Can people keep using Microsoft Publisher unsupported after the end of support date in October 2026?

Anonymous
2025-01-24T19:39:30+00:00

Hello, Microsoft announced that Publisher will not be supported after 2026, but the announcement was vague so I wanted to clear up a few things:

  1. Will Microsoft Publisher still be available to use (albeit unsupported) after October 2026 or will it be removed from computers that have them?
  2. If it is removed, does this only apply to Microsoft 365 subscriptions or will Office 2021 lifetime standalones also have Publisher removed?
  3. What if you want to continue using Publisher? Much of my work revolves around using Publisher. Is there any way to keep it after Oct. 2026?

Original End of Support message: Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026 - Microsoft Support

Thanks in advance!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | Other

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Diane Poremsky MVP 17,526 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2025-03-31T12:02:32+00:00

>>

  1. Will Microsoft Publisher still be available to use (albeit unsupported) after October 2026 or will it be removed from computers that have them?
  2. If it is removed, does this only apply to Microsoft 365 subscriptions or will Office 2021 lifetime standalones also have Publisher removed?
  3. What if you want to continue using Publisher? Much of my work revolves around using Publisher. Is there any way to keep it after Oct. 2026?

>>

  1. Publisher is being removed from the Microsoft 365 subscription in October 2026. As of March 2025, the plan is to remove it from computers that have the subscription. (This may change.)
  2. It only applies to the Microsoft 365 subscription. Office 2021 and older are not affected. Note: Publisher is not in Office 2024.
  3. If you have Office 2021 or older, Publisher will not be removed. Microsoft is considering options for people who are using Publisher.

Any changes to the policy will be updated in this article:

Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026 - Microsoft Support

Was this answer helpful?

20+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

102 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2025-02-26T01:15:52+00:00

    It isn't available for download now and it is Feb. 2025! I need the download and I pay for Office 365!

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2025-02-23T03:53:25+00:00

    Tracy --

    I have the same question about using Publisher after 2026, but your answer is muddled and confusing.

    You write:

    "Publisher will not be available after 2026, and even if the application is installed, it will not be accessible...Because publisher has stopped all services, unfortunately it will not be able to be used."

    But the link from OP (from support.microsoft.com) said in its FAQ section: "If you have the Perpetual version of Publisher, you will still be able to access and edit your files." and "...if you have the Perpetual version of Publisher, although support will end, you will still be able to install and use the app beyond this date."

    So:

    1. the perpetual version of Publisher WILL WORK indefinitely, beyond 2026?
    2. how can I confirm that I have the perpetual version? I'm using Office 2019 with a lifetime license. Is this the same as "perpetual version"?

    Was this answer helpful?

    5 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.

    Comments have been turned off. Learn more

  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-25T16:10:26+00:00

    Dear Bob_873

    Thank you for your reply. This time is actually the end of the life cycle of Office LTSC 2021.

    Office LTSC 2021 - Microsoft Lifecycle | Microsoft Learn

    The support article refers to the discontinuation of all Publisher services in all packages, including Office 2021 and Microsoft 365, but the selected discontinuation time is the end of the life cycle of Office LTSC 2021.

    Therefore, it will be said in the support article that [Office LTSC 2021 will end support at that time].

    Thank you for your trust in Microsoft. If you encounter other problems later, you are always welcome to ask questions in the Microsoft community, and technical staff like me will be there to assist you.

    If you think the above answer is helpful to you, you can mark "yes" to help us improve the support experience and help others with similar problems.

    I sincerely wish you a nice day and all the best!

    Best Regards,

    Tracy - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments