Yes — Microsoft Publisher is being discontinued

The two dates

Standalone / perpetual license holders (those who purchased Publisher outright, not through M365) are not cut off on October 13. Their application keeps running without support.

What Microsoft says — and what they don't

Microsoft's official guidance: “Export your documents to PDF or Word before the deadline.”

What they don't say: Word imports .pub files as reflowed plain text — multi-column layouts, text boxes, and precise positioning are almost entirely lost. PDF export is a flat image — no further editing possible.

If layout fidelity matters, you need a tool that reads .pub format directly.

Your three realistic paths

Questions

When does Microsoft Publisher support end?

October 1, 2026. After that date Microsoft releases no further security patches, updates, or technical support for Publisher. The application continues to run if already installed — but receives no further fixes.

When is Microsoft Publisher removed from Microsoft 365?

October 13, 2026. If your Publisher access comes through any Microsoft 365 subscription (Business Standard, Business Premium, or Apps for Business), it permanently stops working on October 13, 2026. Standalone perpetual license holders are not cut off on that date — their app continues to run without support.

Does Microsoft 365 still include Publisher?

Not for new subscribers, and only until October 13, 2026 for current ones. As of 2026, Microsoft is removing Publisher from all M365 plans. New M365 subscribers cannot access Publisher at all. Existing Business Standard and Premium subscribers retain access until October 13, 2026.

Will my .pub files be deleted when Publisher is discontinued?

No. Your .pub files stay on your hard drive and are not affected by Publisher's discontinuation. What changes is that Publisher (the application) will no longer be maintained or available through M365. Your files are safe — you just need an alternative tool to open them.

Can I keep using Publisher after October 2026?

Only if you have a standalone perpetual license (not M365). The application continues to run without support or updates. M365 subscribers cannot use Publisher after October 13, 2026. Running unsupported software carries growing security risk over time.

What does Microsoft recommend for migration?

Microsoft suggests exporting documents to PDF or Word before the deadline. What they do not clearly explain: Word imports .pub files as reflowed plain text — multi-column layouts, text boxes, and precise positioning are largely lost. PDF export is a flat image — no further editing. For layout fidelity, use a tool that reads .pub directly: LibreOffice Draw, Scribus, or PublishMedia.

What should churches and schools do about Publisher being discontinued?

Open your existing .pub files now with PublishMedia, LibreOffice Draw, or Scribus. Export each as a PDF while you still can. Then start building new bulletins, newsletters, and event flyers in a Publisher replacement. PublishMedia has dedicated templates for church bulletins, school newsletters, flyers, and certificates — purpose-built as a Publisher replacement for exactly this audience.