Data Import & Export

Fix Excel Stocks Data Type Server Errors and Missing Updates

Aamir Naveed Akram Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are unable to update existing Excel Stocks data types or add new ones due to a temporary server problem.

How to Fix Excel Stocks Data Type Server Errors and Missing Updates

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to refresh existing financial data or input new financial data using the built-in Stocks data type feature.
Observed behavior: Excel fails to retrieve stock information and displays an error message stating that the server is temporarily having problems.

Before you start

Verify that your computer has a stable internet connection and that you are signed into your Microsoft 365 account, as the Stocks feature requires continuous cloud access.

Solution 1Recommended

Report the Service Issue in Excel

Since the Stocks data type relies on a backend Microsoft service, the most effective action is to report the error so Microsoft can resolve the server outage.

This error is typically a service-side problem with the third-party Stocks data provider, rather than an issue with your local Excel installation or network.

Access the Help Menu

Open your affected workbook in Excel, click on the 'Help' tab located in the top ribbon menu, and select 'Feedback'.

Report a Problem

Click on 'Report a problem' from the right-hand feedback options pane.

Submit Error Details

Explain that the Stocks data type is showing a server error. Check the option to include screenshots of the error message, and submit your feedback.

Silent Resolutions: Microsoft support often resolves these backend data feed outages silently within a few hours to days, even without updating the public Service Health Dashboard.

Solution 2

Check Service Health (For Microsoft 365 Admins)

Business users can ask their IT administrators to verify if there is a known service degradation in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem or file a backend support ticket.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Reliable Spreadsheet Management

Since connected data types rely on remote servers that can experience outages, consider using WPS Office as a free, lightweight alternative. It offers powerful local spreadsheet capabilities, seamless formatting, and does not restrict your access to core functions during server downtimes.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite installer.
2. Install the Application: Run the downloaded file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your device.
3. Open Your Workbooks: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx files to continue working efficiently.

Free, lightweight, and fast office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsFamiliar user interface for immediate productivity and easy migrationReliable offline spreadsheet tools without reliance on strict backend services

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel say the server is temporarily having problems when using Stocks?

This specific error usually indicates a service-side disruption with Microsoft's third-party financial data provider, meaning the remote backend server that supplies the stock quotes is temporarily down or unreachable.

Will the Stocks data type outage show up in the Microsoft 365 Service Health dashboard?

Not always. The Stocks data provider operates as a separate backend service. Similar outages in the past have frequently occurred without triggering an official advisory on the public Service Health Dashboard.

How long does it typically take for Excel Stocks data errors to be resolved?

Because it is a remote server issue, Microsoft typically resolves these backend data feed outages without public announcements. Service is usually restored silently within a few hours to a couple of days.

Excel & Data Problems