Does Microsoft 365 include Visio or Project?

No. Microsoft 365 business and enterprise suites do not include the full-featured versions of Visio or Project. These applications are considered specialized "add-on" services and must be licensed separately from your core productivity suite (such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium, E3, or E5).

The Exception: Visio in Microsoft 365

While the professional versions are separate, it is important to note that a "light" version of Visio is now included in most Microsoft 365 commercial subscriptions at no extra cost. This web-only version allows users to create and edit basic flowcharts and diagrams. However, if your users require advanced features—such as data linking, floor plans, engineering schematics, or the dedicated desktop application—you must purchase a specific Visio license.

Licensing Options for Visio and Project

Organizations typically choose between two main licensing models: the modern subscription model (User Subscription Licenses) and the traditional perpetual model (Device/Desktop SKUs).

• Subscription Plans (Monthly/Annual): These are billed per user and allow the software to be installed on up to five concurrent devices. These versions are continuously updated with new features and integrate natively with other Microsoft 365 services like Teams and Power BI.
  • Visio Plan 1: Web-only version with more templates than the free version.
  • Visio Plan 2: Includes the desktop application and advanced features like data connectivity.
  • Project Plan 1: Web-based project management (Project for the Web).
  • Project Plan 3 & 5: Includes the full Project Professional desktop application and resource management capabilities.
• Perpetual Licenses (One-time purchase): These are "Buy it once" versions (e.g., Visio 2021 or Project 2021). They are tied to a specific device rather than a user. While they lack the cloud-collaboration features and ongoing updates of the subscription plans, they are often preferred by organizations with strict static budget cycles or air-gapped environments.

Comparison of Common Licensing Tiers

Practical Considerations for Procurement

When adding these tools to your environment, the most efficient route is usually the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. This allows you to add Visio or Project subscriptions to your existing Microsoft 365 tenant, consolidating all seats onto a single monthly invoice. This approach is highly scalable; you can add a single license for one project manager and remove it when the project concludes.

Be aware of version compatibility. If your organization uses "Click-to-Run" versions of Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, you generally cannot install a perpetual, volume-licensed (MSI) version of Visio or Project on the same machine. In most modern workplaces, sticking to the subscription-based Plan 2 (Visio) or Plan 3 (Project) avoids these installation conflicts and ensures all users are on the same version of the Office engine.

Finally, avoid looking for "OEM" versions of this software. While hardware manufacturers sometimes pre-install Office, specialized tools like Visio and Project are almost exclusively sold through retail or volume licensing channels, not as bundled hardware components for end users.

Still unsure?

Talk to a licensing specialist for a written, signed quote tailored to your environment.