License & Subscription Issues

Fix Microsoft 365 Users Cannot Update Tasks in Project for the Web

Partner Editor Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to know how to enable Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 users to see and update their assigned tasks in Project for the web.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 Users Unable to Update Tasks in Project for the Web

Product: Microsoft Project for the Web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A team member with a Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 license attempts to view or change task completion percentages in a shared project.
Observed behavior: The users cannot see or update their assigned tasks, despite documentation suggesting that basic task completion updates should be supported.

Before you start

Verify your current Microsoft 365 subscription tier and ensure you have administrative access to the Microsoft 365 admin center to check and assign user licenses.

Solution 1Recommended

Assign a Project Plan 1 License to Affected Users

Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 licensing alone does not provide the required functionality. Assignees need at least a Project Plan 1 license to view and update tasks.

Many administrators assume that high-tier Microsoft 365 licenses cover basic project functionalities. However, updating tasks in Project for the web requires a standalone Project license for each team member.

Access Admin Center

Navigate to Active Users

Go to the 'Users' section in the left-hand navigation pane and select 'Active users'.

Assign Project License

Select the user who needs to update tasks, click on the 'Licenses and apps' tab, and check the box for 'Project Plan 1' (or higher).

Save and Refresh

Click 'Save changes' and ask the user to sign out and sign back in to their Project for the web portal to see their assigned tasks.

Assign a Project Plan 1 License to Affected Users

Licensing Requirement Clarified: Project Plan 1 is the minimum requirement for team members to update their task progress and completion percentages in Project for the web.

Solution 2

Verify Microsoft 365 Group Memberships

If users have the correct licenses but still cannot see tasks, ensure they are properly added to the Microsoft 365 group associated with the project.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Tasks and Projects Easily with WPS Office

If purchasing individual Microsoft Project licenses for basic task updates is too costly for your team, consider managing your projects using WPS Office. It provides comprehensive spreadsheet and document tools that are perfectly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, allowing you to track project progress effectively without expensive subscriptions.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free suite on your device.
2. Find a Tracker Template: Open WPS Spreadsheets, click on 'New', navigate to the template library, and search for 'Project Management' trackers.
3. Update and Share: Assign tasks in the spreadsheet and share the file with your team so they can freely update their completion percentages.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and Word (.docx) formats for seamless task tracking.Free and lightweight alternative to expensive Microsoft subscriptions.Rich library of free project management and Gantt chart templates built-in.Familiar user interface makes migration effortless for your entire team.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Microsoft 365 E5 users update tasks in Project for the web for free?

No. Despite having a premium enterprise license, Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 licenses do not include the ability to update task completion percentages in Project for the web. A separate Project Plan 1 license is strictly required.

What is the minimum license required to view and update assigned tasks in Microsoft Project?

Team members need at least a Project Plan 1 license to view projects they are added to and to update the progress of their assigned tasks.

Why can't my team members see the tasks assigned to them even with a license?

Aside from proper licensing, ensure that the team members are added to the specific Microsoft 365 group associated with the project. If they are not in the group, they will not have permission to see the assigned tasks.

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