Microsoft Publisher and Office 2021 support end in October

Photographer: Douglas Levere

By Michael Canfield
IT Communication Specialist

Published September 23, 2026

Microsoft is retiring Publisher and ending support for Office 2021 in October 2026. Faculty and staff who use either software should begin preparing now.

What is changing?

Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to access MS Publisher beginning October 1, 2026. Support for the perpetual version of Publisher ends October 13, 2026, along with support for Office 2021.

Office 2021 applications may continue to open after October 13th, but Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes or technical support. Using unsupported software can create security and compatibility risks.

Using Publisher?

Review your Publisher (.pub) files now and decide which ones you need to keep.

For files you only need to view, share or print, export a PDF while Publisher is still available: File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document.

For files you will need to edit, recreate the content in a supported tool. Word may work well for text-focused documents; PowerPoint can be useful for page layouts; Adobe Express is another option for flyers, brochures and other designed materials.

Open and check converted or recreated files before deleting the original .pub files. Complex layouts may require manual adjustments.

See Publisher transition instructions for detailed guidance and recommended alternatives. If you need help converting Publisher files, contact your departmental IT support or the UBIT Help Center.

Using Office 2021?

To check your version, open Word, Excel or another Office application and select File > Account. Your version appears under Product Information or About. For Mac, open any Office application, such as Word. Select Word (or whichever Office application you opened) and choose About Word (or whichever application you opened).

On a UB-managed device: your departmental IT support team will help move the device to a supported version. UB policy does not permit unsupported software on a UB owned device.

If you use a personal device: move to a UB-approved, supported version before October 13th.

Need help?

Faculty and staff can contact the UBIT Help Center at (716) 645-3542, email ubithelp@buffalo.edu or submit a ticket at buffalo.edu/ubit/help.

UB Information Technology News keeps UB students, faculty, and staff informed about their IT services and showcases creative collaborations between UBIT and the campus community. Published by UB Information Technology and distributed via email as The Monthly Download. Edited by Diana Tuorto, IT Communication and Engagement, dianatuo@buffalo.edu.

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