File Sharing Problems

How to Fix Project for the Web Group Sharing Failures

Adam Davis Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user encounters a maximum-retries error when trying to connect and share a project with a Microsoft 365 group, preventing successful project sharing and file attachments.

How to Fix Project for the Web Group Sharing Failures

Product: Project for the Web (Microsoft 365)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to share a project or attach files to an existing Microsoft 365 group within Project for the Web.
Observed behavior: A maximum-retries error is displayed. Although the group remains visible in Tasks, project sharing and file attachments continuously fail.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and are signed in with the correct Microsoft 365 account credentials before beginning the troubleshooting process.

Solution 1Recommended

Perform Basic Browser and Account Troubleshooting

Isolate the root cause by testing the issue in a private browser window and checking if the error affects all projects or just one.

Before escalating the issue to your IT department, you should verify if the sharing error is caused by a corrupted browser cache, an isolated project glitch, or a specific account permission issue.

Use a private window

Open an Incognito or Private browsing window in your web browser, sign in to Project for the Web, and attempt to share the project with the group again.

Create a test project

Create a brand-new project in Project for the Web and try connecting it to the Microsoft 365 group to see if the sharing failure affects all projects or just the original one.

Test with a colleague

Ask another team member to access the project and attempt to share it. This will help determine whether the failure is specific to your user account.

Check Group Visibility: Even if the Microsoft 365 group remains visible in your Tasks list, the backend connection may still be interrupted, which will prevent successful file attachments until the connection is restored.

Solution 2

Request Microsoft 365 Admin Support

If basic troubleshooting fails, your Microsoft 365 Administrator will need to escalate the issue directly to Microsoft Support.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Projects Seamlessly with WPS Office

If server-side connection issues in Microsoft 365 disrupt your workflow, consider using WPS Office as a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. You can easily plan and track project progress using powerful spreadsheet tools and professional templates without relying on complex cloud group configurations.

1. Download and install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Choose a template: Open WPS Spreadsheet, navigate to the Template library, and search for 'Project Management' or 'Gantt Chart'.
3. Track and share: Customize the template with your team's tasks and easily share the document via direct file transfer or a standard cloud link.

Completely free, lightweight, and incredibly fast to install on any deviceSeamless format compatibility with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPointRich library of built-in Gantt chart and project management templatesFamiliar user interface that requires zero learning curve for a seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the maximum-retries error mean in Project for the Web?

This error indicates that the system has repeatedly failed to establish a connection between your project and the associated Microsoft 365 Group, often due to browser cache issues or temporary server-side synchronization glitches.

How do I know if a project sharing issue is specific to my account?

You can determine if the issue is account-specific by asking a colleague to log in and attempt to share the exact same project with the Microsoft 365 group. If they succeed, the problem may be linked to your browser or specific account permissions.

Where can my IT admin submit a service request for Project issues?

Your IT administrator can open a support ticket by signing into the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, navigating to the 'Support' section on the left-hand navigation menu, and selecting 'New service request'.

Document & File Issues