Office Compatibility Issues

How to Run Publisher 2019 or 2021 Alongside Microsoft 365 Family

Aamir Naveed Akram Sep 27, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users want to know if they can install and run a standalone perpetual license of Microsoft Publisher 2019 or 2021 concurrently with a Microsoft 365 Family subscription.

Product: Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Preparing for Microsoft Publisher's scheduled removal from Microsoft 365 in October 2026 by installing a standalone version to retain access to existing files.
Observed behavior: Standalone Publisher installation instructions often prompt users to uninstall previous Office versions, causing confusion and potential conflicts with an active Microsoft 365 installation.

Before you start

Before attempting to install a standalone version of Publisher, check your current Microsoft 365 installation architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) and ensure you have the product key for your standalone software ready.

Solution 1Recommended

Match Installation Technology and Architecture

To successfully run standalone Publisher alongside Microsoft 365, both applications must use the exact same installation technology and bit architecture.

Microsoft does not allow mixing Click-to-Run and Windows Installer (MSI) products of the same year/version. Additionally, you cannot install a 32-bit application on the same machine that has 64-bit Office applications installed.

Check your Microsoft 365 bit version

Open any Microsoft 365 app like Word. Click on 'File' > 'Account' > 'About Word'. Note whether it says 32-bit or 64-bit.

Verify your standalone Publisher installer

Ensure that your Publisher 2019 or 2021 ISO or installer matches the exact bit version (32-bit or 64-bit) of your Microsoft 365 installation.

Ensure Click-to-Run compatibility

Microsoft 365 uses Click-to-Run. Ensure your perpetual Publisher license is also a Click-to-Run installation. If it is an MSI installer, it will likely conflict and require uninstalling Microsoft 365.

Run the setup

Execute the standalone setup file. If both the bit version and installation technology match, the installation should proceed without forcing you to remove Microsoft 365.

Installation Conflicts: If the installer strictly demands the uninstallation of Microsoft 365, your installation types do not match. Do not uninstall Microsoft 365 unless you are certain you can reinstall it without losing data.

Solution 2

Use Alternative Software for Publisher Files

If you cannot resolve installation conflicts, transition to alternative desktop publishing software that supports .pub files.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Reliable Microsoft Office Alternative?

While Microsoft Publisher is being phased out, you can handle the majority of your document creation, layout, and presentation needs with WPS Office. It is a completely free, lightweight suite that provides exceptional format compatibility, a familiar user interface, and seamless migration from Microsoft tools.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install and Launch: Run the setup file. WPS Office installs rapidly and groups Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets into one convenient workspace.
3. Open Your Existing Files: Drag and drop your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files directly into WPS Office to continue working without losing any formatting.

Completely free, lightweight, and incredibly fast to installHigh format compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint filesAdvanced, built-in PDF editing tools perfect for final document layoutsFamiliar user interface that requires zero learning curve for Office users

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Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly is Microsoft Publisher being removed from Microsoft 365?

Microsoft has announced that Publisher will be officially removed from Microsoft 365 subscriptions on October 1, 2026. After this date, it will no longer be included or supported in the suite.

Can I have both Click-to-Run and MSI versions of Office installed on the same computer?

Generally, no. Microsoft blocks the simultaneous installation of Click-to-Run and Windows Installer (MSI) products for the same version year. To run Publisher alongside Microsoft 365, both must be Click-to-Run.

Does LibreOffice support Microsoft Publisher (.pub) files?

LibreOffice has very limited support for Publisher files through the libmspub library, but complex layouts often break. Using Scribus or exporting your original Publisher files to PDF is generally recommended for better results.

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