Is Microsoft Publisher being discontinued?

Yes. Microsoft says Publisher reaches its end of life in October 2026. Microsoft 365 subscribers lose access on or shortly after 1 October 2026, and support for the one-time-purchase versions ended on 13 October 2026.

Keep a copy of every .pub file. Put the copies in a separate folder first. Then open a file here, free, in your browser; it never leaves your device.

What “discontinued” means here

Is Microsoft Publisher being discontinued for everyone on the same day? No. Per Microsoft’s notice, Microsoft 365 subscribers lose access on or shortly after 1 October 2026, as a removal update rolls out. Support for the one-time-purchase (perpetual: bought once, not a subscription) version ended on 13 October 2026.

Microsoft also says that if you own the perpetual version, you can still install and use it after that date, just without support. If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, Microsoft says Publisher will no longer be available to install or download after October 2026, and that once the removal reaches your computer you can no longer open or edit your Publisher files with it.

What should I do with my files?

Start at the first question and follow the answer that fits you.

  1. Do you still have Publisher on this computer, and does it open your files?
  2. Did you get Publisher with a Microsoft 365 subscription, or buy it once?
    • Microsoft 365. Publisher is going away on your computer, and Microsoft says you will no longer be able to open or edit your files with it. Convert your files before the removal reaches you (Microsoft recommends PDF or Word), and keep the originals. Go to question 3.
    • Bought it once (perpetual). Microsoft says you can still open and edit your files, but support ended on 13 October 2026. Keep a backup copy now. Go to question 3.
    • I am not sure. Read the end-of-life dates and compare them with your version.
  3. Do you need to keep editing these publications, or only keep a copy?

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PubFold is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft. Microsoft Publisher is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies.