Executive Summary
- Since 1991, Microsoft Publisher has been a go-to application for desktop publishing and print design software, especially as a more accessible option compared to Adobe’s InDesign or QuarkXPress.
- In a short post on its website, Microsoft announced in early 2024 that the Microsoft Publisher app will no longer be supported after October 2026.
- After Publisher reaches end of life, it’ll no longer be accessible to Microsoft 365 subscribers and support will end for those with a perpetual license.
Introduction
There was a time when print ruled the world.
Long before the rise of the email newsletter or social media update, crafting a brochure, poster, or event programme involved something called desktop publishing.
Enter Microsoft Publisher.
Launched back in 1991, it became a reliable tool for businesses, schools, and personal projects alike-offering a DIY means to create a professional-looking print design without the steep learning curve of tools like Adobe InDesign.
But, as with all good things, Publisher’s run is coming to an end. That’s because, as announced earlier this year, Microsoft Publisher will reach “end of life” status in October 2026.
What is Microsoft Publisher?
Microsoft Publisher was born as an entry-level desktop publishing software in 1991. It was essentially made for people who didn’t have the design chops-or the budget-for more advanced tools like those from Adobe and Quark.
From brochures and calendars to business cards and flyers, Publisher gave people the power to produce print-ready documents with relative ease. That might be a familiar dynamic, because tools like Microsoft Designer are doing the same thing today for those who don’t have the budget for in-house graphic design or social media resources.
Publisher’s templates allowed even the least creative types to whip up something which fit the bill. And, for small businesses on tight budgets, it’s been a godsend.
But desktop publishing, like print itself, has seen its role shift with the times.
As businesses embrace cloud solutions and all things digital, Microsoft Publisher’s time has come.
When will Microsoft Publisher reach end of life?
October 2026 is now the official farewell date for Microsoft Publisher.
After that point, the app will enter what Microsoft calls “end of life” status (EOL). Not the most ceremonious of titles, but it essentially means it’ll no longer be included in Microsoft 365 and that users with the standalone version will also lose official support (over-the-air updates, bug fixes, etc.).
It’s still business as usual until then, but if you’re a dedicated Publisher user, now’s the time to start thinking about your next steps.
Will Microsoft Publisher stop working after October 2026?
It’s worth noting that Microsoft won’t simply throw a switch in 2026 and uninstall Publisher from every PC in the world.
On the contrary, the app will continue to work after that date, but you’ll need to stick with whatever version you already have installed-whether that’s downloaded local app from Microsoft 365 or the standalone version of Publisher. You also won’t receive any further security updates or bug fixes for the app. It’ll essentially be frozen in time at that point, so we should be clear that using EOL software can be a potential cybersecurity risk.
If you’re a Microsoft 365 customer on any plan other than Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Publisher will no longer be included in the downloadable Office apps package. If you haven’t already, you can access the installable versions by visiting microsoft365.com and selecting “Install and more” in the upper-right corner.
Why is Microsoft ending support for Microsoft Publisher?
It’s no secret that the software world moves fast, and Microsoft is by no means an exception.
Microsoft Publisher, while well-loved by those who use it regularly, probably doesn’t fit into Microsoft’s future vision in 2024. As part of their shift to cloud-based tools and apps that offer broader, integrated experiences, Publisher’s focus on the desktop is becoming somewhat outdated.
In its announcement post, Microsoft pointed out that many common tasks you’d use Publisher for-creating branded templates, business cards, or event programmes-can now be done in Word, PowerPoint, or the newer Microsoft Designer app. Plus, as companies shift towards more collaborative, cloud-based workflows, Publisher’s localised desktop functionality might start feeling a little… retro.
What are the alternatives to Microsoft Publisher?
If Publisher has been your go-to for years, its departure may feel like losing an old friend.
But fear not-there are plenty of modern options that can step up to fill the gap.
- For the everyday user. At the moment, Word, PowerPoint, and Designer are Microsoft’s recommended alternatives. It’s true that they don’t match Publisher exactly, but they do offer plenty of templates and design tools for simpler projects like flyers and newsletters.
- For creative pros. Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress remain top choices for more advanced publishing, offering powerful design features fit for more complex needs. They’re certainly pricier (and harder to learn) but provide unmatched flexibility.
- For cloud-based design. Canva or Microsoft Designer are the ideal choice for drag-and-drop simplicity. Ready-made templates makes them both strong alternatives for lighter-weight projects, even though the focus is more on the digital and social media side of business communications.
To learn more about Publisher alternatives as we approach 2026, chat to your Get Support Customer Success Manager or call us on 01865 594000.
