Fix Stock Names Disappearing in Excel Desktop
Question details
The user's investment workbook displays stock names properly in Excel for the web but fails to load them in the Excel desktop application.

- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Using linked data types and STOCKHISTORY formulas for investment and financial tracking.
- Observed behavior
- Linked data types and STOCKHISTORY formulas return #ONBEKEND! or unknown errors in the desktop application, even though the exact same workbook functions correctly online.
Ensure your computer is connected to the internet, as linked stock data types and the STOCKHISTORY function require an active connection to retrieve real-time financial market data.
Verify Your Microsoft 365 Subscription and Update Excel
Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and the latest version of Excel, as linked data types require a premium license on desktop.
Excel for the web offers certain premium features for free, but the desktop application requires a valid, active Microsoft 365 subscription to process linked data types and the STOCKHISTORY function. Using an outdated version or a standalone license (like Office 2019) will result in unknown errors.
Open the Excel desktop application. On a Mac, click 'Excel' in the top menu bar and select 'About Microsoft Excel'. On Windows, go to 'File' > 'Account' to view your current version details. You need version 16.91 or higher.
In the same Account or About menu, verify that the application is activated and signed in with the Microsoft account associated with your active subscription.
If an update is available, install the latest version of Microsoft Office and restart Excel to see if the stock formulas calculate correctly.

Test Stock Data in a New Blank Workbook
Determine if the issue is specific to your current investment workbook by testing the STOCKHISTORY function in a fresh file.
Manage Your Financial Data Seamlessly with WPS Office
If strict subscription barriers and desktop syncing issues in Excel are interrupting your financial tracking, try WPS Office. It is a powerful, free alternative that offers robust spreadsheet capabilities, familiar financial formulas, and excellent compatibility without the heavy recurring fees.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
- 2. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and easily open your existing Excel investment workbook.
- 3. Analyze Data: Utilize the built-in financial formulas and data analysis tools to continue tracking your investments without interruption.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does STOCKHISTORY work in Excel Online but not in the desktop app?
Excel for the web sometimes allows free access to certain premium features for Microsoft account holders. However, the desktop application strictly requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription to utilize linked data types and the STOCKHISTORY function.
What does the #ONBEKEND! error mean in Excel?
#ONBEKEND! is the Dutch localization for the #UNKNOWN! error in Excel. It typically appears when Excel does not recognize a specific data type or function, usually because the desktop version is outdated or lacks the required Microsoft 365 subscription license.
How do I refresh linked stock data in my workbook?
To refresh stock data, open your workbook, go to the 'Data' tab on the ribbon, and click 'Refresh All'. Ensure your internet connection is active so Excel can fetch the latest financial market prices.
Can I use linked data types on older standalone versions of Excel?
No. Premium linked data types, such as Stocks and Geography, as well as the STOCKHISTORY function, are exclusively available to Microsoft 365 subscribers. Older standalone versions like Office 2016 or 2019 do not support these features.




