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Fix the Disabled Use Resources Option in Microsoft Project

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to enable the 'Use Resources' option to properly link a master project, subprojects, and a resource pool.

How to Fix the Disabled Use Resources Option in Microsoft Project

Product: Microsoft Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to link a master project, subprojects, and a resource pool that are currently stored and managed within a SharePoint environment.
Observed behavior: The 'Use Resources' option is disabled or greyed out because SharePoint does not support this specific linked Microsoft Project file structure.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to a standard local drive or a shared network folder, as you will need to migrate your project files out of your web-based SharePoint library to restore linking functionality.

Solution 1Recommended

Move Project Files to a Supported Local or Network Location

Relocate your master project, subprojects, and resource pool files away from SharePoint to a standard file server or local drive to restore file linking capabilities.

SharePoint document libraries do not support the complex relative file linking and locking mechanisms required by Microsoft Project for master projects and resource pools. To resolve the disabled option, you must host these interconnected files on a traditional file server or a local disk.

Unlink existing SharePoint files

Open your master project in Microsoft Project and remove the existing, broken links to the resource pool and subprojects.

Download files from SharePoint

Navigate to your SharePoint document library, select your master project, subprojects, and resource pool files, and download them to your local computer.

Move to a network or local drive

Copy the downloaded .mpp files to a shared network drive accessible by your project team, or a local folder if you are working independently.

Re-establish resource links

Open the resource pool file from the new location first, then open your master project. Go to the Resource tab, click on 'Resource Pool', select 'Share Resources', and properly link the files.

Move Project Files to a Supported Local or Network Location

Avoid OneDrive for Business: Similar to SharePoint, syncing these interconnected Microsoft Project files via OneDrive can cause synchronization conflicts and will also disable resource sharing capabilities.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Project Data Easily with WPS Office

While WPS Office does not natively edit .mpp files, WPS Spreadsheet is a powerful, free alternative for creating Gantt charts, managing timelines, and tracking resource allocations without the complex syncing limitations of SharePoint.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free suite on your device.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet to begin setting up your new project tracker or resource pool.
3. Apply a Project Template: Navigate to the Templates library, search for 'Gantt Chart' or 'Project Tracker', and apply a template to easily start managing your team's resources.

Free, lightweight, and incredibly easy to install and use.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats for seamless project tracking.Rich built-in templates for Gantt charts, project timelines, and resource management.Reliable cloud synchronization without restrictive file-linking issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint disable the Use Resources option in Microsoft Project?

SharePoint's document management system handles files individually and does not support the continuous background file-locking and relative path tracking that Microsoft Project requires to keep master projects and resource pools synchronized.

Can I use OneDrive instead of SharePoint for Microsoft Project resource pools?

No. OneDrive utilizes similar synchronization protocols to SharePoint. Storing linked master projects and resource pools in OneDrive is not supported and will lead to sync errors and disabled options. A traditional network file share is required.

How do I correctly share resources across multiple Microsoft Project files?

You must create a dedicated Resource Pool file (.mpp) and save it on a traditional network drive. Then, open both the resource pool and your individual project file, navigate to the Resource tab, click 'Resource Pool', and select 'Share Resources' to establish the connection.

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