How to Make a New Plan in Microsoft Planner (+No New Group)

Last Updated on August 26, 2023

Do you feel a little frustrated with Microsoft Planner?

There are clients who message me asking why every time they make a new plan, they also get a new Microsoft 365 Group.

In this article, I’ll explain what happens when you create a new plan in Microsoft Planner and if it’s possible to not create a new Group at all.

Let’s get started.

How to create a new plan in Microsoft Planner

Microsoft Planner is an app designed for basic task management that’s tied with a Microsoft 365 Group.

Since it’s tied with a Microsoft 365 Group, you can’t have a plan that isn’t linked with a Group (though you don’t always need to create a new one).

Here are the steps:

• Navigate to the Microsoft Planner app first
• Click the “New plan” button on the left panel

Related: Microsoft To Do vs Planner: The Better Tool (Differences)

On the new window:

• Give the new plan a name
• Select the “Privacy” type
• Click the “Create plan” button

This method comes with a new Microsoft 365 Group and comes with the following:

• SharePoint site collection
• Outlook Group calendar
• Outlook email distribution list

Related: Types of Groups in Microsoft 365: Comparing Groups

How to create a new plan without creating a new Microsoft 365 Group

You can also add the new plan to an existing Microsoft 365 Group.

When creating the new plan, click the “Add to an existing Microsoft 365 Group” button:

Simply select an existing Microsoft 365 Group:

Proceed with creating a new plan.

Note: It’s possible to have more than one plan on one Microsoft 365 Group. That means you don’t always need to create a new Group when creating a new plan.

Do you have any questions regarding Microsoft Planner? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.

For inquiries and other concerns, please use the site’s contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.