License & Subscription Issues

How to Get a Microsoft Project Desktop Trial (Plan 3 & Plan 5)

Ayan Masood Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is looking to find and access a free trial specifically for the Microsoft Project desktop application, rather than just the web-based version.

Product: Microsoft Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Evaluating desktop project management software before committing to a paid subscription.
Observed behavior: Seeking information on the availability and process of obtaining a trial for the Microsoft Project desktop app.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active Microsoft work or school account, as trial sign-ups for Microsoft Project Plan 3 and Plan 5 generally require one.

Solution 1Recommended

Sign up for a Project Plan 3 or Plan 5 Trial

Microsoft offers the desktop version of Project exclusively through their Plan 3 and Plan 5 subscriptions. You can start a free trial for these plans on the official website.

Project Plan 1 only includes the web version of the application. To evaluate the fully featured desktop client, you must select either Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5.

Visit the Microsoft Project plans page

Navigate to the official Microsoft 365 Planner and Project Plan comparison page at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/planner/project-plan-3.

Select the trial option

Scroll to the Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5 column and click on the 'Try free for one month' link located under the buy button.

Complete the sign-up process

Follow the on-screen prompts to log in with your work or school account, provide any required details, and finalize the trial activation to download the desktop app.

Trial Limitations: The free trial lasts for 30 days. Be sure to cancel before the trial period ends if you do not wish to be billed for the subscription.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Projects Efficiently with WPS Office

If you need a cost-effective way to manage projects without expensive subscriptions, WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative. You can use its powerful Spreadsheet tool and rich template library to build Gantt charts, track tasks, and manage timelines effortlessly.

1. Download and install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open a project management template: Launch WPS Spreadsheet, go to the Templates section, and search for 'Project Management' or 'Gantt Chart'.
3. Customize your project tracker: Input your tasks, deadlines, and milestones into the spreadsheet template to start tracking your project progress easily.

100% free and lightweight office suiteHigh compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, including Excel for project trackingBuilt-in library of professional project management and Gantt chart templatesFamiliar user interface for seamless migration and quick adoption

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Project Plan 1 include the desktop application?

No, Microsoft Project Plan 1 only provides access to the web-based version of Project. To use the desktop application, you need to subscribe to or trial Project Plan 3 or Plan 5.

Can I get a trial of Microsoft Project Standard or Professional?

Microsoft primarily pushes cloud-based subscriptions (Plan 3 and Plan 5) for trials. Project Standard and Professional are one-time purchases and generally do not have standard free trials available directly through the main consumer portal.

Do I need a work or school account to trial Microsoft Project?

Yes, Microsoft Project subscriptions are designed for business use, and Microsoft typically requires you to sign in or create a work or school account to activate a Project trial.

Login & Account Issues