If your organization is still using Microsoft Project Online, it’s time to start planning ahead. While Microsoft hasn’t announced an official retirement date, it’s clear that Project Online is no longer the focus of Microsoft’s development efforts. Instead, Microsoft is investing in a modern, streamlined project management experience built into the new Microsoft Planner.

 

Why Microsoft Is Moving Away from Project Online

Project Online has been a core solution for enterprise project and portfolio management for years. However, its legacy infrastructure and complexity have made it increasingly difficult to adapt to the way today’s teams work—fast, collaborative, and across departments.

Here’s why Microsoft is shifting away:

    • Built on Outdated Technology: Project Online relies on SharePoint infrastructure, which limits scalability and agility.
    • Complex UI: The tool was designed for large-scale predictive project planning, making it a challenge for teams supporting smaller initiatives or using blended methodologies
    • Limited Innovation: Microsoft has paused new features and enhancements for Project Online to focus on its modern alternatives.
    • Deprecated Dependencies: Features like SharePoint Designer workflows and InfoPath forms—often used alongside Project Online—are being deprecated, which can introduce risks or service gaps for organizations still relying on them.

     

    Meet the New Microsoft Planner

    Microsoft is combining the best of Planner, To Do, and Project for the Web into a single, unified experience: the new Planner. This new tool supports everything from personal task tracking to enterprise project portfolio management—all within Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365.

    What’s new in Planner:

    • Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 apps like Teams, Outlook, Loop, and Copilot
    • Scalable for both simple tasks and complex projects
    • Clean, intuitive UI for all types of users
    • Multiple work views (board, timeline, charts, Gantt)

     

    What This Means for Project Online Users

    While Project Online is still supported today, it is not receiving new features, and Microsoft is strongly encouraging customers to transition to the new Planner.

    Continuing to rely on Project Online means:

    • Sticking with legacy systems and outdated architecture
    • Missing out on AI-powered features like Microsoft Copilot
    • Facing compatibility risks as supporting technologies like SharePoint workflows and InfoPath are deprecated

    It’s also worth noting that Microsoft has announced the retirement of Project for the Web and related apps (like Roadmap and the Project app in Teams) in August 2025. All users will be redirected to the new Planner experience; highlighting Microsoft’s unified direction for work and project management.

     

    Benefits of Making the Move

    Tools and services like PPM360: Planner Accelerator can help bridge the gap between features you might be missing by making the move to Planner. PPM360 utilizes the Power Platform to seamlessly upgrade your Planner experience with a full enterprise work management platform.

    Benefits of modernizing your project environment:

    • Consistent experience across Microsoft 365
    • Enhanced collaboration and governance
    • Real-time insights powered by Power BI and Copilot
    • Reduced risk from deprecated components like SharePoint workflows

     

    Ready to Migrate from Project Online?

    Marque360 helps organizations modernize their project management experience with Migrate360, a migration solution that effortlessly moves your projects, tasks & schedules.

    • Migrate from Project Online in minutes
    • Keep your governance, schedules, and data intact
    • Empower your teams with modern tools like Copilot, Teams, and Power BI

    Talk to an expert and see how easy it is to move forward.