How to install Publisher

Question

I ordered Microsoft Publisher through CDW, how do I download it from Microsoft?

Answer 1

Dear @George Hyams, 

Thank you for reaching out. I appreciate you sharing your concern about downloading Microsoft Publisher and I am happy to help clarify the steps based on how your license was provided by CDW. 

The download method depends on whether CDW supplied a product key or assigned a Microsoft 365 subscription. You can follow the instructions below depending on your situation: 

Option 1: You received a 25 character product key from CDW 

If your CDW order included a standalone Publisher license or an Office product that contains Publisher, the steps are: 

Step 1: Go to setup.office.com, then sign in with your Microsoft account. If you don't have one, you can create a new account on the same page. 

Step 2: Enter your 25 character product key and complete the redemption process. 

Step 3: After redeeming, visit https://account.microsoft.com/services 

Locate your Office or Publisher product and select Install to download the installer. 

Once this is done, the license will be permanently linked to your Microsoft account. This ensures you can reinstall Publisher in the future without needing to enter the key again. 

Option 2: Your CDW order includes a Microsoft 365 subscription with Publisher 

If CDW assigned you a Microsoft 365 subscription that supports Publisher on Windows PCs, please follow these steps: 

Step 1: Go to https://m365.cloud.microsoft/apps and sign in using the work account associated with your subscription. 

Step 2: Select Install apps > Choose Microsoft 365 apps > Apps & devices > Install Office or Publisher. 

Step 3: Launch the installer file, and Publisher will begin installing automatically. 

Note: Publisher is not available on Mac, mobile devices or the web. 

• Additional important notes: 

Publisher will continue to be available and supported until October 2026, as announced by Microsoft. After that date: 

• If your license is part of a Microsoft 365 subscription, Publisher will no longer be available for installation or download. 
• If you own a perpetual standalone version of Publisher, you can continue installing and using it even after support ends, although updates and official support will no longer be provided. 

If you would like more details, you can refer to Microsoft’s official announcement: Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026 - Microsoft Support 

As community moderators, we kindly ask for your understanding that our access to internal development details is limited. Our primary role is to guide users toward the appropriate resources and support channels. While we may not have visibility into performing deeper backend analysis, we’ll continue doing our best to support you within the scope of our responsibilities.  

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions or need further support, please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

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Answer 2

To download and install Publisher that was purchased through a reseller like CDW, install it the same way as other Office products associated with a Microsoft account or Microsoft Store order.

1. If CDW provided a product key or redemption link, redeem it to a Microsoft account as instructed by CDW. After redemption, Publisher (or the Office suite that includes it) will appear under that Microsoft account.
2. Go to the Microsoft account’s order or services area where Office products are managed:
   • For products bought directly from Microsoft Store, sign in to Order history, find the Office product, and select Product key/Install, then Install Office, and follow the wizard.
3. The Office installer will download and run; Publisher is installed as part of the Office installation when included in the purchased edition.
4. Keep the PC powered on and connected while the wizard installs Office/Publisher in the background.

If the software does not appear under the Microsoft account’s orders or services, contact CDW for the correct product key or redemption instructions, then repeat the steps above after the product is correctly associated with the Microsoft account.

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References:

• Find and install your Microsoft downloads from Microsoft Store
• How to install programs from online sources on Windows
• Publisher video training