How to Enable Agile Features in Microsoft Project 2019 Professional
Question details
The user wants to access Agile project management features, such as Task Boards and Sprints, within Microsoft Project 2019 Professional.
- Product
- Microsoft Project 2019 Professional
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to set up an Agile project by looking for the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Sprints capabilities.
- Observed behavior
- Agile templates and Task Board views are entirely missing from the standalone version of the software, and linking a Project Web App account does not enable them.
Verify your exact version of Microsoft Project by opening the application, clicking on 'File', and selecting 'Account' to see whether you hold a perpetual 2019 license or a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Upgrade to Project Online Professional (Subscription)
The native Agile features are exclusive to the Microsoft 365 subscription editions of Project and cannot be activated on standalone 2019 versions.
Microsoft restricts native Agile capabilities, including the Task Board view and Sprint planning tools, to its subscription-based users. Upgrading to a Microsoft 365 Project subscription is the only official way to unlock these specific built-in features.
Log into your Microsoft 365 administrator portal or visit the official Microsoft Project product page.
Select and purchase a subscription for Project Plan 3 (formerly Project Online Professional) or Project Plan 5.
Download and install the new subscription-based Project desktop client. Upon launching, the Agile features and Task Board views will be natively available.
Manually Create Agile Tracking Fields in Project 2019
Since Microsoft removed the global Agile templates for Project 2019 users, you can manually construct a functional backlog using custom fields.
Manage Agile Projects Effectively with WPS Office
If upgrading to an expensive Microsoft Project subscription isn't feasible, WPS Office provides a highly capable, free alternative. You can easily build dynamic Agile Sprint boards, Product Backlogs, and Kanban trackers using WPS Spreadsheet's built-in templates and powerful data management features.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and install the free productivity suite.
- 2. Open a New Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet to begin setting up your Agile task tracker.
- 3. Apply an Agile Template: Click on 'Templates' on the homepage, search for 'Agile' or 'Task Board', and select a layout to instantly organize your sprints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Agile templates disappear in Microsoft Project 2019?
Microsoft recently removed the global Agile template from the standalone Project 2019 edition. These templates are now maintained exclusively for users on the Project Online subscription service.
Will linking to a Project Web App account enable Agile features in Project 2019?
No, linking a standalone version of Project 2019 Professional to a Project Web App (PWA) account will not unlock Task Boards or Agile features. The features are tied strictly to the desktop client version, which must be the Microsoft 365 subscription edition.
Are Task Boards available in older standalone versions of Microsoft Project?
Agile tools like Sprint Planning and Task Boards were introduced directly into the subscription version of Project. They are not natively available in standalone desktop perpetual licenses such as Project 2013, 2016, or 2019.
