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Fix Missing Templates in Microsoft Project Azure Education
Question details
Users are unable to find or access specific project templates in the version of Microsoft Project downloaded through Azure Education.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to create a new project plan using built-in templates provided by the software.
- Observed behavior
- Expected templates are entirely missing from the template selection screen and cannot be found using the search function.
Before proceeding, confirm the exact edition of Microsoft Project you have installed, as template availability is strictly tied to your specific license and version.
Check Your Microsoft Project Edition
Verify whether your installed version is a standalone desktop edition (like Project 2019 Professional) which lacks Microsoft 365 exclusive templates.
The version of Microsoft Project provided through Azure Education is often a standard desktop edition, such as Project 2019 Professional or Project 2021. These standalone versions do not include the dynamic online templates exclusive to the Microsoft 365 version (formerly Project Online Professional).
Launch Microsoft Project, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the menu.
Look under the 'Product Information' section on the right side of the screen. Identify the exact name of your Project edition.
If your version says 'Project 2019 Professional' or similar, it confirms you have the desktop version, which explains the missing online templates.
Search for Templates Online Manually
Download specific project templates directly from Microsoft's online repository if they are not built into your desktop application.
Plan Your Projects with WPS Office for Free
If your version of Microsoft Project is missing the templates you need and you don't want to pay for a Microsoft 365 subscription, try WPS Office. WPS Spreadsheets includes a massive, free library of project management and Gantt chart templates, making it an excellent lightweight alternative for organizing your tasks.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the lightweight installation.
- 2. Open the Template Library: Launch WPS Office, click on 'New', and browse the expansive Template library available on the home screen.
- 3. Search for Project Management Tools: Type 'Project Management' or 'Gantt Chart' into the search bar to access and download ready-to-use project planning templates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the templates in Microsoft Project 2019 Professional different from Microsoft 365?
Yes. Project 2019 Professional is a standalone desktop application with a fixed set of local templates. The Microsoft 365 version (formerly Project Online Professional) is a cloud-connected subscription that regularly updates and includes a wider variety of exclusive online templates.
Can I upgrade my Azure Education Microsoft Project to get the missing templates?
Upgrading depends on what your educational institution's Azure plan provides. You will need to check your student portal or consult your IT department to see if a Microsoft 365 Project license is available to you.
How can I get free project management templates without a Microsoft 365 subscription?
You can use free alternatives like WPS Office. By opening WPS Spreadsheets, you can access a vast library of free, built-in project management and Gantt chart templates that are fully compatible with standard Office formats.
Why does my search for templates in Project yield zero results?
If you are using a desktop edition disconnected from Microsoft 365 services, the in-app search cannot pull from the online template database. It will only search the limited local templates installed on your computer.
