MS Project

Larry Hill 0 Reputation points
2026-01-28T01:41:02.9766667+00:00

The show on board tab is missing from my MS project 2021, how can I get this added or download the desktop version of the app?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Project | For education | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-01-28T01:41:45.6466667+00:00

    If the "Show on Board" tab is missing from your MS Project 2021, it could be due to a few reasons such as the version you are using or settings within the application. To resolve this, you can try the following steps:

    1. Check Your Version: Ensure that you are using a compatible version of MS Project that supports the "Show on Board" feature. The feature may not be available in all versions or configurations.
    2. Customize the Ribbon: You can customize the ribbon to add the "Show on Board" tab if it is not visible. Right-click on the ribbon, select "Customize the Ribbon," and check if the tab can be added from there.
    3. Repair the Installation: If the tab is still missing, consider repairing your MS Project installation through the Control Panel. This can fix any corrupted files that may be causing the issue.
    4. Reinstall the Application: If none of the above steps work, you might need to reinstall MS Project. You can download the desktop version from the Microsoft 365 admin center if you have the appropriate licenses.

    For detailed instructions on how to install or reinstall MS Project, refer to the installation guide provided by Microsoft.

    References:

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  2. Jade Ng 15,485 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-01-28T04:40:41.4566667+00:00

    Dear @Larry Hill,

    Good day. Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum!

    First of all, I would like to clarify that this behavior is expected. Microsoft Project 2021 does not include Task Board, Show on Board, Sprints, or other Agile features. These features are only available in the subscription-based versions of Microsoft Project (such as Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5).

    Because of this, there is no additional download or setting that can enable Board view in Project 2021, even on the desktop app.

    If Board functionality is required, Microsoft currently recommends using:

    • Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5, which includes the Project Online Desktop Client with Board view, or
    • Project for the web, where Board view is available directly in the browser.

    Please note that if you already have Project 2021 installed, you are already using the full desktop version supported by that license.

    As shown in my test environment, please refer to the two screenshots below:

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Again, I truly appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have any further questions or need clarification, please feel free to reach out. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. 

    Your understanding and co-operation are highly appreciated. Thank you for your precious time. Have a nice day!

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