Can I still Use publisher?

Vanessa Miller 0 Reputation points
2026-09-16T20:18:50.56+00:00

I have had to download publisher and it is on my computer. Will I still be able to use it after it ends next month? I don't want to have to go through and save all the files since the majority of our work for our non profit is done with publisher. What is everyone else using? I'm at a loss.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | Other
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  1. Marcin Policht 109.3K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-16T20:30:34.1733333+00:00

    Unfortunately, if the Publisher you're using is part of your Microsoft 365 subscription, you will lose access to if after October 1, 2026, and you will no longer be able to open or edit your .pub files with it.

    Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to use Publisher after October 1, 2026. The app will stop working and will be removed from the Microsoft 365 subscription.

    If you have a standalone, non-subscription version of Office, such as Office 2021, Publisher will continue to run after October 1, 2026. However, it will no longer receive security updates or technical support.

    Your original .pub files stored on your computer will not be deleted. However, once Publisher is no longer available through Microsoft 365, you will not be able to open or edit those files using Publisher. You would want to convert them to a different format before the retirement date.


    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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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-16T20:19:04.0633333+00:00

    If Publisher is the Microsoft 365 subscription version, it can still be used with current functionality until October 1, 2026. After that date, Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to access Publisher, and will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files in the app.

    If Publisher is a perpetual one-time-purchase version, it can still be installed and used after support ends. Support for that perpetual version ends on October 13, 2026, but the app can still continue to function.

    For existing files, the recommended preparation is to convert important .pub files before the retirement date:

    1. Open the Publisher file.
    2. Go to File > Save as.
    3. Choose a save location.
    4. Select PDF as the file type and save.

    If editing is still needed later, one supported path is:

    1. Convert the Publisher file to PDF.
    2. In Word, go to File > Open.
    3. Open the PDF.
    4. Select OK in the dialog box.
    5. Word opens it as an editable document.

    The converted Word file is optimized for text editing, so the layout can differ from the original, especially for graphics-heavy publications.

    For large numbers of files, bulk export by PowerShell automation is also mentioned as an option.

    For replacement apps, Microsoft states that many common Publisher scenarios are already available in Word and PowerPoint, including branded templates, envelopes and labels, calendars, business cards, and programs.


    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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