How to Install Microsoft Planner as a Desktop App
Question details
The user wants to install Microsoft Planner as a standalone desktop application or add it to their taskbar for quick access.

- Product
- Microsoft Planner
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Setting up Microsoft Planner for easier and quicker desktop access without relying on standard browser tabs.
- Observed behavior
- Currently accessing Planner via standard web browser tabs, but aiming for a dedicated desktop app experience similar to Microsoft Lists.
Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription with access to Microsoft Planner, and verify that Microsoft Edge or Microsoft Teams is updated to the latest version on your computer.
Install Microsoft Planner as a Progressive Web App (PWA) via Microsoft Edge
Create a dedicated desktop app experience for Microsoft Planner directly from your Edge browser to pin it to your taskbar.
Microsoft Planner does not have a traditional standalone installer. However, you can use Microsoft Edge to install the web version as a Progressive Web App (PWA), which looks and acts exactly like a native desktop application.
Launch the Microsoft Edge browser and navigate to tasks.office.com. Log in with your Microsoft 365 credentials.
Click the three-dot menu icon (...) located in the top right corner of the Edge browser window.
Hover over 'Apps' in the dropdown menu, then click on 'Install this site as an app'.
In the prompt that appears, type a name for your app (e.g., Microsoft Planner) and click 'Install'. The app will now open in its own window.
Right-click the new Planner icon on your Windows taskbar and select 'Pin to taskbar' for easy one-click access in the future.

Access Microsoft Planner directly through Microsoft Teams
Integrate Microsoft Planner into Teams if you prefer centralized workspace management without installing a separate app.
Looking for a Lightweight Office Suite? Try WPS Office
While setting up your project management tools, if you need a free, lightweight, and highly compatible office suite for your daily document work, WPS Office is an excellent choice. It offers powerful tools for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files in a single tabbed interface.
- 1. Visit the Website: Go to the official WPS Office website to find the free installer.
- 2. Download the Installer: Click the 'Free Download' button to download the appropriate version for your Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system.
- 3. Install and Launch: Run the downloaded setup file, follow the quick installation prompts, and launch WPS Office to enjoy seamless document management.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Microsoft Planner on a Mac?
Yes, you can install it as a Progressive Web App (PWA) using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome on your Mac. Simply navigate to tasks.office.com, open the browser settings menu, and select 'Install this site as an app'.
Why can't I find Planner in Microsoft Teams?
If Planner isn't visible in the Teams sidebar, it might be unpinned. Click the three-dot menu (...) on the left navigation bar, search for 'Planner' or 'Tasks by Planner', and select it. You can then right-click the icon to pin it to your sidebar.
Is there a standalone Microsoft Planner installer executable (.exe) to download?
No, Microsoft does not provide a traditional standalone executable (.exe) installer for Planner. The application is designed to be utilized via a web browser, installed as a Progressive Web App (PWA) through Edge/Chrome, or accessed within Microsoft Teams.




