License & Subscription Issues

Fix Microsoft Project Cannot Create Projects with Office Plan E5

Nimra Malik Oct 13, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users with the Project for Office (Plan E5) subscription are unable to create new projects and are limited to read-only access.

Fix Microsoft Project Cannot Create Projects with Office Plan E5

Product: Microsoft Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to create a new project in Microsoft Project for the web or the desktop application.
Observed behavior: The system displays a message stating the user can view projects but cannot create them, restricting the user to read-only access.

Before you start

Verify your current Microsoft 365 subscription tier and ensure you have administrative access to your Microsoft 365 admin center to review or assign licenses.

Solution 1Recommended

Assign the Correct Microsoft Project License

Upgrade from the basic viewing license to a dedicated Project Plan to enable project creation.

Project for Office (Plan E5) is often confused with Project Plan 5. However, the 'Project for Office' license included in standard E5 plans only grants view-only access to projects created in Project for the web. It does not grant project creation capabilities.

Access the Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Review Current Licenses

Navigate to 'Billing' and select 'Your products' to verify the current licenses assigned to the user experiencing the issue.

Assign Project Plan 1 for Web Access

If the user only needs to create projects using Project for the web, purchase and assign a 'Project Plan 1' license.

Assign Project Plan 3 for Desktop Access

If the user requires full access to the Microsoft Project desktop application, purchase and assign a 'Project Plan 3' or higher license.

Assign the Correct Microsoft Project License

License Sync Delay: After assigning a new Project license, it may take up to 24 hours for the new permissions to fully sync across all Microsoft 365 services.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Project Data Efficiently with WPS Office

If you want to avoid complex Microsoft Project licensing tiers, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight alternative. You can easily manage project timelines, tasks, and budgets using WPS Spreadsheet's built-in Gantt chart templates.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free office suite.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet to start organizing your project tasks and timelines.
3. Apply a Project Template: Search for 'Project' or 'Gantt' in the template library to instantly create professional project plans.

Free, lightweight, and easy to install on any deviceFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats for seamless project trackingRich library of built-in project management and Gantt chart templatesFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Microsoft 365 E5 include Microsoft Project?

Microsoft 365 E5 includes 'Project for Office', which only provides read-only access to view existing projects in Project for the web. It does not include a full license to create or edit projects.

What is the difference between Project for Office Plan E5 and Project Plan 5?

Project for Office (Plan E5) is a basic viewing entitlement included in standard Microsoft 365 E5 subscriptions. Project Plan 5 is a standalone, premium subscription that offers advanced portfolio management, resource management, and full project creation rights.

How do I get access to the Microsoft Project desktop client?

To use the full Microsoft Project desktop application, you must purchase and assign a Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5 license. Project Plan 1 only covers the web-based version of Microsoft Project.

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