Review immediately and make sure you are ready before rollout.
Primary Audience
Why this score?
AT A GLANCE
END USERS
IT ADMINS
ROLLOUT TIMELINE
November 2026
📢 Official Microsoft Message Center Announcement
Microsoft Publisher: Reminder that support ends in October 2026
Message ID: MC1469564 (Updated)
Updated October 21, 2026:
Publisher removal is rolling out through Office updates. Microsoft Publisher reached end of support in October 2026 and is being removed from Microsoft 365 Apps. The removal reaches each device through regular Office updates, so the timing depends on the update channel your organization uses. Each channel receives new builds on its own schedule. Devices on Current Channel get updates first, and devices on Monthly Enterprise Channel get them later.
What this means for your users:
Some users may keep access to Publisher for a period after October 1, 2026, until their channel’s update rolls out. This is not an extension and does not mean Publisher is still supported. Treat any remaining access as a temporary window to open and convert impacted .pub files.
Rollout timing: Removal starts with Version 2611 (Build 16.0.20625.xxxxx):
- Current Channel: starting mid-November 2026
- Monthly Enterprise Channel: starting early December 2026
Until a device receives this update, Publisher may continue to open. We recommend converting any .pub files you need to keep before your devices receive the update. For build numbers and expected timing for your organization, contact Microsoft Support.
[What and why]
This post is a reminder that Microsoft Publisher will reach end of life in October 2026. After October 1, 2026, Publisher will no longer be included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, and Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher (.pub) files using Publisher.
To focus on delivering new value across Microsoft 365, Microsoft periodically retires products and features. Many common Publisher scenarios are already supported in Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint, and customers can also access a broad library of templates through Microsoft Create.
For additional background, refer to MC716267.
[Rollout schedule]
This is a retirement reminder. No feature rollout is associated with this announcement.
Key dates:
- October 1, 2026: Publisher will no longer be available to Microsoft 365 subscribers.
- October 13, 2026: Support for the perpetual version of Publisher will end when Office LTSC 2021 reaches end of support.
[Impact on your organization]
Who is affected
- Organizations with users who currently use Microsoft Publisher
- Organizations that store or maintain Publisher (.pub) files that may need to be accessed after October 1, 2026
Platforms and services
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft 365 Apps
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Create
What will happen
- Users can continue using Publisher with its current functionality until October 1, 2026.
- Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher (.pub) files in Microsoft Publisher.
- Common Publisher use cases such as creating branded materials, labels, envelopes, calendars, business cards, flyers, and similar content can be completed using Word, PowerPoint, and templates available through Microsoft Create.
- Organizations that need continued access to Publisher content should migrate or convert their files before October 1, 2026.
[Action required and recommendations]
Action recommended: Identify Publisher files that need to be preserved and convert them to a supported format before October 1, 2026.
To prepare for Publisher retirement:
- Save Publisher files as PDF if they only need to be viewed, shared, or printed after Publisher is retired.
- For files that require continued editing, convert or migrate content to Microsoft Word or Microsoft PowerPoint before October 1, 2026.
- Review existing Publisher-based business processes and transition them to Word, PowerPoint, or Microsoft Create templates where appropriate.
- Search for existing Publisher (.pub) files across local storage, OneDrive, and SharePoint to identify content requiring migration.
Learn more
For migration guidance, file conversion recommendations, supported alternatives, and answers to frequently asked questions, see:
[Compliance considerations]
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.
Source: Microsoft Message Center • Analysed by MWPro
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