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Microsoft Project
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| Microsoft Project | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Microsoft Project 2021 screenshot, showing a blank project | |||||||||||
| Developer | Microsoft | ||||||||||
| Initial release | 1984 | ||||||||||
| Stable release(s) | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
| Platform | Microsoft Windows | ||||||||||
| Type | Project management software | ||||||||||
| License | Proprietary | ||||||||||
| Website | www | ||||||||||
Icons for .mpp (left) and .mpt (right) files | |
| MPP | Project |
|---|---|
| MPT | Template |
| MPD | Database |
| MPW | Workspace |
| MPX | Project Exchange (Discontinued[4]) |
| MSPDI | XML-based Project Data Interchange |
Microsoft Project is a project management software product, developed and sold by Microsoft. It is designed to assist a project manager in developing a schedule, assigning resources to tasks, tracking progress, managing budgets, and analyzing workloads. Microsoft Project for the web was set to retire on August 1, 2025. It is now a part of Microsoft Planner.
Microsoft Project was the company's third Microsoft Windows-based application. Within a few years after its launch, it became the dominant PC-based project management software.[citation needed] From 2015 to 2020 it was the most popular application for project management according to Project Management Zone.[5] The application's proprietary file format is .mpp.
History
[edit]
Project was an MS-DOS software application originally written in C (and some assembly) language for the IBM PC. The idea originated with Ron Bredehoeft, a former IBM systems engineer and PC enthusiast in the early 1980s, as a prank to express the recipe and preparation for a breakfast of eggs Benedict in project management terms.[6] Bredehoeft formed his own company, Microsoft Application Services (MAS) Consulting while creating Project, and the company later entered an OEM agreement with Microsoft Corporation.[citation needed] Alan M. Boyd, Microsoft's Manager of Product Development, introduced the application as an internal tool to help manage the huge number of software projects that were in development at any time inside the company. Boyd wrote the specification and engaged a local Seattle company to develop the prototype.
The first commercial version of Project was released for DOS in 1984. Microsoft bought the rights to the software in 1985 and released version 2. Version 3 for DOS was released in 1986. Version 4 for DOS was the final DOS version, released in 1986. The first Windows version was released in 1990, and was labeled version 1 for Windows.
In 1991, a Macintosh version was released. Development continued until the release of Microsoft Project 4.0 for Mac in 1993. Microsoft Project 4 for the Mac included both 68k and PowerMac versions, Visual Basic for Applications, and integration with Microsoft Office 4.2 for the Mac. In 1994, Microsoft ceased development of most of its Mac applications and did not release a new version of Office until 1998, following the creation of the new Microsoft Macintosh Business Unit the previous year. The Mac Business Unit never released an updated version of Project, and the last version does not run natively on macOS.
Microsoft Project 1.0 was the only version to support Windows 2.x (Windows 2.0 and Windows 2.1x). It came bundled with Windows 2.x runtime but was fully compatible with Windows 3.0, especially Standard and Enhanced modes. The setup program runs in DOS, like most Windows-based applications at the time.
Microsoft Project 3.0 introduced macro support, toolbars, print preview, DDE and OLE support, spell checking, Resource Allocation view and Planning Wizards and was the last to support Windows 3.0. The setup program now runs in Windows and is based on Microsoft's own setup program, which was also used by applications such as Microsoft Visual Basic 2.0/3.0, Works 2.0, and Access 1.x.
Microsoft Project 4.0 was the first to use common Office menus, right-click context menus, Acme setup program, and the last to support Windows 3.1x, Windows NT 3.1, and 3.5. It was the last 16-bit version. Additionally it was the first version to use VBA macro language and introduced screen tooltips, Cue Cards, GanttChartWizard, Calendar view, Assign Resources dialog, recurring tasks, workgroup abilities, Drawing toolbar, Microsoft Project Exchange file format support, OLE 2.0 and ability to create reports. This version allowed users to consolidate up to 80 projects.
Microsoft Project 95 (4.1) was the first 32-bit version, and it was designed for Windows 95, hence the name, even though some components, such as the welcome tour, help components, etc., remained 16-bit. It introduced ODBC support, AutoCorrect, and Answer Wizard, like all Office 95 applications. Updated version, called Microsoft Project 4.1a, improved Windows NT support. Additionally, it was the first version to be available on CD-ROM. Additionally, it was the last version to open Project 3.0 files.
Microsoft Project 98 was fully 32-bit, and the first to use Tahoma font in the menu bars, to contain Office Assistant, like all Office 97 applications, introduced view bar, AutoFilter, task splitting, Assignment Information dialog, resource availability dates, project status date, user-entered actual costs, new task types, multiple critical paths, in-sheet controls, ability to rename custom fields, Web publishing features, new database format, Task Usage, Tracking Gantt and Resource Usage views, Web features, Web toolbar, PERT analysis features, resource contouring, cost rate tables, effort-driven scheduling, cross-project linking, indicators, progress lines, ability to save project files in HTML format, ability to analyze time-scaled data in Excel, improved limits for the number of tasks, resources, outline levels etc., IntelliMouse and Microsoft Office Binder support, Microsoft Outlook timeline integration, selective data import and export, ability to save as Microsoft Excel pivot tables, Microsoft Project Map, Project menu and allowed user to consolidate 1,000 projects. It was the last version to run on Windows NT 3.51, the last to open Project 4.0/95 files and save in .mpx (Microsoft Project Exchange) file format, the last to use Acme setup program and the last to be available on floppy disks. Project 98 SR-1 was a major service release addressing several issues in Project 98.[7]
Microsoft Project 2000 was the first to use personalized menus, Microsoft Agent-based Office Assistant, and to use Windows Installer-based setup interface, like all Office 2000 applications, and introduced Microsoft Project Central (later renamed Microsoft Project Server). PERT Chart was renamed Network Diagram and was greatly improved in this version. Notable new features include ability to create personal Gantt charts, ability to apply filters in Network Diagram view, AutoSave, task calendars, ability to create projects based on templates and to specify default save path and format, graphical indicators, material resources, deadline dates, OLE DB, grouping, outline codes, estimated durations, month duration, value lists and formulas custom fields, contoured resource availability, ability to clear baseline, variable row height, in-cell editing, fill handle, ability to set fiscal year in timescale, single document interface, accessibility features, COM add-ins, pluggable language user interface, roaming user and Terminal Services support, ability to set task and project priority up to 1,000 (previously 10) and HTML help. Project 2000 was also the last version to support Find Fast (available in Windows 9x and NT 4.0 only) and to run on Windows 95. Project 2000 SR-1 fixed several bugs.
Microsoft Project 2002 was the first to contain task panes, safe mode, smart tags, import/setup tracking/new project/calendar/import and export mapping wizards, ability to import tasks from Outlook and to save multiple baselines along with additional baseline fields, Project Guide, EPM/portfolio features (Professional only), Excel task list template, rollup baseline data to summary tasks on a selective baseline save, ability to choose which baseline the earned value calculations are based on, calculation options, multiple project manager support (Project Server is required), Collaborate menu, "Type a question for help" in the top right corner, error reporting along with mandatory product activation, like Office XP and Windows XP and ability to open and save Microsoft Project Data Interchange (.mspdi) files. It was also the last version to run on Windows NT 4.0, 98 (SE) and ME. It was available in two editions for the first time, Standard and Professional. Office Assistant is installed but not enabled by default. Support for accounts with limited rights under Windows 2000/XP was improved. Find Fast was replaced by the Windows 2000/XP Indexing Service.
Microsoft Project 2003 was the first to support Windows XP visual styles and to contain SharePoint support, XML importing/printing/Copy Picture to Office wizards, built-in Office Online help, ability to create WBS charts in Visio, add-in for comparing projects (available as a freely downloadable add-on for Project 2000 and 2002), resource availability graphs, ability to import resource information from Active Directory and Exchange address book, Windows XP-style icons, like all Office 2003 applications, and the last to contain Office Assistant (not installed by default) and to run on Windows 2000 (Service Pack 3 required).
Microsoft Project 2007 was the last to contain the menu bar and toolbars. New features include top-level budget planning, multiple-level undo, ability to manage non-working time, background cell highlighting, cost/team resources, change highlighting, visual reports, desktop OLAP cube, and Report menu. Office Assistant was removed entirely.
Microsoft Project 2010 was the first to contain ribbon and Backstage view, like all Office 2010 applications, contextual guidance, ability to zoom in/out quickly, user-controlled scheduling, top down summary tasks, placeholder text in project fields, timeline view, ability to add columns dynamically, text wrap, expanded color palette and formatting, task inspector, schedule warnings, ability to save as PDF or XPS and to synchronize with SharePoint, enhanced copy/pase and the last to open Microsoft Project 98 and .mpx files and to run on Windows XP and Vista. Additionally, it was the first 64-bit version. Volume licensing activation was introduced in this version.
Microsoft Project 2013 was the first to feature a Modern UI-based look, introducing Microsoft account and OneDrive integration. New features include integrated communication (Skype for Business is required).
Microsoft Project 2016 is the last to support Windows 7 and Windows 8(.1). New features include multiple timeline view, Tell Me, colorful/dark gray/white themes, resource engagements, resource manager views, resource capacity heat maps, ability to give feedback directly to Microsoft in the File tab.
Microsoft Project 2019 runs only on Windows 10, and it contains features carried over from Office 365. New features include the ability to link tasks using a drop-down menu, the Task Summary Name field, timeline bar labels, and task progress, and accessibility improvements.
Versions for Windows were released in 1990 (v1.0), 1992 (v3.0), 1993 (v4.0), 1995 (Project 95, v4.1a), Project 98 (v8.0), Project 98 SR-1 (1999), Project 2000 (v9.0), Project 2000 SR-1 (2001), Project 2002 (v10.0), Project 2003 (v11.0), Project 2007 (v12.0), Project 2010 (v14.0), Project 2013 (v15.0) and Project 2016 (v16.0).[8] There was no Version 2 on the Windows platform; the original design spec was augmented with the addition of macro capabilities and the extra work required to support a macro language pushed the development schedule out to early 1992 (Version 3).
Features
[edit]
The project creates budgets based on assignment work and resource rates. As resources are assigned to tasks and the work is estimated, the program calculates the cost, which equals the work times the rate. This calculation rolls up to the task level, then to any summary tasks, and finally to the project level. Resource definitions (including people, equipment, and materials) can be shared between projects through a shared resource pool. Each resource can have its own calendar, which defines the days and shifts during which a resource is available. Resource rates are used to calculate resource assignment costs, which are rolled up and summarized at the resource level. Each resource can be assigned to multiple tasks in multiple plans, and each task can be assigned multiple resources. The application schedules task work based on the resource availability as defined in the resource calendars. All resources can be defined in a label without limit. Therefore, it cannot determine how many finished products can be produced with a given amount of raw materials. This makes Microsoft Project unsuitable for solving problems of constrained production due to available materials. Additional software is necessary to manage a complex facility that produces physical goods.
The application creates critical path schedules, and critical chain and event chain methodology third-party add-ons are also available. Schedules can be resource leveled, and chains are visualized in a Gantt chart. Additionally, Microsoft Project can recognize different user classes. These different classes of users can have differing access levels to projects, views, and other data. Custom objects such as calendars, views, tables, filters, and fields are stored in an enterprise global, which is shared by all users.
As of 2021, the Project is available in two editions: Standard and Professional. Both editions are available in either 32-bit or 64-bit options. The Professional edition includes all the features of the Standard version, plus more features like team collaboration tools and the ability to connect to Microsoft Project Server.[9][10]
Project 2010
[edit]Microsoft Project 2010 includes the Fluent user interface known as the Ribbon.[11]
- Microsoft Project's capabilities were extended with the introduction of Microsoft Office Project Server and Microsoft Project Web Access. Project Server stores Project data in a central SQL-based database, allowing multiple, independent projects to access a shared resource pool. Web Access allows authorized users to access a Project Server database across the Internet, and includes timesheets, graphical analysis of resource workloads, and administrative tools.
- User-controlled scheduling offers flexible choices for developing and managing projects.[12]
- The timeline view allowed users to build a basic Visio-style graphical overview of the project schedule. The view can be copied and pasted into PowerPoint, Word, or any other application.
- SharePoint Foundation and Project Professional project task status updates may be synchronized for team members.
- Inactive tasks: helps experiment with project plans and perform what-if analysis
- The Team Planner view: The new Team Planner shows resources and work overtime, and helps spot problems and resolve issues.
Project 2013
[edit]What's new in Project 2013 included a new Reports section, better integration with other Microsoft products, and appearance of user interface items:[13]
- Reports: A Reports section is added to the ribbon for pre-installed reports. Project 2013 includes graphical reports, allowing you to create and add clipart directly without needing to export data to another program. For example, the Burndown reports show planned work, completed work, and remaining work as lines on a graph. Project 2013 adds pre-installed ability to compare projects, create dashboards, and export to Visual Reports.
- Trace task paths: This feature allows you to highlight the link chain (or 'task path') for any task. When you click on a specific task, all its predecessor tasks appear in one color, and all its successor tasks appear in another color.
- Sharing: Project 2013 improves the sharing and communication features of its predecessors in multiple ways without leaving Project. With Lync installed, hovering over a name allowed you to start an IM session, a video chat, an email, or a phone call. You can copy and paste content to any of the Microsoft Office suites. You can sync content to SharePoint or SkyDrive to share without going through Project, and Project Online provides an online project management web app that offers all the functionality of Project 2013 and can be accessed from any web-enabled device.
Project 2016
[edit]Project 2016 added a new Reports section, backward compatibility with Project Server 2013, better integration with other Microsoft products, and improved appearance of user interface items:
- Timeline: Allowed user to customize views to have multiple timeline bars and custom date ranges in a single view.[14]
- Resource agreements: Gave features for resource planning coordination between Project Manager and Resource Manager.[15]
- Office 2016 style theme and help: Uses the new Office query 'tell me what you want to do'.[16]
- Backwards compatibility with Microsoft Project Server 2013: The transition of enterprises from one version to the next may be eased by this product being able to interact with the earlier version of server.[17]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Update history for Office LTSC 2024 and Office 2024". Microsoft Learn.
- ^ a b "Update history for Office LTSC 2021 and Office 2021". Microsoft Learn.
- ^ a b "Update history for Office 2016 C2R and Office 2019". Microsoft Learn.
- ^ "PRJ: Description of the MPX Project File Exchange Format". Microsoft. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
- ^ "Project Planning Tools – Popularity Ranking". Project Management Zone. Retrieved August 6, 2015.
- ^ "Project Management with Microsoft Tools – BairesDev". BairesDev Blog: Insights on Software Development & Tech Talent. August 12, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
- ^ "PRJ98: List of Fixes in Microsoft Project 98 SR-1". News Center. Microsoft. September 18, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
- ^ "Previous Versions of Microsoft Project". Microsoft. Archived from the original on January 12, 2009. Retrieved May 6, 2006.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "Version Comparison (Microsoft Project Professional 2010, Microsoft Project Standard 2010)" (PDF).
- ^ "Choose Your Microsoft Project, Learn about & compare Project versions".
- ^ "Steve Ballmer: Microsoft Office Project Conference 2007". News Center. Microsoft. October 30, 2007. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
- ^ "Microsoft Project 2010 Ribbon Guide" (Silverlight animation). Microsoft Project Training. Microsoft. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
- ^ "What's new in Project 2013". Microsoft. Retrieved October 10, 2013.
- ^ "What's new for business users in Microsoft's Office '16'?". ZDnet. September 18, 2013. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "Was ist neu in Microsoft Project Server 2016 und Project Online – Ressourcenvereinbarungen" [What is new in Microsoft Project Server 2016 and Project Online – Resource Agreements] (in German). Holertcom. May 20, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "Microsoft Project 2016 Preview – What is New?". ManagementYogi. May 23, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "My Top 5 new Microsoft Project 2016 Client Features from the Microsoft Ignite Conference". BrightWork. May 12, 2015. Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
External links
[edit]- Official website

- Microsoft Project blog
- Project Programmability blog on MSDN Blogs
- Project 2003: Project Guide and Custom Views
- Microsoft Project 2010: Interactive menu to ribbon guide
- The Project Map: Your road map to project management
- Office.com Templates for Project 2013
- MPUG Templates for Project
- Step by Step practice files
Microsoft Project
View on GrokipediaHistory
Origins and Early Versions
Microsoft Project originated as an internal tool at Microsoft in the early 1980s, designed to streamline the management of software development projects by tracking tasks, resources, and timelines.[5] The software's first commercial release, version 1.0, arrived in 1984 for MS-DOS, marking a pivotal step in accessible project management tools for personal computers. This edition focused on core functionalities like task scheduling via the Critical Path Method, resource allocation, costing, and the generation of basic Gantt charts to visualize project timelines. It also supported the Microsoft Mouse for navigation and included built-in help, competing with contemporaries such as VisiSchedule and Harvard Project Manager. However, the DOS version operated primarily through a text-based, command-line interface, which required users to input commands and navigate menus without modern graphical elements, and it demanded at least 128 KB of RAM, a double-sided 5.25-inch floppy drive, and a graphics adapter for output.[10][5] In 1990, Microsoft released a ported version 1.0 specifically for Windows 3.0, resetting the numbering to align with the new platform and introducing significant graphical interface improvements. This adaptation leveraged Windows' GUI to enhance usability, allowing for more intuitive interaction with Gantt charts and scheduling features while maintaining compatibility with Windows 2.x runtime environments. The shift addressed some DOS-era constraints by providing a more visual and mouse-driven experience, though early dependency linking remained basic, limited to straightforward finish-to-start relationships without advanced types like start-to-start or lag adjustments.[11] Key limitations of these initial versions included the DOS edition's inability to install on hard drives, reliance on copy-protected floppy disks that complicated backups, and rudimentary task interdependencies that did not fully support complex project networks. These constraints reflected the era's hardware and software boundaries but established Microsoft Project as a foundational tool for professional project management.[10]Evolution Through Major Releases
Microsoft Project 95 (version 4.1) was the first 32-bit version, designed for Windows 95, and enhanced integration with the Microsoft Office ecosystem through a streamlined interface, ODBC support for database connectivity, Answer Wizard help, and autocorrect features.[12] It also improved reporting capabilities, providing more customizable templates and graphical outputs for better visualization of project progress and resource utilization. In Microsoft Project 98, web publishing became a key innovation, enabling users to embed hyperlinks to external documents and websites directly within project plans for easier navigation and collaboration.[13] Additionally, the software introduced direct export to HTML format, allowing project files to be saved and shared as web pages for broader accessibility without requiring the full application.[13] Microsoft Project 2000 expanded enterprise capabilities through the introduction of Project Central (later renamed Project Server), a companion tool that facilitated collaborative project management across teams by centralizing data storage and access.[14] It also incorporated Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) support, enabling users to automate tasks and customize workflows via scripting, aligning with the Microsoft Office suite's extensibility.[15] With Microsoft Project 2003, visual reporting tools were added, permitting the export of project data directly into Excel for pivot table analysis and into Visio for diagrammatic representations, streamlining the creation of executive summaries and dashboards.[16] This integration enhanced interoperability, allowing project managers to generate dynamic charts and graphs without manual data transfer. Microsoft Project 2007 introduced multi-level undo functionality, permitting users to reverse up to 99 actions across views, data entries, and settings, which improved planning flexibility and reduced errors during schedule development. It also refined Gantt chart timeline views, offering customizable bars and critical path highlighting for clearer visualization of project phases and dependencies.[17] The 2010 release of Microsoft Project adopted the ribbon interface, reorganizing commands into contextual tabs for Task, Resource, Project, View, and Format, making frequently used tools more accessible and intuitive.[18] Backstaging for resource allocation was introduced, allowing managers to stage unassigned work and visualize team capacity before final assignments.[19] A built-in timeline view was also added, providing a high-level graphical summary of the project schedule that could be easily copied into presentations.[20] Microsoft Project 2013 incorporated demand management tools, enabling the capture and prioritization of project requests through workflows integrated with Project Server, facilitating governance from initiation to execution.[21] Portfolio analysis features were enhanced, allowing optimization of project selections based on business drivers, resource availability, and budget constraints using drag-and-drop prioritization.[22] In Microsoft Project 2016, agile support was bolstered with built-in templates for Scrum and Kanban methodologies, including sprint planning boards and backlog management to accommodate iterative development.[23] Kanban boards enabled visual tracking of work-in-progress limits and task flow, while new stakeholder reporting options provided customizable dashboards for progress updates tailored to executives and team members.[24] Microsoft Project 2019 advanced multi-project timelines, supporting the combination of tasks from multiple files into a single, layered view for overseeing interconnected portfolios.[25] The team planner view was refined, offering drag-and-drop reallocation of resources across projects with improved conflict detection and capacity forecasting.[26]Transition to Cloud and Subscription Models
In the early 2020s, Microsoft began emphasizing cloud-based delivery for Project, marking a shift from traditional perpetual licenses. Project 2021, released in October 2021, served as a significant perpetual license edition that introduced enhanced hybrid capabilities, allowing users to connect on-premises installations to cloud resources like Project Online for synchronized data and collaboration across environments. This version supported features such as exporting schedules to the cloud while maintaining local control, bridging desktop and online workflows without requiring a full migration. A key milestone in this transition was the launch of Project for the web in October 2019, positioned as a lightweight, browser-based alternative to the full desktop application. It offered simplified interfaces including grid view for task lists, board view for Kanban-style management, and roadmap view for high-level portfolio visualization, enabling quick project setup without complex installations.[27] Designed for accessibility in modern work settings, this tool integrated natively with Microsoft Teams and other ecosystem apps, appealing to teams seeking agile, low-overhead planning over traditional Gantt-heavy approaches.[28] By 2020, Project's cloud components were fully integrated into Microsoft 365 subscriptions, expanding availability through tiered plans: Project Plan 1 for basic web access at $10 per user per month, Plan 3 for advanced portfolio management and reporting at $30 per user per month, and Plan 5 for enterprise-level resource optimization and compliance tools at $55 per user per month (billed annually).[29] These subscriptions replaced standalone purchases, embedding Project functionalities within broader Microsoft 365 suites to streamline licensing and enhance cross-app interoperability.[1] This subscription focus continued with the emergence of Project 2024 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) in September 2024, tailored for on-premises deployments in regulated or disconnected environments. As a perpetual license option, it prioritizes long-term stability with five years of mainstream support until October 2029, delivering security updates without frequent feature changes that could disrupt operations.[30] Unlike subscription variants, LTSC avoids cloud dependencies, catering to organizations needing predictable, offline-capable tools.[3] The subscription model has notably improved accessibility by lowering entry barriers through scalable pricing and multi-device support, allowing small teams to adopt professional tools without large upfront investments.[31] Integrated with Microsoft 365, it ensures users receive continuous updates, including AI-driven features like Copilot for task automation, keeping projects aligned with evolving best practices without manual upgrades.[32] This shift led to the retirement of Project for the web on August 1, 2025, with users transitioned to Microsoft Planner's premium plans (formerly Project Plans 3 and 5) for continued cloud-based work management.[28] This migration preserves core capabilities like grid and roadmap views while unifying them under Planner, reflecting Microsoft's consolidation of tools for hybrid work.[6]Editions and Deployment Options
Desktop Editions
Microsoft Project desktop editions consist of the Standard and Professional versions, which provide on-premises project management software for Windows environments. These editions are part of the Office LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) releases, with Project 2024 representing the current perpetual version as of 2025.[30] Microsoft Project Standard delivers essential project management tools, including basic task scheduling, Gantt chart visualization, pre-built templates, automated scheduling, and printing capabilities. Available in both 32-bit and 64-bit formats, it targets individual users or small teams managing standalone projects without requirements for multi-project resource sharing or enterprise connectivity. Priced as a one-time purchase at $679.99, it emphasizes simplicity and local file handling for cost-effective use in non-complex scenarios.[33][34] Microsoft Project Professional builds on the Standard edition by incorporating advanced features such as resource pooling to share personnel and assets across multiple projects, Visual Reports for generating graphical data exports to Excel and Visio—including built-in templates for resource-focused insights such as the Resource Remaining Work Report, Resource Work Availability Report, and Resource Work Summary Report (Excel-based), as well as the Resource Availability Report and Resource Status Report (Visio-based)—and native integration with Project Server for centralized enterprise oversight. This enables more robust collaboration and scalability for larger initiatives. Like Standard, Professional is offered in 32-bit and 64-bit versions and can be licensed perpetually at $1,129.99 or via subscription models.[35][36][37][3] Licensing for these desktop editions supports perpetual ownership through Project Standard 2024 or Project Professional 2024 under the Office LTSC model, allowing indefinite use post-activation without recurring fees. Alternatively, subscription access to the Professional desktop client is included in Microsoft 365 Project Plan 3 ($30/user/month) and Plan 5 ($55/user/month), which bundle it with cloud-based enhancements while maintaining on-premises installation options.[30][34][29] Both editions share compatible hardware requirements, running on Windows 10 or Windows 11 with a minimum 1.6 GHz dual-core processor, 4 GB RAM (2 GB for 32-bit installations), 4 GB of available disk space, and a 1280 x 768 screen resolution supporting DirectX 9 graphics. For 64-bit versions, a 64-bit operating system and processor are recommended to handle larger datasets efficiently.[38][30]| Aspect | Project Standard | Project Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Core Capabilities | Task scheduling, Gantt charts, printing, templates, automated scheduling | All Standard features plus resource pooling, Visual Reports to Excel/Visio (including resource-focused templates), Project Server integration |
| Target Use Case | Small/individual projects, no sharing | Enterprise-scale, multi-project management |
| Architecture Options | 32-bit and 64-bit | 32-bit and 64-bit |
| Perpetual Pricing | $679.99 one-time | $1,129.99 one-time |
| Subscription Inclusion | Not included in M365 plans | Included in Project Plan 3/5 |
Online and Cloud-Based Editions
Microsoft Project offers several cloud-based editions designed for collaborative project management without the need for local installations. Project Online serves as an enterprise-level cloud service focused on project portfolio management (PPM), enabling organizations to handle demand management, resource allocation, and timesheet tracking across multiple projects.[40] It supports advanced features such as workflow automation, reporting dashboards, and integration with other Microsoft 365 tools for comprehensive oversight. Access to Project Online requires a Project Plan 5 subscription, which provides the full suite of PPM capabilities; new subscriptions for Project Online-only SKUs ended on October 1, 2025.[40][7] Note that Project Online is scheduled for retirement on September 30, 2026, after which its functionalities will transition to enhanced options within the Microsoft Planner ecosystem.[7] Prior to its retirement, Project for the web functioned as a lightweight software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering, providing simplified project management through intuitive task grids, Kanban boards, and roadmap views for visualizing progress.[28] This edition was accessible directly via web browsers or integrated within Microsoft Teams, allowing users to create, assign, and track tasks in a modern, responsive interface without desktop software.[28] It emphasized ease of use for smaller teams or individual contributors, supporting basic scheduling and collaboration features. Following the retirement of Project for the web on August 1, 2025, its core capabilities were absorbed into Microsoft Planner under the Premium plan, ensuring continuity for users.[6] The updated Planner incorporates enhanced AI-driven insights via Microsoft 365 Copilot for task prioritization and predictive analytics, along with improved task history tracking to maintain audit trails and progress logs. As of August 2025, the Project Manager agent is integrated into Planner for the web, aiding task management and project coordination.[32][41] Existing Project for the web plans were automatically migrated to equivalent Planner plans, with users redirected to the web version of Planner for seamless access.[6] Pricing for these cloud-based editions is structured in subscription tiers to accommodate varying needs. The Planner Plan 1, at $10 per user per month (billed annually), offers basic web access for task management and collaboration.[29] The Planner and Project Plan 3, priced at $30 per user per month, combines desktop and web functionalities for more robust scheduling and reporting.[29] For advanced enterprise features, including full PPM and Project Online access, the Planner and Project Plan 5 costs $55 per user per month.[29] These online and cloud-based editions provide key advantages such as real-time collaboration, where multiple users can edit projects simultaneously without version conflicts, eliminating the need for software installation and enabling access from any device including mobiles.[9] Automatic updates ensure users always have the latest features and security enhancements, reducing maintenance overhead compared to desktop installations.[40]Core Functionality
Task and Schedule Management
Microsoft Project provides robust tools for task creation, enabling users to input project activities via a spreadsheet-like grid in the Task Sheet view. Tasks are defined with essential fields including name, duration, start and end dates, and links to predecessors or successors to establish dependencies between activities. This entry method supports hierarchical outlining of tasks and subtasks, facilitating the organization of complex projects into manageable components.[42] The software employs the Critical Path Method (CPM) as its primary scheduling approach, automatically calculating task dates based on dependencies, durations, and project calendar settings to determine the longest sequence of dependent tasks that dictate the overall project timeline. For resource-driven scheduling, Microsoft Project uses the formula duration = work / units, where adjustments to resource assignment units recalculate duration while keeping total work constant, particularly in fixed-work task types. This method ensures dynamic updates to the schedule as dependencies and constraints evolve, helping project managers identify potential delays early.[43][44] Microsoft Project uses calendars to define working and non-working times, such as weekends and holidays. For automatically scheduled tasks, durations represent working time only, excluding non-working periods; for example, a 5-day task counts only working days and may extend over more calendar days if weekends or holidays intervene. Start and finish dates are scheduled on working days; if a calculated date lands on a non-working day, Project shifts it to the next working day. Dependencies, such as Finish-to-Start, respect calendars by delaying successor tasks across non-working periods, beginning them on the next working day after the predecessor completes. Auto-scheduling computes dates dynamically from the project start date, incorporating dependencies, constraints, resource calendars, and non-working time exclusions for accurate, realistic scheduling.[43] Visualizations play a central role in task and schedule management, with the Gantt Chart view displaying tasks as horizontal bars on a timeline to illustrate durations, overlaps, and dependencies through connector lines. The Network Diagram view represents tasks as nodes connected by arrows showing predecessor-successor relationships, offering a flowchart-like perspective on workflow logic and critical path identification. Additionally, the Calendar view presents tasks overlaid on a monthly or weekly calendar, highlighting resource availability and scheduling conflicts in a date-centric format. These views can be customized and switched via the View tab to suit different analytical needs.[45][46][47] Microsoft Project provides several methods to control task visibility in its views, allowing users to focus on relevant information without deleting tasks from the plan. Subtasks can be collapsed under a summary task by clicking the minus (-) button next to the summary task name, hiding them until expanded again. Filters can be applied via the View tab in the Data group, using predefined options (such as those showing active or incomplete tasks) or custom filters to display only desired tasks while hiding others; custom filters can incorporate fields like flags or text fields to exclude specifically marked tasks. In the Gantt Chart view, task bars can be hidden by inserting the Hide Bar field into the task table and setting it to Yes for selected tasks, which removes the bar while retaining the task row. Tasks can also be inactivated by selecting them and clicking Inactivate in the Schedule group of the Task tab; inactive tasks appear struck through and grayed out, do not affect scheduling or resources, and can be filtered out.[48][49][50][51] To track progress against plans, users set baselines by capturing the current scheduled start and finish dates for all tasks, which serves as a reference point for variance analysis. Schedule variance is then calculated as the difference between actual finish and baseline finish dates, allowing managers to quantify deviations and assess project performance quantitatively. This baseline functionality supports multiple iterations for interim tracking without overwriting the original plan.[52][53] Constraints and deadlines further refine scheduling flexibility, with constraint types such as "As Soon As Possible" (default for forward scheduling), "Must Start On," and "Start No Earlier Than" restricting task dates and influencing float calculations by limiting schedule movement. Deadlines, in contrast, act as non-restrictive markers for target completion dates, triggering indicators if tasks overrun without altering the underlying schedule logic. These features help balance fixed milestones with dynamic dependencies while preserving overall project float.[54][55][56]Resource and Cost Management
Microsoft Project categorizes resources into three primary types to facilitate accurate allocation and tracking: work resources, which represent labor or equipment that expend time on tasks, such as employees or machinery; material resources, which denote consumable items like supplies or components measured in units (e.g., tons of concrete or boxes of parts); and cost resources, which capture one-time or fixed expenses unrelated to time or quantity, such as travel fees or licensing costs. These resources are defined and configured in the Resource Sheet view, where users enter details including the resource name, type selection, maximum units for work resources (expressed as a percentage of availability, e.g., 100% for full-time), standard pay rates (e.g., $50/hour), overtime rates (e.g., $75/hour), and material labels for unit measurements. Overtime settings apply only to work resources to account for premium labor costs beyond standard hours.[57][58][59] Assigning resources to tasks involves linking them through the Assign Resources dialog box or directly in task views, specifying assignment units (the portion of the resource's capacity dedicated to the task) and tracking actuals against planned values. The core scheduling equation governs these assignments:This formula dynamically adjusts duration, work, or units based on task type settings (fixed work, duration, or units) as resources are allocated, ensuring realistic scheduling. For instance, assigning a resource at 50% units to a 10-day task yields 5 days of work. Progress is monitored by entering actual work, costs, and durations, allowing comparison to baselines for variance identification. Task dependencies may influence resource timing by sequencing assignments, but resource management focuses on capacity and effort allocation.[44][60][61] Resource leveling addresses overallocations—situations where assigned work exceeds a resource's maximum units—through automated or manual processes accessed via the Resource tab. Automatic leveling prioritizes tasks using the Priority field (values from 0 for lowest to 1000 for highest, default 500) and applies options like delaying tasks within available slack, splitting assignments, or leveling only during nonworking time to resolve conflicts without extending the project finish date when possible. Manual leveling allows targeted adjustments, such as changing priorities or delays, to balance workloads while minimizing schedule impacts. For example, if a developer is overallocated across overlapping tasks, leveling might delay lower-priority tasks to fit within the 100% maximum units.[62][63][64] Cost management derives from resource assignments, with total project costs computed as the aggregate of work resource costs (actual or scheduled work multiplied by standard/overtime rates plus per-use fees), material costs (assigned quantities multiplied by unit rates), and fixed costs from cost or other resources. The formula simplifies to:
Earned value analysis enhances budgeting with metrics like the Cost Performance Index (CPI), calculated as:
where EV (earned value) is the budgeted cost of completed work and AC (actual cost) is the incurred expense; a CPI greater than 1 indicates cost efficiency. Budget resources, designated in the Resource Sheet and assigned solely to the project summary task, establish top-level baselines (e.g., annual labor budget) for high-level variance analysis against actuals, avoiding granular task assignments while supporting overall financial control.[65][66][67][68]