How do I continue to use publisher

Candice Torain 0 Reputation points
2026-10-17T01:44:49.5533333+00:00

How do I continue to use publisher not that it is not supported

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | For business
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  1. Dora-T 1,465 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-17T02:00:29.06+00:00

    Hi @Candice Torain

    You can continue using Microsoft Publisher, but your options depend on how you obtained it.

    Microsoft has announced that Publisher will reach end of support in October 2026 and will be removed from Microsoft 365. If you currently use Publisher through a Microsoft 365 subscription, you will no longer be able to use the Microsoft 365 version after it is removed.

    If you have a standalone, perpetual licence for Microsoft Publisher, you can continue using that version after October 2026 as long as it remains installed and compatible with your system. However, support for perpetual versions ended on 13 October 2026, so the product no longer receives security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft.

    If you need to continue creating and editing publications, consider migrating to alternatives such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or another desktop publishing application. It is also recommended to keep backups of your existing .pub files and export important publications to PDF for future viewing and printing.

    If your Publisher files were not converted before October 1, 2026, you may still be able to access them if you have a working installation of Microsoft Publisher. In that case, it is recommended to open the files and export them to PDF as soon as possible.

    If you no longer have access to a working Publisher installation, Microsoft does not provide an alternative application for opening or editing .pub files. You may need to use another device where Publisher is still installed and functional, or explore third-party conversion tools. Please note that third-party tools are not developed or supported by Microsoft, so compatibility, file fidelity, and conversion results may vary.

    For more information, please refer to the FAQ section of Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-17T01:45:04.76+00:00

    To continue using Publisher, the path depends on which version is installed:

    • Microsoft 365 version of Publisher: it can be used with current functionality until October 1, 2026. After that, Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to access, open, or edit Publisher files in Publisher, and Publisher will no longer be available for installation or download.
    • Perpetual version of Publisher: if Publisher is included in a one-time-purchase Office edition, it can still be installed and used beyond October 2026, but support ends in October 2026.

    To prepare and keep access to content:

    1. Convert important .pub files before October 2026.
      • In Publisher: File > Save as > choose a location > select PDF > Save.
    2. If editing is still needed later, convert the file through Word:
      • First save the Publisher file as PDF.
      • In Word: File > Open > open the PDF > select OK.
      • The document opens as a Word file.
      • Note: the layout can change, especially for files with many graphics.
    3. For many files, use bulk conversion with a PowerShell script or other automation.
    4. Find existing Publisher files by searching for .Pub on the PC, OneDrive, or SharePoint.
    5. Use other Microsoft 365 apps for new work:
      • Word: newsletters, labels, envelopes, letterhead, forms, programs
      • PowerPoint: banners, signs, posters
      • Word or PowerPoint: flyers, brochures, business cards, calendars, cards

    If the goal is to keep opening old Publisher files after Microsoft 365 support ends, the supported preparation is to convert them before the retirement date. If a perpetual Publisher version is already owned, that version can continue to be used after support ends.

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

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