Microsoft project management software used to plan, manage, and communicate a project schedule and other information among workgroup members, project managers, and other stakeholders.
Hello Edith Beauchamp,
Thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you previously had an OEM-licensed copy of Microsoft Project, but after upgrading Office to Microsoft 365, Project is no longer available. You would now like to reinstall the desktop version, use it independently for a volunteer project plan, and recover the product key you previously purchased.
If Microsoft Project came with the computer as an OEM license, there usually is not a separate public download that can be activated with a recovered key. The full product key cannot be viewed in Project or through the Microsoft account page.
I recommend trying the following:
- First, sign in to Microsoft Services & subscriptions using the account previously associated with Project. If Project appears there, select Install. If the license is linked to the account, you can reinstall without the key; otherwise, an OEM key or recovery method must come from the computer manufacturer.
- If Project is not listed, please check the original purchase email, packaging, product-key card, or recovery media provided with the computer. Since it was an OEM license, I recommend contacting the computer manufacturer with the device serial number and proof of purchase. They can confirm whether Project was included and provide the correct recovery or installation method.
Please note that Microsoft 365 does not automatically include Project. If the OEM license cannot be restored, Project will need to be purchased separately. The desktop client can be used independently for local project plans without Teams or a Project Server connection.
See: Install Project
Hope this could clarify your concerns. Thank you so much for your patience!
Best regards.