Microsoft has confirmed that Microsoft Publisher will be retired in October 2026. This marks the end of a long-standing desktop publishing tool used by many businesses for flyers, newsletters, brochures and more. So, here’s what you need to do before it’s too late!

Timeline showing Microsoft Publisher being retired in October 2026.

While October may seem a long way off, the reality is this: if your business still relies on Publisher, you need to start planning now!

When is Microsoft Publisher ending?

  • End of support: 1 October 2026
  • Removed from Microsoft 365: During October 2026
  • Impact: You will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files using Microsoft 365

For Microsoft 365 users, this is a hard deadline. After this date, Publisher will be removed entirely from the platform.

The biggest risk: being unable to use your existing Publisher files

If your business has been using Publisher for years, this is the key issue. Publisher uses a .PUB file format which is not widely supported outside Publisher and will become increasingly difficult to open.

Need help reviewing or converting Publisher files?

At Priority IT, we’re already helping clients:

  • Identify where Publisher is still in use
  • Convert legacy files safely
  • Move to more modern, supported tools

Would you like a quick review of your use of Microsoft Publisher, or help with migrating your files to another format before Publisher is retired? Call us on 01225 636000 or email hello@priorityit.co.uk