License & Subscription Issues

Fix Project for Office Plan E1 Cannot Create a Project Plan

Algirdas Jasaitis Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

User needs to resolve an issue where they are blocked from creating a new project plan due to a subscription error message.

Fix Project for Office Plan E1 Cannot Create a Project Plan

Product: Microsoft Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to create a new project plan using the Microsoft Project desktop app or the Microsoft 365 website with an assigned Project for Office Plan E1 license.
Observed behavior: The system displays a 'no subscription is available' error message and prevents the user from creating a project plan.

Before you start

Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 login credentials ready and administrative access to your account portal so you can verify your currently assigned licenses.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify and Upgrade Your Microsoft Project License

Confirm your current license type. Because Project for Office Plan E1 only provides read-only and limited editing access, you must upgrade your subscription to create new projects.

The Project for Office Plan E1 license is designed primarily for team members who only need to view and perform minor updates to existing project plans. It does not include the permissions required to create brand-new project plans or to utilize the full Microsoft Project desktop client.

Sign in to the Project portal

Navigate to project.microsoft.com in your web browser and sign in using your Microsoft 365 account credentials.

Check your current license

Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, select 'View account', and navigate to the 'Subscriptions' page to verify that you are assigned the Project for Office Plan E1 license.

Request a license upgrade

Contact your IT administrator or navigate to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to purchase and assign a Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5 license to your account. These plans include full project creation rights and access to the desktop app.

Verify and Upgrade Your Microsoft Project License

License Sync Delay: After your administrator assigns a new Project Plan 3 or Plan 5 license, it may take up to 24 hours for the new permissions to sync and allow you to create project plans.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Project Timelines for Free with WPS Office

If Microsoft Project licensing restrictions are holding your team back, WPS Office offers a powerful, free alternative. Use WPS Spreadsheet's built-in advanced templates to create Gantt charts, track tasks, and manage resources without needing an expensive premium subscription.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for your device.
2. Open a Project Template: Launch WPS Spreadsheet, go to the Homepage, and click on 'Templates'.
3. Search for Gantt Charts: Type 'Project Management' or 'Gantt' into the template search bar and select a design that fits your team's workflow.
4. Customize and Share: Input your project tasks and timelines, then save the file in .xlsx format to share easily with any team member.

Access hundreds of free professional project management and Gantt chart templatesFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats for easy sharingLightweight application that uses minimal system resourcesFamiliar interface ensures a seamless transition and zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What features are included in Project for Office Plan E1?

Project for Office Plan E1 provides basic capabilities, allowing users to view project plans and perform limited editing on tasks assigned to them within existing projects. It does not support creating new projects.

Can I use the Microsoft Project desktop app with an E1 license?

No, the Project desktop client is not included with the Project for Office Plan E1 license. You must have an active Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5 subscription to download and use the desktop app.

Why do I get a 'no subscription is available' error when I am already logged in?

This error occurs because the action you are trying to perform, such as creating a new project plan, requires higher-tier licensing (Plan 3 or 5) than what is currently assigned to your account.

Login & Account Issues