How can I install Publisher 2021 if I already have Microsoft 365?

Neal Cohen 5 Reputation points
2026-05-12T20:47:31.43+00:00

I’m a bit disappointed that Microsoft is getting rid of publisher! I have so many files that I need to still have access to and be able to edit until I figure out long-term what I’m going to do. I heard that I could install publisher 2021, which will still work after October of this year however, I already have Microsoft 365 and I’d like to know if publisher 2021 is compatible with Microsoft 365?

 

Kindly tell me what I need to do to make this work!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | For business

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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-12T20:47:44.9033333+00:00

    Publisher 2021 can still be used after October 2026, but running it alongside an existing Microsoft 365 installation on the same PC is only supported in specific cases.

    Key points from the current guidance:

    1. Publisher availability and retirement
      • Microsoft 365 subscribers will lose access to Publisher after October 2026 and will no longer be able to install or download it as part of Microsoft 365.
      • A perpetual (one-time purchase) version of Publisher, such as Publisher 2021, will continue to install and run after that date, even though support ends.
      • Existing Publisher files should be converted to PDF or Word before Microsoft 365-based Publisher is removed, unless a perpetual Publisher installation will remain available to open and edit them.
    2. Compatibility with Microsoft 365 on the same PC
      • General Office rule: in most cases, a Microsoft 365 subscription installation and a non‑subscription Office 2021/2019/2016 installation cannot run together on the same computer.
      • Exception: side‑by‑side is supported only if one of the products is installed via MSI (typically volume-licensed) and the other via Click‑to‑Run. If both are Click‑to‑Run, side‑by‑side is not supported.
      • These rules apply to individual apps such as Publisher as well.
    3. What this means for installing Publisher 2021 with Microsoft 365
      • If Microsoft 365 is already installed using the standard Click‑to‑Run method (typical for home subscriptions like Microsoft 365 Family/Personal), adding a retail Click‑to‑Run Publisher 2021 on the same machine is generally not supported.
      • If there is an environment where one of the two (Microsoft 365 or Publisher 2021) is deployed via MSI (for example, a volume-licensed MSI Publisher 2021) and the other is Click‑to‑Run, they can run side‑by‑side according to the documented exception.
    4. Practical options to keep working with .pub files
      • If using Microsoft 365 Publisher today, plan to convert important .pub files to PDF or Word before October 2026.
      • If a perpetual Publisher license (such as Publisher 2021) is available in MSI form, it can be installed side‑by‑side with a Click‑to‑Run Microsoft 365 installation under the documented exception.
      • If both products are Click‑to‑Run, use a separate device or a different Windows installation (for example, a VM) for Publisher 2021, or move fully to the perpetual Publisher environment and remove Microsoft 365 from that machine.

    For installation of Office or individual apps (including Publisher) under a home subscription or perpetual license, follow the standard steps in the Office install article referenced below, ensuring the side‑by‑side rules above are respected.

    References:

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  2. Julie Huynh 4,265 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-13T11:08:05.35+00:00

    Dear @Neal Cohen,

    Good day! Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum!

    Based on your description, I understand that you currently have Microsoft 365 installed and would like to install Publisher 2021 so you can continue accessing and editing your existing Publisher files after support changes. You’re looking to confirm compatibility and get guidance on how to install Publisher 2021 alongside Microsoft 365.At this time, Microsoft no longer sells Publisher 2021 or Office 2021 directly.

    Because of this, installing Publisher 2021 alongside Microsoft 365 isn’t a straightforward option anymore. The safest approach is to continue using Publisher within Microsoft 365 for now and prepare for the October 2026 retirement by exporting or converting important files.

    I hope this helps clarify your options.

    Please let me know if you’d like guidance on backing up or converting your Publisher files, I’ll be glad to assist!

    You could also send your feedback via the Feedback Portal so that other users with the same query could add their votes to your feedback.

    Please note that we are not involved in product design decisions and do not have direct access to the development roadmap, we want to assure you that your feedback has been acknowledged and is valued.  

    For reference: Can I still buy a stand alone version of Publisher from Microsoft in order to keep using my files. …

    Thank you for your kindness and understanding!

    If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment". 

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