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Microsoft Publisher 2021 vs Microsoft 365 Publisher After 2026
Question details
Users are looking for clarification on whether Publisher 2021 will continue to work and support existing .pub files after Microsoft 365 Publisher is discontinued.
- Product
- Microsoft Publisher
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Preparing for the discontinuation of Microsoft 365 Publisher and evaluating Publisher 2021 as a long-term replacement for handling existing files.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft is discontinuing Publisher in Microsoft 365, raising concerns about future access, feature updates, and document compatibility for perpetual-license users.
Before transitioning away from Microsoft 365 Publisher, identify and gather all your important .pub files to ensure they are backed up and ready for testing in alternative software or perpetual-license versions.
Migrate to Publisher 2021 (Perpetual License)
Continue using Publisher 2021 to open and edit existing files without an active subscription.
Publisher 2021 is a perpetual-license (one-time purchase) version of the software. While it will continue to run locally after the Microsoft 365 version is discontinued, it will not receive ongoing feature updates or cloud collaboration improvements.
It should open most files created in newer versions, but documents utilizing the latest Microsoft 365 templates or advanced formatting may experience compatibility issues.
Save copies of your existing .pub files to a secure local drive or an alternative cloud storage platform to prevent data loss.
Ensure your perpetual license of Publisher 2021 is properly installed and activated on your computer.
Open a few complex .pub documents in Publisher 2021 to check for any lost formatting, missing fonts, or unsupported features.
Export Publisher Files to Alternative Formats
Convert your .pub files into standard formats like PDF or Word for long-term accessibility.
Switch to WPS Office for Your Document Creation Needs
While Microsoft Publisher is being discontinued, WPS Office offers a comprehensive, free, and lightweight suite for creating professional documents, newsletters, and presentations. It provides excellent compatibility with standard Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the application: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Explore templates: Open WPS Writer or WPS Presentation and browse the extensive template library to start designing your publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Microsoft 365 Publisher being discontinued?
Microsoft has announced that Publisher will be retired in October 2026. After this date, it will no longer be included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions or receive any updates.
Will Publisher 2021 stop working after 2026?
No, Publisher 2021 is a one-time purchase (perpetual license) and will continue to function locally on your computer. However, it will not receive new features, security updates, or ongoing cloud integrations.
Can Publisher 2021 open files created in Microsoft 365 Publisher?
Yes, Publisher 2021 can open most .pub files. However, if the file uses newer features, templates, or formatting exclusive to Microsoft 365, you may experience compatibility issues or lost formatting.
How can I safely migrate my Publisher files?
It is highly recommended to back up all your important .pub files locally. You should also consider exporting critical documents to PDF format to ensure they remain accessible and retain their original layout without relying on Publisher.
