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How to Create Project Status Reports in Microsoft 365

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to create project status reports using Microsoft 365 tools to track timelines, risks, issues, and lessons learned.

How to Create Project Status Reports in Microsoft 365

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing and reporting on project performance, tracking risks, and communicating status to stakeholders.
Observed behavior: Looking for the appropriate Microsoft 365 applications and workflows to handle comprehensive project reporting.

Before you start

Identify your project's specific reporting requirements and data structure needed for tracking timelines, risks, and success indicators before choosing a Microsoft 365 tool.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Project Web App for Comprehensive Tracking

Project Web App (PWA) is ideal for structured project management, allowing you to track timelines, issues, and risks seamlessly within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Project Web App is part of Project Online and provides enterprise-level tools for managing portfolios, programs, and projects. It includes built-in functionality for tracking risks and issues that might impact your project.

Access Project Web App

Navigate to the Project Center

Click on 'Project Center' from the quick launch menu and select the specific project you want to create a status report for.

Track Risks and Issues

Click on the 'Project Site' link. Use the 'Issues' and 'Risks' lists in the left navigation pane to log current roadblocks or potential threats.

Generate Reports

Navigate to the 'Reports' section on the ribbon to export project timelines and success indicators into Excel or link them to Power BI dashboards.

Use Project Web App for Comprehensive Tracking

Licensing Requirement: Project Web App requires a specific Project Plan license (Plan 3 or Plan 5) and is not included in standard Microsoft 365 business subscriptions.

Solution 2

Create Custom Tracking Forms with Power Apps

If you have unique reporting workflows or need a customized interface for stakeholders to input lessons learned and decisions, Power Apps is highly adaptable.

Create Project Status Reports Easily

Use WPS Office to Create Professional Project Status Reports

If you don't have access to complex enterprise tools like Project Web App or Power Apps, you can easily create and manage project status reports, track timelines, and log risks using WPS Spreadsheet's extensive library of built-in templates.

1. Open Template Library: Launch WPS Office and click on 'New' on the homepage to open the document creation window.
2. Search for Project Templates: Type 'Project Status' or 'Gantt Chart' in the search bar of the Template library.
3. Apply Template: Select a template that fits your reporting requirements and click the 'Use Now' button to download and open it.
4. Input Project Data: Fill in your project timelines, risks, issues, and success indicators into the pre-formatted spreadsheet cells.
5. Save and Export: Save the file as an .xlsx document or export it as a PDF to share the final status report with your clients and team members.

Access a rich library of free project management, risk log, and Gantt chart templates.Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and Word (.docx) formats for seamless stakeholder sharing.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use for daily project tracking needs.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track project risks in Microsoft Excel instead of Power Apps?

Yes, you can use Excel to create robust risk registers and issue logs. Excel files can be stored in SharePoint or OneDrive, allowing your team to collaborate and update the project status simultaneously.

What is the best Microsoft 365 tool for simple project tracking?

For smaller or simpler projects, Microsoft Planner or Microsoft Lists are excellent, user-friendly alternatives to Project Web App. They allow you to track tasks, assign responsibilities, and monitor basic timelines without complex configurations.

How do I share my project status report with external clients?

You can export your reports from Project Web App or Power BI directly to a PDF format. Alternatively, if your organization allows external guest access, you can share a secure SharePoint link directly to the report document or Power App dashboard.

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