Planner - Need a start date and start time, end date, end time, duration in hours/minutes

Question

Hi,

In IT, we typically used Microsoft Project for system cutovers where we would use MS Project with the Time format turned on. We put in the start date and time, the task, the assigned to, and then we can put in durations and dependencies. This allows us to create efficient system cutover plans. We've used MS Project for this for over 20 years. IF you think Planner is going to replace MS Project, then this feature is a MUST HAVE.

When do you expect you will have the Time feature added and durations could be in minutes, hours/minutes, etc.... just like MS Project.

Thank you!

Sherry

Answer 1

Hi @Hooe, Sherry (ICON) 

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum                  

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this thoughtful feedback. I truly understand where you're coming from, especially given your long history of managing precise system cutovers using Microsoft Project

I took a closer look at the current Planner roadmap and the latest updates from Microsoft. At this time, Planner still doesn’t support start/end times, nor minute‑based durations like Microsoft Project does. Microsoft has also not announced any timeline or confirmation that these time‑specific scheduling features will be added in the future. Planner continues to be positioned as a simpler task management tool, while Project remains the product designed for the level of precision and complexity you described.  

For more information, please refer to the following link: Retirement of several Microsoft Planner features in early 2026 as part of a Planner update - M365 A… 

Please note that this information is being provided by the moderator solely for your convenience. The referenced sites are not managed or overseen by the moderator, and therefore we cannot guarantee the accuracy, security, or suitability of any software or content available there. We recommend reviewing all information carefully and ensuring you understand any associated risks before following suggestions from the provided link. 

Microsoft is actively evolving Planner in other areas, including upcoming enhancements like custom templates, new task chat experiences, broader availability across environments, and improvements to the Timeline view.  

As a forum moderator, I hope you understand that I don’t have the ability to modify or escalate product issues directly. However, I strongly recommend submitting your feedback through the Microsoft 365 Feedback Hub . This is the most effective way to ensure your voice reaches the product team and can be considered for future improvements.    Once you've submitted your feedback, feel free to share the link here in the comments. I’ll be happy to upvote it to help bring more visibility.   

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Thank you again for your time and for raising this important usability concern.     

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Answer 2

Currently, Microsoft Planner does not support the detailed time management features that you are accustomed to in Microsoft Project, such as specifying start and end times, durations in hours/minutes, and task dependencies. Planner is designed to be a simpler task management tool and does not include the same level of complexity or functionality as Microsoft Project.

As for future updates regarding the addition of time features in Planner, there has been no official announcement about when or if such features will be implemented. It's important to keep an eye on Microsoft's updates and roadmaps for any changes in this area.

If your organization requires the detailed scheduling capabilities that Microsoft Project offers, it may be beneficial to continue using Microsoft Project for those specific needs, especially for critical tasks like system cutovers.

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References:

• Microsoft Planner service description
• Project for the web limits and boundaries
• Set up time and task progress approval
• Set up timesheets
• Create a work breakdown structure (WBS)