Office Compatibility Issues

Will Microsoft Publisher Files Work After Support Ends?

Bushra Parveen Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if their existing .pub files will remain accessible and editable after Microsoft discontinues support for Publisher.

Will Microsoft Publisher Files Still Work After Support Ends?

Product: Microsoft Publisher
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Microsoft Publisher is reaching its end of support, and users need to manage their legacy publication files.
Observed behavior: Users are seeking clarity on the fate of their .pub files, future editing capabilities, and how to safely transition away from the unsupported software.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to a working version of Microsoft Publisher on your computer before attempting to export or convert your legacy files.

Solution 1Recommended

Back up and Convert Publisher Files to Supported Formats

The most secure way to future-proof your .pub files is to export them to standard formats like PDF or Word while Publisher is still fully functional.

While your original files will not be deleted, losing access to a secure, updated Publisher application means you might struggle to open them later. Exporting them now ensures long-term accessibility across multiple platforms and alternative software suites.

Open your file in Microsoft Publisher

Launch Microsoft Publisher on your computer and open the specific .pub file you wish to preserve.

Export as PDF

Navigate to 'File' > 'Export' > 'Create PDF/XPS Document' in the top ribbon. Click the 'Create PDF/XPS' button and choose a secure location to save your new PDF file.

Save as Word Document

Alternatively, to maintain text editability, go to 'File' > 'Save As', choose your destination folder, and select 'Word Document (*.docx)' from the 'Save as type' dropdown menu.

Back up and Convert Publisher Files to Supported Formats

Tip: Converting to PDF is best for preserving the exact layout and graphics for printing, while converting to Word is best if you plan to edit the text heavily in the future.

Solution 2

Keep a Legacy Version of Publisher for Editing

If you must continue working in the native .pub format, you can maintain your current installation of Microsoft Publisher after support ends.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Future Document Creation

As Microsoft Publisher reaches its end of support, you can recreate and manage your future publications, flyers, and documents using WPS Office. It provides powerful Word processing, robust PDF editing, and layout tools completely free of charge.

1. Download and install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installer for Windows, Mac, or Linux, and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Open your exported publications: Launch WPS Office and click 'Open' to locate the PDF or Word versions of your legacy Publisher files.
3. Edit and format freely: Use WPS Writer or WPS PDF tools to adjust layouts, edit text, insert images, and continue designing your documents seamlessly.

Free, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft OfficeFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Advanced PDF editing tools perfect for managing exported Publisher filesFamiliar user interface that requires no learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my .pub files be automatically deleted when support ends?

No, your Microsoft Publisher files will remain safely stored on your local hard drive or cloud storage. However, you will need a compatible application to open and edit them.

Is it safe to keep using Publisher after support is discontinued?

While the software will still function, using it after support ends means you will no longer receive critical security updates. This could potentially expose your computer to new vulnerabilities if malicious files are opened.

Can WPS Office natively open .pub files?

WPS Office does not open .pub files directly. The best workaround is to export your Publisher files to PDF or Word (.docx) formats while Publisher is still active, which can then be easily opened and edited in WPS Office.

What is the best format to convert Publisher files into?

PDF is highly recommended for preserving the exact layout, fonts, and images of your publication. If you anticipate needing to heavily edit the text later, saving it as a Word Document (.docx) is the more practical choice.

Office App Problems