Microsoft Ends 35-Year Publisher Run in October 2026, Cutting Off Microsoft 365 Access
Updated
Updated · Computerworld · Sep 21
Microsoft Ends 35-Year Publisher Run in October 2026, Cutting Off Microsoft 365 Access
3 articles · Updated · Computerworld · Sep 21
Summary
October 1, 2026 will end Microsoft 365 access to Publisher, leaving subscribers unable to open .PUB files in the app even though the files themselves remain on their PCs.
October 13, 2026 is the cutoff for perpetual editions in Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021: the software will still run, but Microsoft will stop security updates, bug fixes, and technical support.
PUB users are being urged to convert files before the deadline, with PDF positioned as the safest format; Microsoft also offers a free PowerShell script for bulk conversion on licensed, working copies.
Microsoft says Publisher was retired after falling behind newer tools, lacking mobile support, multiuser collaboration, and web versions; it points users to Word, PowerPoint, Designer, and alternatives such as LibreOffice Draw, Scribus, and Marq.