application failure and crashing can occur if the registry entry is corrupted. Performing a soft reset resolves the issue by closing applications and clearing data in the RAM, in contrast to a hard reset, whereby user data are removed and the device is restored to its factory settings. This article describes the workflow to perform a soft reset in ArcGIS Pro.

Procedure

Perform a soft reset by renaming the roaming and local profiles, and editing the Windows registry for ArcGIS Pro applications.

Note:
If there are concurrent licenses on the machine, return any borrowed licenses before performing the workarounds below. For more information on borrowed licenses, refer to ArcGIS Pro: Start ArcGIS Pro with a Concurrent Use license.

Rename the roaming and local profiles

Note:
The AppData folder is hidden. To display hidden folders, refer to Microsoft Windows Support: Show hidden files. 

1. Close all ArcGIS applications.
2. Navigate to the AppData folder.
3. Navigate to the Roaming and Local profiles.
4. Navigate to and open the Esri folders.

• Roaming profile:

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\ESRI

• Local profile:

 C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\ESRI

5. Rename the ArcGISPro and ArcGISPro.exe_StrongName folders to ArcGISPro_old and ArcGISPro.exe_StrongName_old, respectively, in the Esri folders.

Note:
This information applies to ArcGIS Pro 2.9 and prior. At ArcGIS Pro 3.0, this folder is ArcGISPro_StrongName...

Make edits in the Registry Editor

Warning:
Editing the Windows registry requires administrator privileges on the machine and must only be done as a last resort. Perform a backup of the registry or machine before proceeding with the steps below. Consult a qualified computer systems professional, if necessary. Esri is not liable for incorrect modifications following these instructions. User discretion is advised.

1. Open the Windows Start Menu.
2. In the search bar, type regedit and press Enter on the keyboard. If prompted, click Yes in the User Account Control window.

3. In the Registry Editor window, expand the HKEY_CURRENT_USER folder.
4. Expand the Software folder.
5. Expand the ESRI folder.
6. Right-click the ArcGISPro folder and rename it to ArcGISPro_old.

7. Restart the machine.

Launching ArcGIS Pro recreates all the renamed folders and registries, and allows the application to launch smoothly.