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How to Enable a Kanban Board in Microsoft Project 2021
Question details
User wants to access and use the Kanban task-board view when utilizing the Agile project template.
- Product
- Microsoft Project Professional 2021
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up an Agile project and attempting to switch to a Kanban board layout for task management.
- Observed behavior
- The Kanban board and task-board views are not displayed or available in the application.
Verify your Microsoft Project license type (standalone vs. subscription), as Microsoft restricts certain Agile features to specific subscription tiers.
Use Project Online Desktop Client
The task-board view is not supported in the standalone Project Professional 2021. You must use the Project Online desktop client to access this feature.
Microsoft restricts Agile project management features, including Kanban boards, to its subscription-based Project Online desktop client. If you purchased the standalone Microsoft Project Professional 2021, this feature is intentionally omitted by design.
Open Microsoft Project, go to 'File', and select 'Account' to verify if you are using Project Professional 2021 or the Project Online desktop client.
If you have a qualifying Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5 subscription, log in to your Microsoft 365 portal and download the Project Online desktop client.
Launch the Project Online desktop client, create a new project using an Agile template, and navigate to the 'View' tab to select 'Task Board'.
Manage Projects Efficiently with WPS Office
While advanced Microsoft Project features require expensive standalone licenses, WPS Office offers a completely free, lightweight, and highly compatible suite for your everyday task tracking, document formatting, and data management needs.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick setup wizard to install the suite on your computer.
- 3. Browse Project Templates: Open WPS Spreadsheet and search the template library for 'Task Board' or 'Project Management' to instantly start organizing your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the Agile template in Project Professional 2021?
Agile features and task boards are exclusively available in the Project Online desktop client. Standalone versions like Project 2019 and 2021 do not include these templates natively.
Is there an add-in to enable Kanban boards in Project 2021?
There is no official Microsoft add-in that brings native Kanban boards to Project Professional 2021. You will need to upgrade to a Project Online subscription.
Is Project Online the same as Project for the web?
No. Project for the web is a lightweight, cloud-based tool that natively supports Kanban boards, while the Project Online desktop client is the full-featured desktop application included with premium subscriptions.
