Microsoft has confirmed plans to retire the Publisher application in 2026. From the report: I have fond memories of Microsoft Publisher, which was launched in 1991 as a desktop publisher for Windows 3.0. Alternatives existed: Ventura Publisher, Timeworks, and later his QuarkXPress, but Microsoft Publisher was a useful tool for creating newsletters. Unlike Word, Publisher focused on layout and page design. Although it lacked a lot of features that its competitors didn't have, it was popular because it was responsible for some truly terrifying designs and had a low price tag.
Although not well received by professionals, Microsoft Publisher continued to be updated over the years. Microsoft Publisher 97 first appeared in the Microsoft Office suite, and the latest version released in 2021 is available as part of Microsoft 365. But all good things must come to an end for Publisher. Microsoft has warned that the end of its venerable designer is near. The company stated, “Microsoft Publisher will reach end of support in October 2026.'' “After that time, it will no longer be part of Microsoft 365 and the existing on-premises suite will no longer be supported. Until then, Publisher will continue to be supported and users can expect the same experience they have today.”