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How to Run Microsoft Project on Mac (M3) and Compare Project Plans
Question details
A user wants to know if the Microsoft Project desktop client runs on an M3 MacBook Air, how Project 2016 compares to Project Plans, and if trials are available.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to run a full Microsoft Project environment on an Apple Silicon Mac while migrating from Project 2016 to subscription plans.
- Observed behavior
- The user is seeking clarification on native macOS software compatibility, interface differences between desktop and web versions, and virtualization solutions.
Verify your Microsoft account to see which subscription you need. Project Plan 1 only grants access to the web version, whereas Project Plan 3 and Plan 5 include the downloadable desktop client.
Use a Virtual Machine to Run Project Desktop on Mac
Since Microsoft Project lacks a native macOS desktop app, installing Windows via a virtual machine is the only way to run the full desktop client on an M3 MacBook Air.
Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3 processors) cannot run Windows desktop applications natively. To access the robust feature set of Microsoft Project 2016 or Project Plan 3, you must use virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion to create a Windows environment.
Download and install Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion on your Mac.
Launch the virtualization software and follow the on-screen prompts to download and install Windows 11.
Open the Edge browser within your new Windows virtual machine and sign in to your Microsoft 365 portal.
Navigate to your account's app section, download the Microsoft Project desktop client, and run the installer.
Use Project for the Web via Mac Browser
If you do not want to configure a virtual machine, you can use the web-based version of Microsoft Project directly from your Mac browser.
Boost Your Productivity on Mac with WPS Office
While Microsoft Project requires virtual machines or workarounds on macOS, you can seamlessly manage your daily documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, natively optimized experience for Apple Silicon Macs and offers high compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, making it a perfect free alternative for your core office needs.
- 1. Download the Mac installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Explore templates: Open WPS Spreadsheets and browse the template gallery for free Gantt chart and project management templates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free trial available for Microsoft Project Plans?
Yes, Microsoft typically offers a one-month free trial for Project Plan 1, Plan 3, and Plan 5. You can sign up for these trials directly on the official Microsoft Project product page.
Does Project Plan 1 have the same interface as Project 2016?
No, Project Plan 1 only provides access to Project for the web. This web-based interface is much simpler and lacks many advanced scheduling features found in the robust Project 2016 desktop client.
Can I install Project 2016 natively on my MacBook Air M3?
No, Microsoft Project does not have a native macOS desktop application. You must either use a virtual machine running Windows to install the desktop client or access the simplified web version via a browser.
