'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Microsoft Project Closing Open Files When Laptop Is Locked
Question details
Users are experiencing an issue where Microsoft Project unexpectedly closes all active files when the Windows laptop goes into lock mode or is manually locked.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Locking the Windows computer screen while Microsoft Project files are open and active.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Project automatically shuts down and closes the open files, which may lead to the loss of unsaved work.
Manually save all your active Project files and note down your current Microsoft Office version details before modifying application settings or running a repair.
Temporarily Turn Off AutoSave Settings
Disabling AutoSave temporarily helps determine if background automatic saving processes are triggering the crash when Windows locks.
In some instances, the interruption of an automated background save process by the Windows lock screen can cause Microsoft Project to forcefully close.
Launch Microsoft Project, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu. Navigate to the 'Save' tab.
Locate the AutoSave settings and uncheck the box for automatic saving. Click 'OK' to apply the changes.
Leave a test project file open and press the Windows Key + L to lock your laptop. Log back in to see if the application remained open.
Repair Microsoft Project via Windows Settings
Using the built-in Windows repair tool can fix corrupted application files that cause Microsoft Project to crash during system state changes.
Check for Project Updates and Compare Versions
Since this behavior has been reported as a known bug in specific builds like Project Pro 2016, updating the software can apply necessary patches.
Manage Your Projects Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you are tired of sudden crashes and unexpected file closures, consider switching to WPS Office. While it doesn't replace Microsoft Project directly, WPS Spreadsheet offers powerful, free Gantt chart templates and project tracking tools in a lightweight, stable, and easy-to-use environment.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free, lightweight installer and complete the setup in minutes.
- 2. Open Your Project Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and seamlessly open any existing .xlsx project trackers or task lists.
- 3. Utilize Free Templates: Click on the 'Templates' tab to search for free project management dashboards and Gantt charts to keep your work organized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does locking the Windows screen normally force Office apps to close?
No, locking your Windows screen (using Windows Key + L) simply secures your active session. If Microsoft Project or other applications close during this process, it indicates an application crash or a specific configuration conflict.
Will I lose my data if MS Project closes when the computer locks?
Yes, if your file was not saved manually before the laptop locked and AutoSave did not trigger in time, you may lose unsaved changes. It is highly recommended to save your work before stepping away from your desk.
Why does Online Repair take longer than Quick Repair?
Online Repair downloads fresh installation files directly from Microsoft's servers to completely replace corrupted application files, which requires an active internet connection and more time. Quick Repair only attempts to fix local files without downloading new data.
Is this unexpected closing issue specific to Project Pro 2016?
While similar behavior has been widely reported by users with Project Pro 2016, bugs related to screen locking, power management, and background saving can potentially affect other versions of Microsoft Project depending on recent Windows updates.
