logo
search
Function Problems

Fix Stock Names Disappearing in Excel Desktop

Muhammad TalhaMuhammad Talha Sep 28, 2026 869 views

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.

How to Fix Stock Names Disappearing in Excel Desktop App
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.
Before you start

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.

Solution 1Recommended

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 Using an outdated version or a standalone license (like Office 2019) will result in unknown errors.

1
Check Excel Version

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.

2
Confirm Account Activation

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.

3
Update the Application

If an update is available, install the latest version of Microsoft Office and restart Excel to see if the stock formulas calculate correctly.

Verify Your Microsoft 365 Subscription and Update Excel
Contacting Support: If you are using version 16.91+ with a valid subscription and still encounter the error, you may need to contact Microsoft Support with your activation method and a sample file.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

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. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
  2. 2. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and easily open your existing Excel investment workbook.
  3. 3. Analyze Data: Utilize the built-in financial formulas and data analysis tools to continue tracking your investments without interruption.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats, including .xlsx and .xls files.Free and lightweight, helping you avoid complex subscription activation issues.Familiar user interface allowing for an immediate, seamless migration.Rich set of built-in financial and statistical functions for data analysis.
QA img-9

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.