As more Microsoft 365 applications continue to evolve, some older tools are being retired to make way for newer solutions. One of those changes is the upcoming retirement of Microsoft Publisher, a program that has been a staple for creating newsletters, brochures, flyers, and other marketing materials for many years.

Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026. After October 1, 2026, Publisher will no longer be included in Microsoft 365, and Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files using the application. For businesses that still use Publisher for newsletters, brochures, flyers, or other marketing materials, now is the time to start planning for the transition.

What Should You Do?

Begin by identifying any important Publisher (.pub) files your organization still uses. Microsoft recommends converting files you want to keep before support ends. Converting documents to PDF is a great option for archiving and viewing files in the future. If documents will need ongoing edits, it may be worth recreating them in Word or PowerPoint, which now offer many of the same design capabilities.

Don’t wait Until the Deadline

Like any software retirement, waiting until the last minute can lead to frustration and potential loss of access to important files. By identifying and converting Publisher documents now, businesses can avoid disruption and ensure their historical content remains accessible.

If your organization still uses Microsoft Publisher, consider creating a migration plan over the next several months. A little preparation today can save significant time and headaches before October 2026 arrives.