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Fix Excel for Mac Stock Data Types Cannot Refresh Error
Question details
The user is unable to refresh Stock Data Types in Excel for Mac, receiving an error message even though the web version of Excel processes the data correctly.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to update or refresh financial data linked to the Stocks data type in a spreadsheet.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays a 'Cannot Refresh Data Types' error for Stocks data. Signing out and back in does not resolve the desktop application error, although the feature continues to work normally on Excel for the Web.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and save a backup copy of your current spreadsheet before attempting to reinstall the application or reset activation licenses.
Roll Back to a Previous Stable Build of Excel for Mac
Since this is often a known bug in specific recent updates, reverting to an older stable build (such as 16.64 or 16.61) is the most reliable workaround until a permanent fix is released.
Data type refresh issues are frequently tied to specific version builds in Office for Mac. Reverting to a previously supported build temporarily bypasses the bug without affecting your saved spreadsheets.
Open the Applications folder on your Mac, locate Microsoft Excel, and drag it to the Trash.
Go to the official 'Update history for Office for Mac' page on the Microsoft Learn website. Locate build 16.64 (or 16.61) and download the installer package for Excel.
Run the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the older version of Excel.
Open Excel, go to Help > Check for Updates, and uncheck 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date' so it does not immediately overwrite your working version.
Remove and Reactivate Office License Files
Corrupted local authentication tokens can prevent Excel from verifying your Microsoft 365 subscription, blocking premium features like Stock Data Types.
Install the Latest Supported Update
If you are already on an older unsupported version, updating to the absolute latest patch might resolve the refresh issue if Microsoft has recently deployed a fix.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable Spreadsheet Experience
If Microsoft Excel's recurring bugs and data refresh errors are slowing down your productivity on Mac, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for macOS users, ensuring your spreadsheets remain accessible and easy to edit without frustrating update issues.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .xlsx spreadsheets to continue your work seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my stock data types work on Excel for Web but not on Mac?
Excel for Web operates on Microsoft's live cloud servers, which are always running the latest authenticated environment. The Mac desktop version can experience local cache issues, authentication glitches, or specific build bugs that prevent it from retrieving external data.
Will using the License Removal Tool delete my spreadsheets?
No, the Microsoft License Removal Tool only clears hidden activation and subscription files on your Mac. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and application preferences are completely safe and will not be deleted.
Are Stock Data Types a free feature in Excel?
Stock Data Types are considered a premium feature and generally require an active Microsoft 365 subscription. If your subscription has expired or your account is facing sync issues, the data types will fail to refresh.
How do I stop Excel from automatically updating to a buggy version?
Open Excel, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates'. In the Microsoft AutoUpdate window, uncheck the box that says 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date'.
