Solved Does Publisher end of support only affect those who are signed in and save to the Cloud

MS Office 2021 Pro - Not signed in
Am I correct that if I only save my files locally then the message I see does not apply to me?
I realise that security updates will also end in October 2026 but I do not share files and am happy to continue creating Publisher cards for my own local use.

The October 2026 end of support affects users differently based on their license type, not just their cloud usage.

The impact depends on how you own the software:

• Microsoft 365 Subscribers:This group is the most affected.
  • Access: After October 2026, Publisher will be removed from the Microsoft 365 suite and will no longer be available for installation or download.
  • Functionality: You will likely be unable to open or edit your existing Publisher files using the application.
• Perpetual License Owners (e.g., Office 2021/2019): These users are less affected.
  • Access: The application will remain installed on your computer and will not be automatically removed.
  • Functionality: You can continue to use the app to open, edit, and save files locally.
  • Support: It will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft.

That's what I thought. Thank you.
It's MS pushing users to subscribe to to Office 365.
I can understand them doing this but I'll stick with my perpetual licence Publisher 2021.

They are not trying to push you to Office 365, they are abandoning (phasing out) MS Publisher. Nothing wrong with sticking with Office 2021, I'm still using Office 2007 on one system but just installed Office 2019 on another. I was using Office 2000 up until 5 years ago and MS was sending me security updates the whole time. I use to use Publisher a long time ago but that was only because we actually printed paper news letters. Haven't used it for 15 years because we quit printing paper newsletters.

Google search can suggest some free and paid alternatives if you feel like trying some out but but you have is all you need.

Affinity 3 is probably the best free alternative.

Yes, I am aware of alternatives to Publisher but I don't want to learn a new product.
Thanks anyway.