Project · PC · about 15 minutes · updated July 1, 2026
How to install Project Professional 2024 alongside Office
Project installs separately from Office and uses the same Click-to-Run technology, so the two sit side by side. Here is how to set it up and avoid the one conflict people hit.
Before you start
- Your Project Professional 2024 key
- A Microsoft account
- Windows 10 or 11
- Any existing Office should be a 2024 or Microsoft 365 release
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01
Check your existing Office bit version
In any Office app: File → Account → About. Note 32-bit or 64-bit — Project must match. Fresh installs default to 64-bit.
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02
Redeem the key
Sign in at setup.office.com, enter the 25-character key and confirm. Project appears under Services & subscriptions.
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03
Download and install
Click Install from your account page. The installer detects your existing Office and adds matching components. Allow five to fifteen minutes.
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04
Activate Project
Open Project and sign in with the same account. File → Account should show Product Activated for Project Professional 2024.
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05
Start planning
File → New → Blank project. Set the start date under Project → Project Information before adding tasks so the Gantt chart lines up.
If something goes wrong
Common snags.
"Office 16 Click-to-Run Extensibility Component" error
Your Office is 32-bit and Project 64-bit, or the reverse. Uninstall Project and pick the matching version from <em>Other install options</em> on your account page.
Will Project 2024 open my old .mpp files?
Yes — files from Project 2013 onwards open directly. Older files may need saving to a newer format first.
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