Sign in with Microsoft
Sign in or create an account.
Hello,
Select a different account.
You have multiple accounts
Choose the account you want to sign in with.

When a task in one project has an external dependency on a task in another project, you should review and update that dependency periodically to make sure that the dependent task isn't affecting your project's critical path. After dependencies are updated, you can filter your tasks to show only those that have external dependencies.

Note: Your project schedule is not updated automatically when external dependencies change, so it is important to review and update dependencies regularly. Viewing and updating external dependencies on tasks in other projects is not the same as viewing and updating inter-project dependencies. Inter-project dependencies are not associated with specific tasks.

What do you want to do?

View and update external dependencies

  1. Choose View > Gantt Chart.

  2. If any filters are turned on, turn them off: On the View tab, in the Data group, select No Filter in the Filter list.

    When AutoFilters are turned on, an arrow is displayed to the right of each field heading. Turning off AutoFilters displays all tasks.

  3. Choose Project > Links Between Projects.

  4. View external predecessor tasks or successor tasks:

    • To see a list of tasks that are linked to external predecessor tasks, select the External Predecessors tab.

    • To see a list of tasks that are linked to external successor tasks, select the External Successors tab.

  5. For changes to external predecessors that affect the successor tasks in your project, review the Differences column.

    Differences usually include a new start or finish date for the external predecessor or external successor. The new date is typically the result of a changed duration, constraint, tracked progress, or other parameter. Changes to a task's name are also shown in the Differences column.

  6. Review and accept changes to external links:

    • To selectively accept changes to external predecessors, in the Task column, select each external predecessor or successor that has changes that you want to accept, and then choose Accept.

    • To accept all changes, choose All.

Notes: 

  • You cannot undo acceptance of the changes after you choose OK — however, you are assured that the project is synchronized with all external files.

  • Be careful to remember which changes you do not accept, because your project will not be synchronized with the external files that contain any changes that you reject. There will be no record of the rejected changes.

  • By default, you are notified whenever data in an externally linked task changes. When you open a plan that has external links, the external predecessors, external successors, and effects on your schedule are displayed, and you can choose to accept any or all changes. If you do not want to be notified of such changes, choose File > Options > Advanced. Under Cross project linking options for, clear the Show Links Between Projects dialog on open check box. To automatically accept changes each time that you open the plan, select the Automatically accept new external data check box.

  • If you want to hide external tasks, choose File > Options > Advanced, and then select the View tab. Clear the Show external successors and Show external predecessors check boxes.

Top of Page

Show only tasks that have external dependencies

  1. Choose View > Gantt Chart.

  2. If any filters are turned on, turn them off: On the View tab, in the Data group, select No Filter in the Filter list.

    When AutoFilters are turned on, an arrow is displayed to the right of each field heading. Turning off AutoFilters displays all tasks.

  3. On the View tab, in the Data group, choose New Filter from the Filter list.

  4. Type a new name for the filter in the Name box.

    For example, you can type Tasks with external dependencies.

  5. In the first row of the Field Name column, select Predecessors.

  6. In the first row of the Test column, select contains.

  7. In the first row of the Values column, type a backslash (\) to indicate that you are adding a link to an external predecessor.

    Next, create the test string for successor tasks:

  8. In the second row of the And/Or column, select Or.

  9. In the second row of the Field Name column, select Successors.

  10. In the second row of the Test column, select contains.

  11. In the second row of the Values column, type a backslash (\).

  12. Choose Save to close the dialog box, and then choose Apply.

  13. On the View tab, in the Data group, select your new filter rom the Filter list to show only those tasks that have external predecessor tasks or successor tasks.

Top of Page

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Was this information helpful?

What affected your experience?
By pressing submit, your feedback will be used to improve Microsoft products and services. Your IT admin will be able to collect this data. Privacy Statement.

Thank you for your feedback!

×