Microsoft Publisher - End of Life
How to prepare for Microsoft Publisher End of Life
Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Publisher will reach end of life on October 1, 2026. After this date, Publisher will no longer be supported or included with Microsoft 365 Subscriptions. Microsoft 365 users will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher (.pub) files using the M365 Subscription version of Microsoft Publisher (available via Desktop and Web). Older versions of Microsoft Publisher will be available for desktop install and will maintain the ability to convert these files following the End of Life date.
Users with the M365 Subscription version of Publisher will no longer have the application available to view, edit, or convert .pub files after the end of life date. There are several ways users can convert their files prior to the end of life for the product.
Option 1: Preserve Files for Viewing
Convert Publisher files to PDF format.
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Open the Publisher file.
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Select File > Save As.
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Choose a save location.
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Select PDF as the file type.
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Click Save.
PDF files will maintain their layout and formatting and can be opened in a PDF file reader after Microsoft Publisher is retired.
Option 2: Preserve Files for Future Editing
If you anticipate needing to make changes to a publication after October 2026:
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Convert the Publisher file to PDF.
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Open the PDF in Microsoft Word and save it as a Word document.
Please note that complex layouts, graphics, and formatting may not convert perfectly and should be reviewed after conversion.
Option 3: Bulk File Conversion
If users have a large number of files to convert, it is possible to do this via PowerShell Script. Please see the instructions from Microsoft for more information related to bulk file conversion.
For this type of bulk file conversion, please contact your local/departmental IT support staff.
Third-party options
If users need access to view or convert .pub files after the end of life date, there are 3rd-party tools available (not supported by DoIT) available from the Microsoft Store which will allow for viewing and converting .pub files. These include:
Option for university hardware through Campus Software Library
If there is an instance where a functioning version of Microsoft Publisher is necessary, there is a version available from the Campus Software Library.
The version can be downloaded and installed only on University-owned hardware. The Office Pro Plus 2021 LTSC (32-bit and 64-bit) will need to be installed in Kiosk Mode by IT staff with access to this software in the Campus Library. Please refer to you local IT staff to install this version on their UW-owned workstation.
Additional information from Microsoft
Please review Microsoft Support for additional information on preparing for the end of Microsoft Publisher, example conversion scripts, and alternatives to Microsoft Publisher.