Microsoft Designer

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Microsoft Designer

Brian Rope 0

I just tried to instal Microsoft Designer and was advised it is not available in this region. Is there any way around that? if not, what recommendations do you have for a replacement for Publisher? I've tried several options but not yet found one I like much.

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Answer 1

EmilyS726 270.7K Independent Advisor

I am afraid no one can provide ways to go around regional availability issue.

But if you have a perpetual copy of Office that contains Publisher, it can still run and work, it just won't receive updates anymore. If you are using a subscription, then the app will not work anymore.

Otherwise, you can consider third party options like Affinity or Canva.

Brian Rope 0 Reputation points

2026-10-06T04:44:52.4266667+00:00

Then how come I was just now able to open one of my saved Publisher files - and see these words at the top right of my screen "Beginning October 2026, Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported, and you won't be able to access Publisher or open Publisher files"?
Stefan Blom 353.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-06T09:45:48.9633333+00:00

Which specific version of Office do you have today?

Publisher will be removed from subscription versions of Office, meaning Microsoft 365 Personal, Microsoft 365 Family etc.

If you have an older perpetual license which includes Publisher, such as Office Professional 2021, it will continue to work.