Microsoft has announced that Publisher will retire in October 2026 and will no longer be included in Microsoft 365 after that date. The change is part of a broader shift toward modern, cloud-based tools across Microsoft 365. 

Before October, Users who have created flyers, newsletters or other materials in Microsoft Publisher should begin planning for the transition by finding and converting .pub files they may need again. 

What is changing and why it matters 

After the retirement of Publisher in October 2026: 

  • Publisher will be removed from Microsoft 365. 
  • Publisher (.pub) files will no longer open or be editable through Microsoft 365. 
  • For older standalone versions: The application may still open, but it will no longer be supported or updated. 
  • Publisher files use a .pub format that is not supported outside the application.  
  • Files will not disappear, but access to open or edit them may be lost after October 2026. 

Recommended preparation steps 

Early preparation can help reduce last-minute disruption. 

How to locate Publisher files: 

  • Search common file locations, including SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams folders and local drives. 
  • Use the search term *.pub to find Publisher files. 
  • Review the results and note files that may need to be reused, updated or saved in another format.  

How to convert relevant files:

  • Open relevant files. 
  • Use File > Save As.
  • Select PDF for long-term viewing and printing. 
  • Select Word document for editable content. 
  • Some formatting may shift when files are converted to editable formats. 

Possible replacement tools for future needs 

There is no direct replacement for Publisher, but most common scenarios are covered by other Microsoft 365 tools. 

  • Word: Best for newsletters and text-heavy layouts. 
  • PowerPoint: Good for flyers, posters and visual layouts. 

Support 

Questions about Publisher retirement, file conversion, or replacement tools can be directed to the Microsoft 365 team.