Can people keep using Microsoft Publisher unsupported after the end of support date in October 2026?

Question

Hello, Microsoft announced that Publisher will not be supported after 2026, but the announcement was vague so I wanted to clear up a few things:

1. Will Microsoft Publisher still be available to use (albeit unsupported) after October 2026 or will it be removed from computers that have them?
2. If it is removed, does this only apply to Microsoft 365 subscriptions or will Office 2021 lifetime standalones also have Publisher removed?
3. What if you want to continue using Publisher? Much of my work revolves around using Publisher. Is there any way to keep it after Oct. 2026?

Original End of Support message: Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026 - Microsoft Support

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

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1. Will Microsoft Publisher still be available to use (albeit unsupported) after October 2026 or will it be removed from computers that have them?
2. If it is removed, does this only apply to Microsoft 365 subscriptions or will Office 2021 lifetime standalones also have Publisher removed?
3. What if you want to continue using Publisher? Much of my work revolves around using Publisher. Is there any way to keep it after Oct. 2026?

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1. Publisher is being removed from the Microsoft 365 subscription in October 2026. As of March 2025, the plan is to remove it from computers that have the subscription. (This may change.)
2. It only applies to the Microsoft 365 subscription. Office 2021 and older are not affected. Note: Publisher is not in Office 2024.
3. If you have Office 2021 or older, Publisher will not be removed. Microsoft is considering options for people who are using Publisher.

Any changes to the policy will be updated in this article:

Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026 - Microsoft Support

Answer 2

I really don't understand why Microsoft is doing this to us! Publisher is perfect for creating newsletters, flyers, etc.! I have been using Publisher for over 25 years! I was creating community newsletters for Gig Harbor Cultural Art's Commission in Washington State! MS Word and Power Point is nothing like Publisher and requires more "work arounds" to accomplish the things Publisher does! You know that those programs do not and will not take the place of Publisher!

So, here's a thought... if enough of us rally for keeping Publisher maybe Microsoft will reconsider... if not part of their larger program offerings then perhaps a STAND ALONE PUBLISHER program... I would definitely pay for that! Consider it a public service Microsoft!

COME ON! MICROSOFT! WE'VE BEEN SUPPORTING YOU SINCE 1991... SINCE PUBLISHER WAS A BETA!! IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE PULLING THE RUG OUT FROM UNDER US!!!

Answer 3

Microsoft company,

Please, please, PLEASE reconsider this drastic step! Like Bob_873, I, too, use Publisher for hundreds of jobs I do. Telling me to use Word is ludicrous because it has NOWHERE NEAR the same capabilities that Publisher has.

I cannot begin to tell you how upset I am with Microsoft over this uncalled-for decision you've made! PLEASE reconsider and leave Publisher as it currently is.

Answer 4

The loss of Publisher is TERRIBLE news. Change is not necessarily improvement, especially in this case!

Substituting Word for Publisher is ridiculous, cumbersome and a giant step backwards.

This will be a disaster for me and my work.

I am appalled.

Jean

Answer 5

Please someone find a way of not destroying publisher. I use it and re-edit publisher documents every day, I am making leaflets and notice sheets and order of services for a church and so my whole suite of Sunday by Sunday year round documents are used year on year with some adaptations each time and also my orders of service throughout the whole year likewise. I cannot contemplate losing these. Please let's find another way!