ArcGIS Pro only opens transparent window, no application

iwork_ctbuh — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:56:57 GMT

Hello,

I've been having an issue with my Pro installation for a few weeks now. When I open the application, a transparent window appears but the application never actually opens. I seem to be able to interact with the blank window (i.e. I can close it by clicking in the top right). I've tried full reinstallation, running in safe mode, a clean install of Windows 11, erasing the AppData folders, and nothing has been able to fix this so far. At a loss as to what to try next.

Thanks!

Re: ArcGIS Pro only opens transparent window, no application

Robert_LeClair — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:50:23 GMT

@iwork_ctbuh - in reviewing the support cases, I found an identical case to what you're experiencing. The issue where ArcGIS Pro only displayed window borders with the rest of the interface appearing transparent was caused by the machines operating without an attached display. When a monitor was connected, ArcGIS Pro functioned normally, and the issue only reappeared once the display was removed. This confirms the behaviour is related to GPU/display rendering on headless machines. To resolve the issue, fake (dummy) display adapters will be used to emulate a connected monitor. This ensures the machine always presents an active display output, allowing ArcGIS Pro to render correctly even without a physical screen attached.

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ArcGIS Pro only opens transparent window, no application

Re: ArcGIS Pro only opens transparent window, no application