Are Microsoft Access and Publisher Included in Microsoft 365 Personal?
Question details
The user wants to confirm if Microsoft Access and Publisher are part of the Microsoft 365 Personal subscription and how to find them.

- Product
- Microsoft 365 Personal
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Checking subscription features and locating installed applications.
- Observed behavior
- The user is unsure if they have access to Access and Publisher, or they cannot find the application shortcuts to launch them on their computer.
Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 Personal subscription and are using a Windows PC, as Access and Publisher are not available for Mac.
Locate Access and Publisher on Your Windows PC
Check if the applications are already installed on your system along with the rest of your Microsoft 365 apps.
Microsoft 365 Personal for Windows does include the desktop versions of both Access and Publisher. They are usually installed automatically alongside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Click the Windows Start button on your taskbar and type 'Access' or 'Publisher' into the search bar to see if the app appears.
If you cannot find the shortcuts, open File Explorer and navigate to 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16' or 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16'.
Look for the executable files named 'MSACCESS.EXE' and 'MSPUB.EXE'. Double-click them to launch the programs directly, and right-click to pin them to your taskbar for easier access.

Repair or Reinstall Microsoft 365 Desktop Apps
If you have a Windows subscription but cannot find the apps, you may need to repair your Office installation to restore missing applications.
Try WPS Office for Your Daily Productivity Needs
While Microsoft 365 includes specialized tools like Access and Publisher exclusively for Windows, most users primarily need core tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that covers all essential document needs across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Microsoft Access or Publisher on a Mac?
No, Microsoft Access and Publisher are exclusively available for Windows PCs. They are not included in the Mac version of Microsoft 365, and there are no native macOS versions of these specific applications.
What is happening to Microsoft Publisher?
Microsoft has announced that Publisher is scheduled for discontinuation. However, if you already have it installed via your Microsoft 365 subscription, you can continue using it for the time being. Microsoft is shifting focus to other creative tools and features within Word and PowerPoint.
Are Access and Publisher included in Microsoft 365 Family?
Yes, similar to the Microsoft 365 Personal plan, the Family subscription also includes the desktop versions of Access and Publisher, provided you are installing them on a Windows PC.




