Others

Fix Project for the Web Finish-to-Finish Dependency Has No Effect

Amos Gikunda Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where setting a finish-to-finish (FF) task dependency in Project for the Web does not update the successor task's dates.

Fix Project for the Web Finish-to-Finish Dependency Has No Effect

Product: Project for the Web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Modifying task schedules and dependencies in a project management timeline.
Observed behavior: The successor task's dates do not adjust according to the new finish-to-finish dependency because the task already has an actual start date or recorded progress.

Before you start

Check your project timeline to identify if the affected successor task already has an actual start date or a recorded completion percentage, as actual values always override dependency calculations.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Actual Task Progress to Restore Dependency Logic

Remove the actual start date and completion progress from the successor task so the system can automatically recalculate the schedule based on your dependency rules.

In Project for the Web, actual task values take precedence over calculated dependency dates. If a task has already started or has recorded progress, the system assumes the real-world schedule overrides any theoretical dependency (such as a 6FF+1-week relationship). To fix this, you must reset the task's progress to zero.

Select the affected task

Open your project in Project for the Web and click on the successor task (e.g., Task 7) that is failing to reschedule.

Open task details

Open the task information or details pane to view its current progress metrics and dates.

Reset completion percentage

Locate the '% complete' field and change the value back to 0% to remove recorded progress.

Clear the actual start date

Find the 'Actual Start' date field and clear it, resetting the task to an unstarted state.

Recalculate the project

Reapply your finish-to-finish dependency if necessary, and allow the system to automatically calculate and adjust the task dates based on the predecessor.

Clear Actual Task Progress to Restore Dependency Logic

Automatic Rescheduling: Once the actual progress is removed, the dependency logic will immediately take effect and reschedule the task timeline properly.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Projects Flexibly with WPS Spreadsheets

If you are looking for a lightweight, highly customizable, and free way to track project tasks without rigid dependency locks, WPS Office is an excellent alternative. Using WPS Spreadsheets, you can easily build Gantt charts and project timelines while maintaining full compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office from the official website and install it on your computer or mobile device.
2. Open a Project Template: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, navigate to the template library, and search for 'Project Management' or 'Gantt Chart'.
3. Customize Your Timeline: Enter your tasks, start dates, and dependencies directly into the spreadsheet for easy, flexible tracking without strict system overrides.

Completely free and lightweight Office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsRich built-in Gantt chart and project tracking templatesFamiliar UI with a seamless learning curve

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do actual dates override task dependencies in Project for the Web?

Actual dates and logged progress represent real-world events that have already occurred. Project for the Web prioritizes these actual values over calculated dependency rules to ensure the project accurately reflects true progress rather than theoretical schedules.

Can a Finish-to-Start (FS) dependency override an actual start date?

No. Just like Finish-to-Finish dependencies, any predecessor relationship (including FS, SS, or SF) cannot reschedule a task that already has an actual start date or a recorded progress percentage.

How do I track actual progress without breaking future dependencies?

Only log progress for tasks that are currently active or completed. If a task's schedule is still subject to change based on its predecessors, wait to record its actual start date until the work truly begins.

Office Quick Solutions