Summary
- Microsoft will remove Publisher from Microsoft 365 on Oct 1, 2026.
- Microsoft says people don’t really use Publisher, and Word/PowerPoint already cover many features.
- Convert your Publisher files to Word or PDF and start migrating, or pick alternatives (self-hosted options exist).
Microsoft has been on a mission to consolidate its apps lately. It began when it announced it was scrapping WordPad and turning Notepad into, essentially, another WordPad. Then it said it was scrapping Remote Desktop and replacing it with ‘the Windows app.’ Last year, Microsoft announced it would remove Publisher from its 365 plan, and now that the deadline is quickly approaching, the company took some time to explain why it had to go.
Microsoft Publisher is going away to improve your 365 subscription
People just weren’t really using it, apparently
In an email first spotted by Windows Latest, Microsoft has sent out an email to 365 subscribers ahead of its Publisher shutdown. In it, the company explains its reasoning behind getting rid of Publisher from your plan:
Microsoft is committed to improving your Microsoft 365 subscription. We regularly review how our subscribers use features within Microsoft products. This email includes details regarding features going away next year and reminders about current benefits included with your subscription.
Microsoft then immediately explains that, beginning on October 1st, 2026, Publisher will no longer be available on your 365 plan. The company says that other Microsoft 365 apps, such as Word and PowerPoint, already have some of Publisher’s capabilities, so the tech company recommends you convert your Publisher files into a Word or PDF document before the deadline arrives.
Fortunately, Microsoft informed everyone about Publisher’s removal a year ago, so people have already had plenty of time to look for alternative apps to use instead. If you’re still unsure as to what to swap to (if anything), check out these self-hosted Microsoft Publisher alternatives that are here to stay.
Related
3 reasons I’m ditching Microsoft 365 after the latest changes
One step too far for me.