Can you still get Publisher? Downloads, old versions and safer options

Can I still download Publisher?

It depends entirely on what you already own. Microsoft's retirement FAQ says that with a Microsoft 365 subscription, Publisher "will no longer be available for installation or download after October 2026". But for perpetual (one-off) versions, "you will still be able to install and use the app beyond this date" (Microsoft Support).

• Microsoft 365 (any plan): no download. See Publisher missing from Microsoft 365.
• A one-off copy you already own: yes, from your Microsoft account. For Office 2016 to 2021, Microsoft says to sign in to the account linked to that copy, go to Office apps, and choose Install (Microsoft Support). It adds that a one-time purchase "is licensed for one install only."

Can I still buy Publisher?

Not in Microsoft's current Office line-up. The newest one-off version, Office 2024, doesn't include it. Microsoft says Publisher "is not included with Office LTSC 2024" because of its retirement (Microsoft Learn), and its Office 2024 FAQ lists Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and (in Home & Business) Outlook, but not Publisher.

Microsoft's support pages don't describe any way to buy Publisher new now. Older boxed copies and product keys do turn up second-hand, but bear in mind the support dates below before spending money on one.

When did support end for each version?

These dates come from Microsoft's lifecycle pages and support articles. "End of support" means no more fixes, including security fixes.

In short, every version of Publisher you could install today is out of support. The lifecycle pages give each cut-off as an exact time, so some show the following day's date (for example 14 October 2026 for Publisher 2021).

Is it risky to keep using an unsupported Publisher?

Microsoft says so. Of Office 2016 and 2019, which share Publisher's situation, it says the apps "may continue to function" but you "could expose yourself to serious and potentially harmful security risks", and that "the performance and quality of the apps may degrade over time" (Microsoft Support). The same logic applies to Publisher 2021 now that its support has ended.

If you do keep an old copy going, a few sensible habits help:

• Only open .pub files you made yourself or got from people you trust.
• Use it on one computer for the job, rather than across the whole office.
• Use the time to export PDFs and editable copies of the files you rely on, so you're not dependent on it.

What about "free Publisher download" sites?

Be very careful. Microsoft doesn't offer Publisher as a free download, so a site offering one is not Microsoft. Microsoft's security team warns that illegitimate software downloads "may also be riddled with malware", including viruses, spyware and software that can steal your identity, and advises buying "only through legitimate sources" (Microsoft Security blog).

For a school or church computer that also holds names, addresses or payment details, that's not a risk worth taking just to open a newsletter.

What are the free ways to keep using .pub files?

You don't need Publisher installed to open, edit or print .pub files.

• Free Pub Editor opens .pub files from Publisher 2002 through to Microsoft 365 in your browser, with layout, text, fonts, pictures (including old WMF and EMF clip art), shapes, tables and master pages. You can edit, print with page ranges, export PDF, PNG or JPEG, and save editable .fpe copies. It's free, there's no sign-up or activation, and files are processed in your browser rather than uploaded. Publisher 2000 files open as text only; Publisher 97 and earlier aren't supported yet.
• Word or PowerPoint are Microsoft's suggestions for new work, but they can't open .pub files. Our .pub to Word guide explains how to move content across.
• Other alternatives are compared in what replaced Microsoft Publisher, and for schools and churches in this guide.

Whichever you choose, keep the original .pub files as a backup.

Common questions