The upcoming end of Microsoft Publisher has left many loyal paying customers searching for answers and ways to express their frustrations. Here’s a realistic guide to the expectations and practical steps for anyone wanting to tell Microsoft how they feel about the end of Publisher
Microsoft Publisher Ends in October 2026 – Key Dates, Alternatives & How to Keep .pub Files
Publisher 365 will stop working completely. Other versions of Publisher (2021, 2019 etc) will continue to function, though not supported for bug or security fixes.
Before you start
We’re all in favor of paying customers trying to make their voices heard to Microsoft but we also must be realistic. Over 20 years of Office Watch we’ve rarely seen Microsoft change a policy decision and when it does there are usually good reasons beyond customer feedback.
For example, the ending of Skype calling was extended probably because it would have breached some consumer protection laws not the complaints from Skype customers.
Paul Simon said it back in 1970:
“Still, a man hears what he wants to hear. And disregards the rest.”.
Microsoft only listens to customer complaints when it suits them, like most big companies. Sure, they talk a lot about “being responsive to customers” but that’s just rote corporate insincerity. Office for Mac customers know that better than most.
Stopping the end of Publisher
When it comes to big decisions like ending Microsoft Publisher, it’s a done deal. Sorry to be the bringer of bad news.
No amount of customer complaints will make the company change its mind and keep Publisher going. That’s because ending Publisher will save the company a lot in development/maintenance costs and cost-saving is a big thing with Microsoft at the moment. Even if a financial case could be made to keep Publisher, you’d have to overcome management ego and a reluctance to reverse their decision.
All anyone could hope for is a reversal of the ‘Kill Switch” on Publisher 365 which will stop working in October 2026. Ideally, Publisher 365 would keep working after the end date with a warning about the lack of support including security or bug patches.
Be polite
Microsoft is an enormous, soulless corporate behemoth that often drives its customers crazy and is making Publisher users very angry. But it’s run by actual humans who mostly care deeply about their work and making Microsoft software/services better.
Though it’s more likely to be summarized by an AI, real people can read feedback, Unlike Microsoft itself, their staff have feelings. They do NOT deserve the horrible abuse that is included in some customer messages. Please be polite
Microsoft Publisher
There’s a Feedback option inside Publisher 365 itself.
Go to File menu. Choose “Help Improve Office?” button on top-right.
Microsoft Q&A
Visit: Microsoft Q&A which is the replacement for the Support Community. Q&A is more limited that the old web site.
- Find the appropriate “End of Publisher“ question or start a new one.
- Post your complaint
Microsoft 365 Admin Portal (if you’re an IT admin)
If you’re using Microsoft 365 for business:
Go to https://admin.microsoft.com Use “Give Feedback” at the bottom-right corner or through the Message center items.
Social Media
Microsoft pays some attention to public feedback on platforms like:
- X / Twitter: Tag @Microsoft365, @Office with a clear, concise complaint.
- Also Threads or BlueSky
- Use relevant hashtags like
#Microsoft365,#Publisher
Letter
An old-fashioned letter (ink on paper). The fact that customers are taking the time and trouble to write might get some attention.
Write to the head (by name) of the local Microsoft office.
Microsoft Publisher Ends in October 2026 – Key Dates, Alternatives & How to Keep .pub Files
Beware the Publisher 365 “Kill Switch” deadline
