Is Microsoft Ending Project Online in 2026, and What Should I Do Next?

What Are My Options Now That Microsoft Project Online Is Retiring in 2026?

Microsoft is discontinuing its Project Online service, with the final retirement date set for September 30, 2026. This change means organizations currently using the tool will need to move to a different solution, and Microsoft provides several supported paths forward.

For over a decade, many businesses have relied on Project Online to manage their work. It has been a useful cloud-based tool for planning projects and tracking progress. However, Microsoft has decided to end this service. The company is focusing its efforts on newer, more powerful project management systems that use artificial intelligence. While Project Online is going away, other popular tools are not. The Project desktop application, Project Server Subscription Edition, and Microsoft Planner will all continue to be available and supported. This is not a complete removal of project management tools, but rather a shift in strategy.

The Reason for the Retirement

The main reason for retiring Project Online is its age. The technology it was built on, known as its legacy architecture, is old. This older system makes it very difficult for Microsoft to add the modern features that customers now expect. Specifically, it limits the ability to integrate advanced AI functions that can help automate tasks and provide smarter insights.

Microsoft wants to build project management tools that are more intuitive and can handle projects of all sizes. The company is investing heavily in the new Microsoft Planner and a tool called the Project Manager agent. These platforms are designed to offer a smoother, more intelligent experience across the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem. At the same time, some related workflow tools in SharePoint Online are also being retired in 2026. This shows a broader company plan to update its technology and provide better, more connected services for the future.

Important Dates to Remember

You should be aware of two critical dates during this transition period. Planning around them will help ensure your business does not experience any disruption.

October 1, 2025

On this date, Microsoft will stop selling Project Online to new customers. If you are an existing customer, you can continue to use the service and even add more users to your current plan. This change only affects organizations that are not already using Project Online.

September 30, 2026

This is the official retirement date. After this day, Project Online will no longer be accessible. All existing tenants and user data will become unavailable. It is essential to have moved all your project information to a new system before this final deadline.

Available Transition Options

Microsoft understands that different organizations have different needs. To accommodate this, the company offers a few strong alternatives to Project Online. You can review these options and choose the one that best fits how your team works.

Microsoft Planner

For many teams, Microsoft Planner will be the best choice. It is a modern and easy-to-use tool for task and project management. The premium version of Planner is especially powerful. It includes advanced features like portfolio tracking, project baselines, and Gantt charts. It also allows for workflow automation using Power Apps. Most importantly, it connects with the Project Manager agent, which uses AI to assist with creating project plans and tracking their status automatically.

Project Server Subscription Edition

For larger enterprises with complex project management needs, the Project Server Subscription Edition is a great option. This is a solution that your organization hosts on its own servers, giving you more control. It provides advanced tools for detailed planning, scheduling, and managing resources across many large-scale projects. It is a good choice for companies that need powerful, in-house project management capabilities.

Dynamics 365 Project Operations

If your organization’s work is closely tied to sales and customer service, Dynamics 365 Project Operations may be the ideal fit. This tool is designed for businesses that need to manage timesheets, handle billing, and schedule resources effectively. It connects your project management activities directly to your financial and customer relationship systems, creating a single, unified view of your operations.

How to Prepare for the Change

To make the transition away from Project Online as smooth as possible, you should start planning now. Taking a few key steps will help you avoid last-minute problems and ensure your team is ready for the new system.

1. Back up your data. The most important first step is to save all your information from Project Online. Make sure you have a complete backup of all project plans, files, and other important data.
2. Review your internal workflows. Take a close look at how your teams currently use Project Online. Understand what features are most critical to your daily operations. This will help you choose the right replacement tool.
3. Notify your teams. Inform everyone who uses Project Online about the upcoming retirement. Clear communication will help manage expectations and get everyone on board with the transition plan.
4. Plan your migration. Once you have chosen a new tool, create a detailed plan for moving your data and processes. This plan should include timelines, responsibilities, and steps for training your employees on the new platform.