Microsoft Publisher retirement: what changed
Updated
Microsoft removed Publisher from Microsoft 365 starting October 1, 2026, and support for perpetual versions, meaning Publisher copies bought once instead of rented through Microsoft 365, such as Publisher 2021, ended on October 13, 2026. Microsoft 365 users can no longer open .pub files in Publisher, so convert your files to another format.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2026 | Last day Publisher works with its current features in Microsoft 365. Removal rolls out from this date. |
| October 13, 2026 | Support ends for the perpetual version of Publisher, together with Office LTSC 2021 and Office 2021. |
| After October 2026 | Publisher is no longer available to install or download through Microsoft 365. |
What still works
- If you bought Publisher as a one-time purchase (for example Office 2021), Microsoft says you can still install and use it after support ends. It gets no more security updates.
- Your .pub files are not deleted. They just need another program to open them.
What Microsoft recommends
Microsoft asks users to convert existing files to another format: save as PDF to keep a copy, then convert the PDF to Word if you need to edit. Microsoft also shares a sample PowerShell script for bulk PDF conversion, but it needs a licensed copy of Publisher.
No one at Microsoft offers a PowerPoint export for Publisher files. This site does.
Find all your .pub files first
Use our free PowerShell script to list every .pub file on a Windows PC.
Convert your file now
Questions
Can I still use Publisher after October 2026?
Only a perpetual (one-time purchase) copy keeps working, without support. Microsoft 365 users lose Publisher.
Will my .pub files be deleted?
No. The files stay where they are. You need another program or a converter to open them.
What replaces Publisher?
Microsoft points to Word and PowerPoint. Many people also use Canva or Affinity.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026
- LazyAdmin: Publisher retires October 1, do this final file check
More guides: Publisher to Word, Publisher to PDF, Publisher to PowerPoint, Publisher to Canva, Open .pub without Publisher, .pub on Mac, Publisher alternatives, Bulk convert, Converter comparison