What is Microsoft Project and which version do I need? (Standard or Pro)

02 januari 2025

Microsoft Project helps project managers track progress, assign tasks, manage resources, and perform other similar tasks on projects. In this article, you will learn what you can do with Project, the different versions, the most useful features of Project 2013, 2016, and 2019, and the hardware and software requirements.

Why do businesses use Project? 

Microsoft Project helps project managers:

  • Develop plans
  • Allocate resources to tasks
  • Track progress
  • Manage budgets and analyze workloads.

It is a comprehensive program, primarily useful for small to large businesses where many complex projects are common. Microsoft Project helps manage these projects efficiently.

Most Useful Features of Project 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024 

Below are the most important features by version of Microsoft Project.


New Features in Project 2013

  • Use built-in templates: Project templates are ready-to-use plans for typical business projects such as commercial construction, engineering projects, product deployments, software development, or office relocations.
  • Organize your project by phase, outcome, geography, or other methods: With the summary view format, you work with the information progressively and in greater detail, depending on the level of detail desired for your plan.
  • Calculate costs and schedule based on your contribution: Quickly calculate hypothetical scenarios to resolve resource conflicts, keep costs within budget, or meet deadlines.

Differences Between Project 2013 Standard and Professional 

The diagram below shows the main differences between the Standard and Professional versions of Project 2013.


New Features in Project 2016

  • Improved Timelines: With the revamped timeline feature in Project 2016, managers can now add multiple timelines with distinct start and end times and different task milestones to be completed. This new system gives a realistic view of how and when different parts of a project are completed.
  • Enhanced Resource Manager Experience: The Resource Manager also has a new and improved interface for allocating resources as needed, giving a clear overview of occupancy rates so an informed decision can be made regarding resource approval.
  • Resource Heatmap View: The Resource Heatmap is a tabular view of resource allocation data that allows resource managers to quickly visualize captured and suggested resource allocations.

Differences Between Project 2016 Standard and Professional 

The diagram below shows the main differences between the Standard and Professional versions of Project 2016.


New Features in Project 2019

  • Easily Track Progress: Project 2019 allows users to label timeline bars with task progress next to them.
  • Accessibility Improvements: Navigation within the program has been made easier. Users now navigate using the keyboard instead of the mouse. Additionally, you can now zoom in and out of reports to suit your needs. It is also possible to have Project read aloud.
  • Link Tasks Using a Dropdown: No more creating odd task names to differentiate different types of tasks. Now, simply click on the arrow to select the task you want.

Learn More About Microsoft Project 2021 Here.

Differences Between Project 2019 Standard and Professional 

The diagram below shows the main differences between the Standard and Professional versions of Project 2019.


System Requirements for Microsoft Project 2019 

Below are the minimum system requirements for the latest version of Microsoft Project.

  • Computer and Processor: 1.6 GHz or faster, 2 cores
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM; 2 GB RAM (32-bit)
  • Hard Disk: 4.0 GB available disk space
  • Display: Screen resolution of 1280 x 768
  • Graphics Card: Hardware graphics acceleration requires DirectX 9 or higher with WDDM 2.0 or higher for Windows 10
  • Operating System: Windows 10, Windows Server 2019
  • Browser: Current version of Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Firefox

New Features in Project 2021

  • Advanced Cloud Collaboration: With Project 2021, team members can collaborate more easily through integration with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. This allows for real-time project updates and ensures all team members always have access to the latest information.
  • Support for Hybrid Work: Project 2021 is optimized for hybrid work models, allowing both office and remote employees to collaborate effectively. The program includes new tools for managing time zones and scheduling meetings.
  • AI-Based Scheduling Suggestions: Project 2021 uses artificial intelligence to optimize schedules, predict risks, and alert to potential delays.

Differences Between Project 2021 Standard and Professional 

The table below presents the main differences between the Standard and Professional versions of Project 2021.


New Features in Project 2024

  • Integration with Microsoft Copilot: Project 2024 introduces full support for Microsoft Copilot. This AI-based assistant helps plan, assign resources, and generate reports. Copilot answers questions, offers recommendations, and automates repetitive tasks.
  • Extended Integrations: Project 2024 offers seamless integration with other Microsoft products, such as Viva Goals and Power BI, allowing users to directly link their strategic goals to their projects.
  • Sustainability Monitor: A unique feature of Project 2024 is the Sustainability Monitor, which allows organizations to assess the environmental impact of their projects. This helps businesses make more sustainable choices when planning projects.
  • Optimized Mobile Experience: Project 2024 offers an enhanced mobile app, allowing users to access schedules, update information, and view reports on the go.

Differences Between Project 2024 Standard and Professional 

The table below presents the main differences between the Standard and Professional versions of Project 2024.


Buy Pre-Owned Microsoft Project Licenses 

Looking for pre-owned Microsoft Project licenses? Softtrader specializes in used Microsoft licenses, saving you up to 70% off the new price. Curious about the price? Request a quote now.

Have Questions? Contact Us! 

For more information on Microsoft software and the licenses that best suit your needs, feel free to contact us. We are available Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

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