How to uninstall Publisher when it does not appear in the app list but works fine from the desktop icon. Win. 11 Home.

Question

OS: Win. 11 Home subscription. This is the Op system I'm using.

Answer 1

Hello Alex Colvin!

Thank you for joining the Q&A forum.

I see you’re trying to uninstall Publisher as it still runs from the desktop icon but doesn’t appear in Installed apps on Windows 11 Home.

Please note that Publisher can’t be removed on its own when it’s included in a Microsoft 365 or Office bundle, because the suite is installed and listed as a single app rather than individual programs. However, if Publisher was purchased as a standalone license, you can try uninstalling it via Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.

Additional information: Microsoft has announced that Publisher will reach end of support in October 2026. After that, it will no longer be included with Microsoft 365, and existing on‑premises versions will no longer be supported.

Because of this, if Publisher can’t be removed separately right now, there’s no need to worry it will be phased out automatically from Microsoft 365 as Microsoft completes the retirement process.

Hope this helps clarify things. Thank you so much for your patience!

Answer 2

Publisher is part of the Microsoft 365/Office suite, so it usually does not appear as a separate app in the Windows “Installed apps” list. To remove Publisher, the Microsoft 365/Office suite that includes it must be uninstalled.

Use these steps on Windows 11 Home:

1. Open Settings with Windows logo key + I.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. In the search box, type Microsoft 365 or the name of the Office product (for example, Office Home and Student 2021 or similar) that includes Publisher.
4. Select the entry, choose Uninstall, and follow the prompts to remove it.

If the Office/Microsoft 365 suite does not appear in Settings, use Control Panel:

1. In search on the taskbar, type Control Panel and open it.
2. Select Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Find the Microsoft 365/Office product in the list, right‑click it, and select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change, then follow the on‑screen directions.

If uninstall fails or Publisher/Office is partially installed and not listed correctly, run the Microsoft 365/Office uninstall troubleshooter (if available for the version) and, if needed, follow up with a manual uninstall as described in the Office uninstall guidance. After a complete uninstall, Publisher will no longer run from the desktop icon.

Note: Uninstalling the suite removes all Office apps included in that product (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc.); individual apps generally cannot be removed separately when they are part of a suite.

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References:

• Uninstall or remove apps and programs in Windows
• Uninstall Microsoft 365 or Office from a PC
• Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Windows app support tools