How am I going to use Publisher files when Microsoft stops supporting Publisher in October?

Watford Gap 0 Reputation points
2026-08-21T14:15:20.8733333+00:00

As October looms, I'm wondering what I should do now so that I can continue to open, edit, and print them after Microsoft stops supporting Publisher.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | For education
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  2. Marcin Policht 107K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-21T14:31:47.97+00:00

    If you purchase a perpetual license of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2021 with Publisher 2021, you should be able to continue opening and editing your existing Publisher files after October 2026.

    Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2021, including Publisher 2021, is sold as a perpetual license. Once it is installed and activated, it should continue to function normally even after Microsoft ends support in October 2026. End of support means Microsoft will stop providing security updates, patches, bug fixes, and technical assistance. It does not mean the software suddenly stops working or that your existing .pub files become inaccessible.

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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  3. AI answer

    2026-08-21T14:15:40.1966667+00:00

    If Publisher is being used through a Microsoft 365 subscription, access changes after October 1, 2026:

    • Publisher will no longer be included in Microsoft 365.
    • Publisher files will no longer be openable or editable in Publisher.
    • Existing files are not deleted, but they should be converted before that date if continued access is needed.

    What to do now:

    1. Convert important .pub files to PDF for viewing and printing later.
      • Open the Publisher file.
      • Go to File > Save As.
      • Choose a save location.
      • Select PDF as the file type and save.
    2. Convert files needed for future editing.
      • First save the Publisher file as PDF.
      • In Word, go to File > Open.
      • Open the PDF.
      • Select OK in the dialog box.
      • The document opens as a Word file for editing.
      • Expect layout differences, especially in files with many graphics.
    3. For many files, use bulk conversion.
      • Microsoft provides a sample PowerShell script for individually or bulk exporting Publisher files to PDF or other formats.
      • It requires a working and licensed version of Publisher installed.
      • Example uses include converting one file, all .pub files in a folder, or all .pub files in a folder and subfolders.
      • Warning: test the script on copies first after modifying it for the environment.
    4. Find all Publisher files now.
      • Search for .pub on the PC, OneDrive, or SharePoint.

    If a perpetual version of Publisher is being used instead of Microsoft 365, it can still be installed and used after October 2026, but support ends on October 13, 2026 and it will no longer receive support updates.

    If the goal is to keep opening and editing old Publisher files after October 2026, the supported path is:

    • Microsoft 365 Publisher users: convert files before October 1, 2026.
    • Perpetual Publisher users: continue using the installed app after support ends, understanding it is unsupported.

    If saving as PDF fails with "Publisher cannot save the file", one documented workaround for Publisher 2016 on Windows 10 is to switch the default printer temporarily:

    1. Close Publisher.
    2. Open Start > Settings.
    3. Go to Devices > Printers & scanners.
    4. Clear Let Windows manage my default printer if it is selected.
    5. Select a different device such as Fax or Microsoft Print to PDF.
    6. Select Manage > Set as default.
    7. Set the original printer back as default.
    8. Reopen Publisher and try saving as PDF again.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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