Is there a way to lock the local version of Publisher downloaded from O365 so it is not deactivated after 1-Oct?

Bill Stuart 0 Reputation points
2026-09-28T14:17:51.5833333+00:00

With Publisher being deactivated after 1-Oct., many have not converted their files to another format or learned to use an alternative to create their publications. Is there a way to lock the local version of Publisher downloaded from O365 so it is not deactivated or uninstalled after 1-Oct?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | Other
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-28T14:18:05.38+00:00

    No. Publisher obtained through Microsoft 365 cannot be locked to keep working after October 1, 2026. After that date, Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to access Publisher, and they will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files in the Microsoft 365 version of the app.

    Supported options in the available guidance are:

    1. Continue using Publisher with current functionality until October 1, 2026.
    2. Convert existing .pub files before that date:
      • For viewing: open the file in Publisher, then File > Save as > choose PDF.
      • For editing: convert the Publisher file to PDF, then in Word go to File > Open and open the PDF. The document opens as a Word file, but layout can vary from the original, especially with graphics.
    3. If many files need conversion, use automation such as a PowerShell script for bulk export.
    4. If a perpetual version of Publisher is already available, it can still be installed and used beyond October 2026, although support ends in October 2026.

    A Microsoft 365 installation does not have a supported way to prevent this retirement behavior locally.

    References:

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

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  2. Marcin Policht 109.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-28T15:41:14.76+00:00

    Unfortunately no. Microsoft 365 relies on continuous cloud licensing, so Microsoft controls the applications included in the subscription remotely. Once October 1, 2026 arrives, the Microsoft 365 version of Publisher will no longer be supported. It will eventually stop functioning and be removed through subsequent Microsoft 365 updates.

    If you need additional time to open and transition existing .pub files, one workaround is to use a perpetual-license version of Publisher. The remote deactivation applies to the Microsoft 365 subscription version, while standalone, non-subscription versions are not subject to that licensing mechanism. Publisher 2021 or Office LTSC 2021 can continue to run after the Microsoft 365 version is retired. However, support for these versions ends on October 13, 2026, so they will continue to function but will no longer receive security updates or bug fixes after that date.

    Another option is to convert existing .pub files before Publisher becomes unavailable. Microsoft provides a PowerShell script specifically for bulk-converting Publisher files to PDF, which can be useful when dealing with a large number of files. The script is available as part of Microsoft's Publisher retirement guidance.

    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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