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How to Create Bidirectional Sync Between Planner and Microsoft Project

Khadija Khan Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to set up a bidirectional synchronization between Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project.

How to Set Up Bidirectional Synchronization Between Microsoft Planner and Project

Product: Microsoft Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing tasks and trying to keep project statuses, dates, and details updated automatically across both Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project.
Observed behavior: Native bidirectional synchronization is not available out-of-the-box and requires utilizing Power Automate, with capabilities depending heavily on the specific Project service version.

Before you start

Verify which version of Microsoft Project you are using (Project for the web, Project Online, or the Project desktop application), as their connectivity features in Power Automate vary significantly.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Power Automate for Custom Synchronization

Since there is no native toggle for bidirectional sync, you must create a custom workflow using Microsoft Power Automate based on your specific Project version.

Bidirectional synchronization requires careful planning regarding conflict resolution—deciding which application 'wins' if a task is updated in both places simultaneously.

Your success heavily depends on using cloud-based services like Project for the web or Project Online, which have dedicated Power Automate connectors.

Identify your Project service version

Determine whether you are running Project for the web, Project Online, or the Project desktop application. Note that the desktop application lacks direct cloud connectors and is much harder to sync.

Define your mapping and rules

List the specific fields you need to synchronize (e.g., Task Name, Start Date, Due Date, Assigned To) and decide the conflict-handling rules for bidirectional updates.

Build the Power Automate Flow

Open Power Automate and create an automated cloud flow. Add triggers for 'When a task is created or updated' in Planner, and use the corresponding Microsoft Project connectors to create or update the linked item.

Consult the Power Automate Community

If you encounter complex looping issues (where an update in Planner triggers Project, which then triggers Planner again), post your detailed requirements in the Power Automate Community to get custom integration designs from specialists.

Use Power Automate for Custom Synchronization

Avoid Infinite Loops: When creating bidirectional flows, ensure you set condition checks (like comparing modified timestamps or adding updated flags) so that the flow does not trigger itself in an endless loop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sync the Microsoft Project desktop application with Planner?

Direct synchronization with the Project desktop application is highly complex because it lacks native cloud connectors in Power Automate. It is highly recommended to use Project for the web or Project Online for cloud-based integrations.

Is there a built-in button to sync Project and Planner?

No, Microsoft currently does not provide a native, one-click bidirectional sync feature between Planner and Project. You must use Microsoft Power Automate or third-party integration platforms to bridge the two apps.

What information should I provide when asking for help in the Power Automate forum?

To get the best help, always specify your exact Project service (Web, Online, or Desktop), the specific fields you need synced (like dates and assignees), and how you intend to handle data conflicts.

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