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: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  2. Diane Poremsky MVP 17,526 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-03-12T19:25:12+00:00

    The offer wasn't there when I checked (might be subscribers only) - but it was probably the deal at stacksocial.com - they have office 2019 and 2021 offers.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2025-03-14T13:57:24+00:00

    Please do not get rid of Publisher, for it's the main reason I use Microsoft Office. If you get rid of Publisher, then I will no longer use the Microsoft Office package. The alternatives you listed for Publisher do NOT do the same functions as Publisher. If you get rid of Publisher, you will also get rid of a Microsoft Office user, for there are plenty of alternative Office software available. I had a stand alone version of Publisher, but once I subscribed to 365, the other version was replaced. It's not fair to delete a software that so many people use. What kind of business practice is that?

    Was this answer helpful?

    9 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2025-03-19T14:33:58+00:00

    I find Publisher user friendly for my tasks in creating various size panels and adding speech bubbles for my cartoon work. I looked at alternatives and Power Point or Word does not have the same applications (even if you think it is an alternative, it is not). I have hundreds if not more of files since 2018. Converting them to PDF is unacceptable. Once October 2026 rolls around, I will be cancelling my Microsoft 365 subscription. Thank you for nothing.

    Was this answer helpful?

    4 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments