How to Fix Missing Agile Features and Task Boards in Project Professional 2016
Question details
The user is unable to find or add Agile project management tools, such as the task board view, within their Microsoft Project interface.
- Product
- Microsoft Project Professional 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is attempting to utilize Agile project methodologies or customize the ribbon to display Agile tracking features in Project Professional 2016.
- Observed behavior
- Agile buttons and the task board view are entirely missing from version 2102 of the application and cannot be restored or added through the standard ribbon customization settings.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account credentials ready, as you will need to review your active subscriptions and installed product information within the application.
Verify Your Microsoft Project Product Version
Check your Product Information settings to determine if you are running the standalone Project Professional 2016 or the subscription-based Project Online Desktop Client, which is required for Agile features.
Agile features, including task boards and sprints, are not included in the standard, one-time purchase version of Microsoft Project Professional 2016. These advanced methodologies are exclusive features provided through continuous updates to the Project Online Desktop Client.
To resolve this issue, you must first verify exactly which product license is currently tied to your installation.
Launch the Microsoft Project application on your computer.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon menu, then select 'Account' from the left-hand navigation pane.
Locate the 'Product Information' section on the right side of the screen. Look for the specific product name listed under the Office logo.
If the installed product is listed strictly as 'Project Professional 2016', your version does not support Agile features. If it is listed as 'Project Online Desktop Client' but the features are still missing, you may need to update your client or contact your IT administrator.
Manage Projects Efficiently with WPS Office for Free
If upgrading to a costly Microsoft Project subscription isn't feasible, consider using WPS Office to manage your team's tasks. WPS Spreadsheet offers comprehensive tools, pivot tables, and free project management templates to easily track progress without expensive licensing.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the quick installation.
- 2. Access Free Templates: Open WPS Spreadsheet, click on 'New', and browse the Template Library for 'Agile', 'Task Board', or 'Project Management'.
- 3. Manage Your Projects: Select a template to instantly generate a tracking spreadsheet, or open your existing .xlsx project files to collaborate seamlessly with your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enable Agile features in Project Professional 2016 by downloading an add-in?
No, Microsoft does not provide an official add-in to enable Agile methodologies in the standalone Project Professional 2016. These features are hard-coded into the subscription-based Project Online Desktop Client.
Where is the Task Board located in the Project Online Desktop Client?
If you are running the correct subscription-based client, you can access the Task Board by navigating to the 'View' tab on the ribbon. In the 'Task Views' group, click on 'Task Board' to switch to the Agile interface.
What is the difference between Project Professional 2016 and the Project Online Desktop Client?
Project Professional 2016 is a perpetual, one-time purchase license that does not receive new feature updates. The Project Online Desktop Client is a subscription service (part of Project Plan 3 or 5) that continuously receives new tools, such as Agile task tracking and sprint management.
