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Microsoft 365 Installation Problems

How to Install Microsoft Planner as a Desktop App

John WilsonJohn Wilson Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to install Microsoft Planner as a standalone desktop application or add it to their taskbar for quick access.

How to Install Microsoft Planner as a Desktop App
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.
Before you start

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.

Solution 1Recommended

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.

1
Open Planner in Microsoft Edge

Launch the Microsoft Edge browser and navigate to tasks.office.com. Log in with your Microsoft 365 credentials.

2
Access the browser menu

Click the three-dot menu icon (...) located in the top right corner of the Edge browser window.

3
Install the site as an app

Hover over 'Apps' in the dropdown menu, then click on 'Install this site as an app'.

4
Name and install the 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.

5
Pin to Taskbar

Right-click the new Planner icon on your Windows taskbar and select 'Pin to taskbar' for easy one-click access in the future.

Install Microsoft Planner as a Progressive Web App (PWA) via Microsoft Edge
Taskbar Ready: Your Microsoft Planner will now launch in its own standalone window, completely separate from your regular browser tabs.
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  1. 1. Visit the Website: Go to the official WPS Office website to find the free installer.
  2. 2. Download the Installer: Click the 'Free Download' button to download the appropriate version for your Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system.
  3. 3. Install and Launch: Run the downloaded setup file, follow the quick installation prompts, and launch WPS Office to enjoy seamless document management.
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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.