'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Excel Stock Data Types Cannot Be Refreshed Error
Question details
The user is unable to refresh stock data types in Microsoft Excel due to an error stating that Microsoft servers are temporarily having problems.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to update financial or stock market data linked via Excel's built-in Data Types feature.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays a server error message preventing the data refresh. This issue is observed consistently in both the Excel desktop application and Excel for the web.
Verify that your local internet connection is active and stable, and ensure that no firewall or antivirus is blocking Excel's network access before assuming a broader server outage.
Check Microsoft Service Status and Wait for Recovery
Identify if the refresh failure is caused by a widespread Microsoft server outage or a disruption with their external financial data providers.
Since this error occurs across multiple platforms (both the desktop version of Excel and Excel for the web), it is highly unlikely to be an issue with your local computer or installation.
The problem typically lies with Microsoft's backend services or the external third-party data providers that supply the stock market information to Excel. Local troubleshooting will not resolve server-side outages.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft 365 Service Status health dashboard.
Look for any reported degradation, maintenance, or outages specifically related to Microsoft Excel, Office for the web, or connected services.
If a server problem is confirmed on the status page, you must wait for Microsoft's engineering team to restore the connection to the external data provider.
Once the service is fully restored, open your Excel workbook, navigate to the 'Data' tab on the ribbon, and click 'Refresh All' to successfully update your stock data types.
Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Spreadsheet Management
If you frequently experience server-related interruptions with Microsoft Excel, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative for managing your financial and data-driven spreadsheets seamlessly.
- 1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the download button to get the free installer.
- 2. Install WPS Spreadsheets: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the suite on your device.
- 3. Open Your Workbooks: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx financial documents to seamlessly continue your work without formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Excel stock data types show a server error?
This happens when Excel is unable to establish a connection with its external financial data provider, often due to backend server outages, scheduled maintenance, or temporary connectivity issues on Microsoft's end.
Does reinstalling Excel fix the data type refresh issue?
No. If the error is persistent across both the Excel desktop app and Excel for the web, it is a proven server-side problem. Reinstalling or repairing your local software will not restore the remote data connection.
How long does it usually take for Microsoft to fix data server issues?
The duration of server outages can vary. Minor service disruptions are typically resolved by Microsoft within a few hours. You can monitor the real-time progress on the Microsoft 365 Service Health dashboard.
