How to Fix Project Online Task Start Dates Not Matching Assignments
Question details
Users need to correct task start dates in Project Online that fail to align with new resource assignments due to retained actual progress data.
- Product
- Microsoft Project Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user attempts to reschedule a task or its assignments, but the start date remains stubbornly fixed to an earlier date instead of moving to the intended timeline.
- Observed behavior
- The system prevents changing actual work or dates directly in the schedule because an Actual Start date or recorded percent-complete value is locking the task, often reinforced by administrative timesheet restrictions.
Ensure you have the necessary access permissions to view the Task Usage and Tracking tables in Project Online, and identify your Project Online administrator in case you need temporary settings overrides.
Reset Actual Start Dates to NA in Task Usage View
Identify if recorded progress or an existing Actual Start date is locking the task start date, and clear the value to allow the schedule to update normally.
Project Online automatically locks a task's start date once progress is recorded. Clearing this data allows the scheduling engine to freely move the task.
Navigate to the View tab in Project Online and select 'Task Usage' to see detailed data for both the task and its resource assignments.
Switch your current table view to the 'Tracking' table so you can inspect the actual progress fields.
Review the 'Actual Start' field and percent-complete values for both the task itself and every individual resource assignment.
If an incorrect date appears in the Actual Start field, click on the cell and manually change the value to 'NA'. This will unlock the task start date.
Request Administrator Override for Timesheet Restrictions
Bypass organizational timesheet settings that prevent direct modifications to actual dates in the schedule.
Manage Your Project Data Effectively with WPS Office
While Microsoft Project handles highly complex scheduling, many teams prefer tracking tasks and assignments using lightweight, flexible spreadsheets. WPS Office is a free, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that allows you to manage project timelines without rigid timesheet locks.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open a Project Tracking Template: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and browse the template library for Gantt charts or task trackers.
- 3. Customize Your Timeline: Easily input your task start dates and resource assignments without worrying about automatic date-locking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my task start date not change when I update resource assignments?
Project Online locks the task start date if there is already an 'Actual Start' date recorded or if the task has a percent-complete value greater than zero. The scheduling engine prioritizes actual historical data over future assignment adjustments.
How do I remove an Actual Start date in Project Online?
Switch to the Task Usage view, apply the Tracking table, locate the task and its assignments, and manually change the date in the Actual Start field to 'NA'. This removes the constraint and allows the task to be rescheduled.
Why am I unable to edit the Actual Start field in my project?
Your organization may have strict timesheet settings enabled that prevent project managers from manually overriding actual progress in the schedule. An administrator must temporarily disable this setting for you to make manual date changes.
