Microsoft has announced that from October 2026, Microsoft Publisher will be removed from the Microsoft 365 application suite. After removal, users will no longer be able to create, open, or edit Publisher (.pub) files using Microsoft Publisher.
What does this mean?
If you currently use Microsoft Publisher to create or maintain documents, you should review any existing Publisher files and convert them to a supported format before Publisher is removed from Windows Staff devices and Labs on Friday 30th October.
Common alternatives include:
- Microsoft Word for documents, newsletters, forms, labels and reports.
- Microsoft PowerPoint for posters, presentations and visual communications.
- PDF for documents that only need to be viewed or printed.
How to convert a Publisher document to Word:
Microsoft recommends:
- Open the Publisher file.
- Save the document as a PDF.
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Select File > Open and browse to the PDF file.
- Word will convert the document into an editable Word document.
How to convert a Publisher document to PDF:
- Open the Publisher file (.pub).
- Select File > Save As.
- Choose a location to save the file.
- From the Save as type dropdown, select PDF (*.pdf).
- Select Save.
Please note that complex layouts, graphics and formatting may require manual adjustment after conversion.
What action do I need to take?
If you have any Publisher files that you still need to edit or maintain:
- Identify and review your existing .pub files.
- Convert them to a supported format where appropriate.
- Store the converted files in your normal business storage location.
Where can I get more information and support?
Further information from Microsoft can be found here: Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026 | Microsoft Support
If you have any queries or require assistance converting business-critical documents, please contact the IT Service Desk at IT.Services@lboro.ac.uk