Microsoft Publisher retires from Microsoft 365 on October 1, 2026

Who is affected

Microsoft 365 subscribers who use Publisher lose access on October 1, 2026. Perpetual Publisher 2021 users (Office LTSC 2021 / Office 2021) reach end of support on October 13, 2026, but can continue using the installed perpetual app; this does not extend Microsoft 365 access.

Admin roles to involve: Microsoft 365 admin, Desktop/application admin, Helpdesk

What administrators should do

Microsoft recommends converting files before October 1, 2026. Practical admin sequence: 1) Search PCs, OneDrive and SharePoint for .pub files; identify owners and separate active/editable workflows from reference/archive material. 2) Export reference copies to PDF. Microsoft's bulk-export sample requires a working, licensed local Publisher installation. 3) Choose an editable destination by publication type: Word or PowerPoint may suit different workflows, not every Publisher feature. Microsoft's PDF-to-Word route can alter layouts. 4) Review conversion failures and check content, layout and any print output; retain original .pub files where organizational retention needs require them. 5) Validate recurring workflows and finish Microsoft 365-dependent conversion before October 1, 2026.

What happens if this is ignored

Microsoft 365 users lose Publisher access after October 1, 2026, so unconverted .pub workflows may be unusable in Publisher. For perpetual Publisher 2021 users, the app can continue working after October 13, 2026, but it is no longer supported.