Microsoft Project 2021: Complete Guide to Project Management
Managing a complex project with Excel and sticky notes – we’ve all done it. And we all know it becomes unmanageable the moment the project grows. Microsoft Project exists for exactly this: planning, tracking and steering projects in a structured, professional way.
But Project is also one of Microsoft’s most overlooked applications. How much does it cost? Who really needs it? Which version should you choose? This guide answers all of these questions in practical terms.
Contents
- 1. What is Microsoft Project used for?
- 2. Who needs Project?
- 3. Standard vs Professional
- 4. 2016 vs 2019 vs 2021 comparison
- 5. Pricing and recommendations
- 6. Frequently asked questions
1. What is Microsoft Project used for?
Microsoft Project is a project management application that lets you:
- Build detailed schedules with tasks, milestones and dependencies
- Visualize with a Gantt chart: the iconic timeline view that shows every task on a timeline
- Manage resources: who does what, when, and how much it costs
- Track progress: compare the planned schedule against the actual one
- Identify the critical path: the tasks that, if delayed, push back the entire project
- Manage budgets: track costs by task, by resource and for the project as a whole
A concrete example
Say you’re managing an office renovation: electrical work, painting, furniture, IT, the move itself. Each step depends on the previous one, some can run in parallel, and each contractor has a cost and a schedule. Project lets you model all of this visually and instantly see whether you’re ahead, on track, or running late.
2. Who needs Project?
- Project managers: the core use case, in any industry
- Construction / site managers: planning job sites and on-site work
- IT managers: migration, deployment and development projects
- Consultants: running client engagements with structured deliverables
- Event organizers: handling the dozens of tasks tied to an event
- Operations managers: production and maintenance planning
If you manage projects with more than 20 tasks involving dependencies and teams, Project is essential. For simple to-do lists, a tool like Trello or Notion is enough.
3. Standard vs Professional: the differences
| Feature | Project Standard | Project Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Gantt chart | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Task and milestone management | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Resource management | ✅ Basic | ✅ Advanced |
| Visual reports | ✅ Standard | ✅ Advanced |
| Project Server/Online connection | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Team planning | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Timesheet submission | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-project management | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
In short
Project Standard is a perfect fit for a project manager working solo or in a small team who manages projects locally. Project Professional is required for collaborative environments using Project Server or Project Online, and for multi-project management.
4. Version comparison: 2016, 2019 and 2021
| Criterion | Project 2016 | Project 2019 | Project 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interface | Classic ribbon | Modernized ribbon | Fluent Design |
| Compatibility | Windows 7/8/10 | Windows 10 | Windows 10/11 |
| Microsoft support | Ended | Until 2025 | Until 2026 |
| Dark Mode | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Performance | Good | Improved | Optimized |
| Improved reports | Basic | Improved | Advanced visual reports |
Our recommendation: Project 2021 if the budget allows, otherwise Project 2019 is still excellent. Need diagrams too? Check out our Microsoft Visio guide, the ideal companion to Project.
5. Pricing and recommendations at euroshopkey.com
Project 2021 Standard
29,49€ instead of 679,00€ — Save 94%
- ✓ Gantt chart, tasks, milestones, resources
- ✓ Standard visual reports
- ✓ Perpetual license — 1 PC
Buy Project 2021 Standard — 29,49€
Project 2021 Professional
see price instead of 1 029,00€ — Save 95%
- ✓ Everything in Standard, plus:
- ✓ Project Server/Online connection
- ✓ Multi-project management and team planning
Buy Project 2021 Pro — see price
6. Frequently asked questions
Is Project included in Microsoft 365?
No. Like Visio, Project is sold separately. Microsoft offers a “Project Plan” subscription, but a perpetual license at euroshopkey.com is far more economical in the long run.
Does Project work on Mac?
No, Microsoft Project is Windows-only. Mac alternatives include OmniPlan and Merlin Project.
Can I open Project files without owning the software?
Microsoft offers a free viewer for opening .mpp files in read-only mode. To edit them, you need a Project license.
What’s the difference between Project and a tool like Trello or Asana?
Trello and Asana are task management tools (advanced to-do lists). Project is a project planning tool with a Gantt chart, critical path, resource management and budget tracking. They’re simply not in the same league when it comes to sophistication.
📌 Further reading
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Project 2021 Standard — 29,49€ | Project 2021 Pro — see price
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