MPT File Extension

What is MPT file?

MPT files are related to a software application called Microsoft Project.

Contents of MPT files

Files with MPT extension contain project templates, that is documents with predefined structure. In each template the following elements can be found:

• timeline,
• task and goals,
• financials (eg. budget).

Uses of MPT files

The most common use case for MPT files defining project templates that are then used by Microsoft Project to create MPP documents. MPT files can be modified by team users and the software will track project progress and generate complex reports. MPT can also be used for storing modified templates created by users.

Can I save custom templates in MPT files?

Microsoft Project allows users to define custom templates and save them to MPT files in the same way that default templates are saved. In order to create or edit a template, use the File submenu to save created document as template file. Use the same submenu to open an MPT file for editing and when done save it as MPT file.

Programs which support MPT file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support MPT files. Files with MPT suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 12/12/2023

How to open file with MPT extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening MPT files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Microsoft Project Template files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Project

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening MPT files is that no program that can handle MPT files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Microsoft Project or different compatible program, such as MOOS Project Viewer. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Project installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Project and update if needed

If you already have Microsoft Project installed on your systems and MPT files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Microsoft Project installed, it may not support MPT format. The most recent version of Microsoft Project is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open MPT files to Microsoft Project

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Project installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage MPT on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the MPT file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Project installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open MPT files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected MPT file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with MPT extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the MPT file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the MPT file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the MPT in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the MPT file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the MPT file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with MPT extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the MPT file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the MPT file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Microsoft Project Template file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Project

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support MPT files. Close all running programs and try opening the MPT file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Microsoft Project Template file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with MPT files affecting older versions of given software.

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