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Fix Microsoft Publisher Five-Day Pass Error in Office Home & Student 2021
Question details
The user is unable to access Microsoft Publisher and receives a trial expiration message, despite having a fully activated installation of Office Home & Student 2021.
- Product
- Microsoft Publisher, Office Home & Student 2021
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch and use Microsoft Publisher on a computer running Office Home & Student 2021.
- Observed behavior
- Publisher blocks access by displaying a message that a five-day pass has ended. Standard troubleshooting steps like repairing or reinstalling Office do not resolve the error.
Verify your exact Microsoft Office edition in your account settings and check if your computer came with a pre-installed trial version of Microsoft 365.
Uninstall the Expired Microsoft 365 Trial
Since Publisher is not included in Office Home & Student 2021, the error is caused by a leftover Microsoft 365 trial that needs to be removed.
Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 only includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It does not include Microsoft Publisher. The Publisher application currently installed on your computer is a remnant of an expired Microsoft 365 trial that was likely pre-installed by your device manufacturer.
Click the Start button, select the 'Settings' gear icon, and click on 'Apps' from the left-hand menu.
Click on 'Installed apps' or 'Apps & features' to view the complete list of software installed on your computer.
Use the search bar to look for 'Microsoft 365' or 'Microsoft Publisher'. Do not select your Office Home & Student 2021 installation.
Click the three dots next to the Microsoft 365 entry, select 'Uninstall', and follow the on-screen prompts to remove the expired software from your system.
Try WPS Office for Your Document Layout and Editing Needs
If you need to create brochures, flyers, or complex document layouts but don't want to pay extra for Microsoft Publisher, WPS Office offers a completely free, highly compatible alternative. WPS Writer includes robust desktop publishing and page layout tools that let you design stunning documents without complicated licensing errors.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Start Designing: Launch WPS Writer, navigate to the 'Page Layout' tab, and utilize the text box and shape tools to begin designing your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 include Publisher?
No. Office Home & Student 2021 is a basic productivity suite that only includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for a one-time purchase. It does not include Publisher or Access.
Why did Publisher work for a few days if I only bought Home & Student?
Many new Windows computers come with a pre-installed, time-limited trial of Microsoft 365. When you activated your new PC, the trial began, temporarily granting you access to premium apps like Publisher before expiring.
Can I buy Microsoft Publisher as a one-time purchase?
Yes, Microsoft does sell Publisher as a standalone application for PC. However, it is often more cost-effective for users to subscribe to a Microsoft 365 plan if they also need other premium Office features and cloud storage.
