Where is Microsoft Project for the Web Data Stored and How to Export It
Question details
The user needs to understand where Project for the Web saves its data and how to export or transfer that data to the Project desktop application or Project Online.
- Product
- Microsoft Project for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Locating project data storage and migrating tasks from Project for the Web to Microsoft Project Desktop.
- Observed behavior
- Project for the Web data is not accessible in SharePoint or Project Online because it is stored in Microsoft Dataverse, preventing direct synchronization.
Ensure you have access to your Microsoft 365 account at project.microsoft.com and have a spreadsheet application ready to receive the exported project data.
Export Dataverse Project Tasks to Excel and Transfer to Desktop App
Since there is no direct connection between Project for the Web and Project Desktop, you must export the data to Excel first and manually rebuild the schedule.
Project for the Web stores project data in Microsoft Dataverse, which is completely separate from SharePoint or Project Online. Because of this architecture, you cannot directly open these projects in the Microsoft Project desktop application.
Navigate to project.microsoft.com in your web browser and open the specific project you want to export.
Change your project layout to the Grid view and ensure that the columns for Name, Duration, Start, and Finish are actively displayed.
Click on More Actions (...) in the menu and select the Export to Excel option to download your project data.
Open the downloaded Excel file and copy all the task data from the spreadsheet.
Open a new blank schedule in the Microsoft Project desktop app, paste the copied task data, manually recreate any task links, resources, and assignments, and then save the file as an .mpp project.
Verify Project Online Configuration for Organizational Use
If you intend to use Project Online instead of Project for the Web, ensure your Microsoft 365 administrator has configured the environment correctly.
Open and Manage Exported Project Data with WPS Office
Microsoft Project for the Web exports data in Excel format. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Excel, making it easy to open, edit, and manage your exported project tasks with zero learning curve.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet to handle your tabular project data.
- 3. Import Exported Tasks: Open the Excel file exported from Project for the Web to seamlessly review and format your task list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Project for the Web automatically sync with Project Online?
No, Project for the Web and Project Online are completely separate systems with no direct connection. Organizations typically need to choose one system to standardize on.
Why aren't my new projects showing up in SharePoint?
Project for the Web stores its project data in Microsoft Dataverse rather than SharePoint. Therefore, these projects do not automatically appear in SharePoint document libraries or task lists.
How can I convert a Project for the Web schedule to an MPP file?
You must export your tasks to Excel from the Grid view in Project for the Web, copy them into the Project desktop app, manually recreate dependencies and assignments, and finally save it as an MPP file.
