Publisher is not available on 365. Can I still purchase standalone Publisher 2021

Question

I have been using Publisher for 8 years to produce a monthly newsletter for a community group. I get it through a family plan. As of October 2026, it comes to an end and I will lose access to 8 years of work and files. The programme has been great to use!!!

Can I still install Publisher after October 2026? If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, Microsoft Publisher will no longer be available for installation or download after October 2026. However, if you have the Perpetual version of Publisher, although support will end, you will still be able to install and use the app beyond this date.

• How do I get a Perpetual version of Publisher? It looks like I can still purchase a copy of Publisher 2021. I found it available with it on a usb that I could reload if I changed computers. The sites I looked at seemed suspicious so I hesitated. Would I be able to use Publisher 2021 with my current files.

I need some help. Thanks. Tony.

Answer 1

Hello Tony Nelson,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum!

I understand that you have confusing when using Microsoft Publisher. I truly understand how you feel. Let me assist you go through this situation.

You’re correct that Microsoft Publisher will be removed from Microsoft 365 subscriptions after October 2026, so I'll help you by sorting out all your question:

Can you still install Publisher after October 2026?

• Yes, if you own a perpetual license (like Publisher 2021). Even though mainstream support ends, the app will continue to work on supported Windows versions.
• You will not be able to install Publisher from Microsoft 365 after that date.

How to get a perpetual version (Publisher 2021)?

• Microsoft sells Publisher 2021 as part of Office Home & Business 2021 or Office Professional 2021, and sometimes as a standalone app.
• Important: Microsoft does not distribute Publisher on USB sticks through third-party sites. Those are often counterfeit or unsafe.

The safest way:

• Buy directly from Microsoft Store or an authorized reseller (e.g., Amazon with “Ships from and sold by Amazon”).
• Look for digital download or official retail box with activation key.

Will Publisher 2021 work with your current files?

• Yes. Publisher 2021 uses the same .pub format as previous versions, so your newsletters will open and edit normally.

My suggestion for you:

• Purchase Publisher 2021 officially before October 2026.
• Keep your activation key safe, you can reinstall on a new PC as long as the license terms allow (usually one device per license).
• Back up your .pub files to OneDrive or external storage.

I hope this will help with your situation. Please feel free to let me know if you have any further update.

Best Regards,

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Answer 2

Hello Tony Nelson,

I hope you're having a nice day! I wanted to follow up to see if you need any additional help. I hope everything is going well on your part.

If you have any doubts, need clarification, or new questions have arisen, don't hesitate to get in touch. I am here to support you and happy to help.

Your satisfaction is important to me, and I want to make sure you feel safe and supported throughout the process. Just tell me how I can help you more.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Answer 3

Thanks, Katerina, for your very detailed answer. Am I correct is saying that I can register Office 2021 in my Microsoft Account and if any reason I lost my key that I could download it again from my Microsoft Account? Tony.