Goodbye to one of Microsoft’s longest-running programs after 35 years

The passage of time affects everything around us, including some long-running features we never thought would disappear. The reality is quite different and Microsoft has announced the definitive end of one of its longest-running applications: Microsoft Publisher.

Publisher is a desktop publishing and graphic design application that debuted in 1991 and will disappear completely in October 2026. Its development gradually lost priority, with the last major version released in 2021 and it was removed from the Office suite in 2024. Now the company has confirmed that all support for Publisher will end in October of next year.

Why has Microsoft Publisher been canceled?

Publisher was a program that was always present but never quite caught on with professional users. Its features fell short compared to its competitors, and over time it became more popular among individuals and small businesses with basic needs.

Microsoft 365 users will lose access to Publisher once support ends, but those with Office 2021 installed should be able to continue using the application, although they will not receive any security updates or bug fixes. Microsoft emphasizes that simple graphic design tasks can be handled in Word, PowerPoint or the newer Designer. Those who need more advanced features will have to rely on other products.

In a statement, Microsoft explained: “At Microsoft, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the tools they need to achieve what matters, in their work and life. In order to focus on new benefits, we occasionally remove features and products.”

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