MS Project desktop files are closing after 10 minutes without any prior notice.

Question

MS Project desktop files are closing after 10 minutes without any prior notice. Its happening frequently. May I know the resolutions steps for this issue.

Answer 1

Hi @Swathi,

Thank you for providing the additional details. Based on your description, the issue is very likely related to the custom macros you previously added. After you removed the macros, the application became stable, which strongly indicates that the macro code was triggering the unexpected closure of MS Project. 

Below are recommended solutions to help prevent the issue from returning:

1. Review and optimize the macro code:

If you plan to reinstall the macros, ensure:

• No infinite loops or background recurring triggers
• No constant auto‑saving
• COM objects are properly released
• Error‑handling is included
• Macros run manually instead of automatically when possible

This will significantly reduce the chance of another crash.

2. Test the file locally

Before syncing to OneDrive:

• Turn off OneDrive sync temporarily
• Store the .mpp file locally
• Add your macro and test it for at least 20–30 minutes

If stable, sync it back afterward.

3. Save the File in another name

Macros can significantly increase the file size, which may contribute to this issue.

• Several users have reported that files larger than 20-40 MB, especially when synced through OneDrive or SharePoint, can experience performance issues such as lag or unexpected closures.
• One simple workaround is to open the file and save it under a new name (for example, project.1.mpp). In many cases, this reduces the file size dramatically, sometimes from tens of megabytes down to around 2 MB.

Since removing the macros resolved the problem, the macro logic was almost certainly the root cause of MS Project closing after 10 minutes. You can reinstall the macro, but I recommend reviewing and optimizing it first to prevent the issue from returning, especially because your file is synced with OneDrive and may be affected by update/security policies.

Answer 2

Hi,

Below are answers for your questions

Which version/build of MS Project are you using (You can check by Open Project > File > Account > About Project)? 

• Are your project files stored locally, on a network share, OneDrive, or SharePoint? 
  On OneDrive. The files are locally and synced to cloud as per company policy
• Does the issue occur with all project files or only specific ones? 
  Yes, independent on size
• Do you have any Project add-ins installed? 
• Has MS Project been updated recently, or have there been any changes to your system? 
  _I never get a notice if MS project is to updated. Only a notice that Office needs to be updated and maybe then MS Project also is updated? Otherwise no changes has been made to the system by me. If IT has made changes in the background, I do not know

_
I haven't made any changes yet. But I have added some features in macros by my own. It's completely removed. After removing that application seems stable.

But i want to know If i install again will application stability again change.
May I know why the macros got removed automatically?

Thanks for your support!

Answer 3

Hello @Swathi, 

Good day! I hope you are doing well. 

Based on your description, I understand that your MS Project desktop files are closing automatically after around 10 minutes without any warning, and this is happening frequently. From similar cases, this behavior is often related to outdated builds, installation corruption, or file/location‑specific issues.  

Please let me know if I misunderstood any part of your issue or if there are additional details you’d like to share. 

To help us provide the most accurate and effective solution, could you share a bit more detail about your setup: 

• Which version/build of MS Project are you using (You can check by Open Project > File > Account > About Project)? 
• Are your project files stored locally, on a network share, OneDrive, or SharePoint? 
• Does the issue occur with all project files or only specific ones? 
• Do you have any Project add-ins installed? 
• Has MS Project been updated recently, or have there been any changes to your system? 

This additional context will help us understand your environment and the steps already taken so we can tailor the guidance to resolve the issue effectively. 

In the meantime, here are some basic checks you can try: 

• Install the latest Office updates, as crashes and unexpected closures can occur on outdated builds: Open any Office app (Word, Excel,...) > File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.  
• Perform an Online Repair of Microsoft 365/Office. This helps fix corrupted components that may cause Project to close unexpectedly.  
  • Close all office apps completely.   
  • Go to Control Panel > Program > Programs and Features   
  • Right click on the Microsoft Office you've installed > Change.   
  
  • Select Quick Repair first (fast and doesn’t require internet).   
  • If the issue persists, run Online Repair (requires internet and takes longer).   
• Test with a new blank project and keep it open for more than 10 minutes to check if the issue is file-specific.  
• Try opening the same files locally instead of from SharePoint, OneDrive Sync, or network storage, in case the issue is location‑related.  

Please also let me know the result after you try all the steps above so I can help you with further troubleshooting steps. 

I apologize if I could not jump straight to a solution. I want to avoid suggesting anything that might be inaccurate or unhelpful. Once we have the details above, we’ll be able to assist you more effectively and guide you toward the right resolution. 

Looking forward to your response so we can get this sorted out for you together. 

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Answer 4

For Microsoft Project desktop closing unexpectedly, use these steps to stabilize the installation and address known crash issues:

1. Install latest updates and hotfixes for Project
   Older Project 2010 builds are known to crash when opening or saving certain .mpp files. Ensure Office/Project is fully updated from Windows Update or Microsoft 365 Apps update channel so that fixes like the following are included:
   • A crash when opening a second .mpp file from a document library in Explorer View is fixed by the Project 2010 hotfix package (Project.msp) dated October 29, 2010.
   • A crash when saving certain projects is fixed by the Project 2010 hotfix package (project-x-none.msp) dated February 22, 2011.
2. Repair the Office/Project installation (Windows)
   If crashes persist across multiple files, repair the Office suite that includes Project:
   1. Close Project and all other Office apps.
   2. Open Settings in Windows.
   3. Go to Apps → Installed apps.
   4. Find Microsoft 365 or Office in the list.
   5. Select it → Modify.
   6. Choose Online Repair and confirm. Allow 15–30 minutes for the full repair and do not cancel.
   7. Restart Windows after the repair completes.
   8. Open Project again and test with the same files.
3. Test with different .mpp files and locations
   • Open a local test project file (stored on the local disk, not a network or SharePoint location) and leave it open for more than 10 minutes to see if the crash still occurs.
   • If the crash only happens with specific files or when opened from a document library/Explorer View, move a copy of the file locally and test again. This helps identify whether the issue is file-specific or related to the storage location.
4. Check for patterns similar to known issues
   • If the crash occurs when opening a second project from a document library in Explorer View, apply the Project 2010 hotfix (Project.msp) or ensure the equivalent fix is present via current updates.
   • If the crash occurs when saving certain projects, ensure the hotfix (project-x-none.msp) or later cumulative updates are installed.
5. If the problem continues
   • After a full Online Repair and updates, if Project still closes after about 10 minutes for all files, collect details such as version/build of Project, whether files are on SharePoint/OneDrive/network, and any Windows event log entries for WINPROJ.EXE crashes, then escalate through Microsoft support with those details.

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References:

• Description of the Project 2010 hotfix package (Project.msp): October 26, 2010
• Description of the Project 2010 hotfix package (project-x-none.msp): February 22, 2011
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