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How to Keep Task Effort Fixed When Changing Dates in Project for the Web
Question details
The user needs to lock the assigned task hours while adjusting the start date, finish date, or duration of a task in Project for the web.
- Product
- Microsoft Project for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adjusting project task schedules without altering the total assigned work hours.
- Observed behavior
- Changing a task's start date, finish date, or duration automatically recalculates and changes its assigned effort.
Verify if your organization's global administrator has enforced a specific scheduling mode override that prevents project managers from changing schedule behaviors.
Configure the Fixed Work Scheduling Mode During Creation
Since scheduling modes often cannot be changed after a project is created, you must select the correct mode initially to keep task effort locked.
Project for the web calculates task variables based on scheduling modes. The recalculation of effort when dates change is a design limitation tied to the selected mode. To keep effort fixed, the project must be set to 'Fixed Work' or 'Fixed Effort' mode from the very beginning.
Launch Project for the web and initiate a new project plan.
Before adding any tasks, open the project details pane and look for the scheduling mode setting. Change it to Fixed Work.
If the scheduling mode dropdown is disabled or locked, contact your global administrator. They may have enabled an organization-wide override that locks this setting.
Submit Feedback for Scheduling Mode Limitations
If you are stuck with a project where effort keeps changing and you cannot alter the mode, Microsoft recommends submitting this issue via their feedback portal.
Manage Project Schedules Flexibly with WPS Office
If strict scheduling mode limitations in Microsoft Project for the web are hindering your workflow, consider using WPS Spreadsheet to create customizable Gantt charts and project trackers. WPS Office is a free, lightweight suite that offers high compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, allowing you to lock task effort and adjust dates manually without forced recalculations.
- 1. Download and install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open a project template: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and search for built-in project management or Gantt chart templates.
- 3. Track tasks flexibly: Input your task dates and effort manually. Unlike strict project management software, WPS Spreadsheet will not force unwanted recalculations on your data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the scheduling mode after creating a project in Project for the web?
In most cases, no. Microsoft Project for the web currently has a design limitation where the scheduling mode must be selected during project creation and often cannot be modified afterward.
Why are my assigned hours changing when I adjust the task dates?
This occurs because the project's current scheduling mode dynamically recalculates effort based on the duration or date changes. To prevent this, the project must be configured with a 'Fixed Work' or 'Fixed Effort' scheduling mode.
Why is the scheduling mode setting grayed out in my project?
If you are unable to change the scheduling mode even during project creation, your organization's global administrator has likely enabled a setting that overrides and locks the scheduling mode for all project managers.
