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How to Install Microsoft Project Desktop with Planner and Project Plan 5
Question details
The user wants to know how to install the Project Online desktop client that is included with a Planner and Project Plan 5 subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to download and install the Project desktop application using a Microsoft 365 account.
- Observed behavior
- The application needs to be installed, but it may not appear in the Microsoft 365 installation portal if the proper license is missing or not assigned by the administrator.
Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 account credentials ready and confirm with your IT administrator that a Planner and Project Plan 5 license has been explicitly assigned to your user account.
Verify License and Install Project Desktop from Microsoft 365
Use the Microsoft 365 web portal to check your assigned licenses and download the Project installer directly to your computer.
Microsoft Project is typically managed as an add-on subscription. Even if your organization has purchased Project Plan 5, you cannot download the desktop client until the license is tied directly to your profile.
Open your web browser and navigate to Microsoft365.com. Log in using your work or school account credentials associated with your Planner and Project Plan 5 license.
On the Microsoft 365 homepage dashboard, click on the 'Install and more' dropdown menu located near the top right corner of the screen, then select 'Install Microsoft 365 apps'.
In the apps and devices section, look for 'Project' in the list of available applications. Click the 'Install' button next to it to download the setup file. Once downloaded, run the setup file to complete the installation on your desktop.
If you do not see Project listed in your available installations, your license is likely not assigned. Contact your organization's Microsoft 365 IT administrator and request them to allocate a Project Plan 5 seat to your account.
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- 1. Visit the WPS Website: Go to the official WPS Office website to access the free download.
- 2. Download and Install: Click the download button for your operating system and run the lightweight installer.
- 3. Open and Edit Files: Launch WPS Office to instantly open, edit, and share your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint project files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Microsoft Project not showing up in my install options?
Project will not appear if the license hasn't been assigned to your specific Microsoft 365 account. Even if your organization purchased Planner and Project Plan 5, your IT administrator must manually allocate a seat to your user profile before the download option appears.
Can I install Microsoft Project Desktop on a Mac?
No, the Microsoft Project desktop client is currently only available for Windows PCs. Mac users must use the web-based Project Online interface or run a Windows virtual machine via software like Parallels to use the desktop application.
Is Project Desktop included in standard Microsoft 365 Business plans?
No, Microsoft Project is not included in standard Microsoft 365 Business or Enterprise plans (such as E3 or E5). It requires a separate add-on subscription, like Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5, to access the desktop client.
