License & Subscription Issues

Fix Microsoft Project for the Web License Requirements and Access Errors

Guest Writer Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users encounter access errors and lack the necessary permissions to create projects or roadmaps despite having a Project for Office Plan E5 license.

How to Resolve Project for the Web License Requirements and Access Errors

Product: Microsoft Project for the Web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to create projects or roadmaps in Project for the Web.
Observed behavior: The current license only allows viewing and limited editing, restricting users from creating new projects or roadmaps.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to your Microsoft 365 admin center or contact your IT administrator to verify your current assigned licenses before attempting changes.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify and Assign the Correct Project License

Assign Project Plan 1, Plan 3, or Plan 5 to the user account, as the Plan E5 license only provides viewing and limited editing access.

A standard Project for Office Plan E5 license does not include the permissions necessary for project and roadmap creation. You must have a dedicated Project Plan subscription to unlock full web and desktop capabilities.

Access the Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Navigate to Active Users

Go to the 'Users' menu on the left sidebar and select 'Active users'.

Modify User Licenses

Click on the name of the user experiencing the access error, then select the 'Licenses and apps' tab in the side panel.

Assign the Correct Project Plan

Check the box for Project Plan 1, Project Plan 3, or Project Plan 5, and then click 'Save changes' to apply the new permissions.

Verify and Assign the Correct Project License

Desktop Application Requirement: If you also need to use the Project desktop application, you must assign Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5. Project Plan 1 only supports the web version.

Solution 2

Install Volume License via Office Deployment Tool

If you are using a volume license for Project 2021 rather than a web-based subscription, you must use the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) to install the software.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Projects and Tasks Effectively with WPS Office

If navigating complex Microsoft Project licensing is holding you back, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. You can easily manage tasks, timelines, and data using WPS Spreadsheet's built-in project management templates.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free suite and install it on your device.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open a new Spreadsheet document to begin outlining your project tasks.
3. Utilize Project Templates: Click on the 'Templates' tab and search for project management layouts like Gantt charts or task trackers to streamline your workflow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What permissions does the Project for Office Plan E5 license provide?

The Project for Office Plan E5 license only provides viewing and limited editing access to shared projects. It does not grant the permissions necessary to create new projects or roadmaps.

Which licenses are required to create a project in Project for the Web?

To create projects and roadmaps in Project for the Web, you need to be assigned at least a Project Plan 1, Project Plan 3, or Project Plan 5 license.

Can I use the Project desktop application with a Project Plan 1 license?

No, the Project desktop application is not included with Project Plan 1. You must have a Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5 license to download and use the desktop version.

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