Function Problems

How to Troubleshoot Excel Stock Data Types and STOCKHISTORY Errors

Huda Qurayshi Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve errors where Excel Stock data types or the STOCKHISTORY function fail to load and report that the server is unavailable.

How to Troubleshoot Excel Stock Data Types and STOCKHISTORY Errors

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to retrieve financial data using linked Stock data types or the STOCKHISTORY formula in a spreadsheet.
Observed behavior: Excel displays an error stating the server is unavailable, preventing the stock data from updating or fetching the latest prices.

Before you start

Ensure that your computer has a stable internet connection and verify that you are signed in with a Microsoft 365 account that explicitly supports linked data types.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Microsoft Service Health for Temporary Outages

Determine if the STOCKHISTORY error is caused by a widespread Microsoft server outage.

Since Excel's linked data types rely heavily on Microsoft's cloud servers, temporary server outages frequently cause the 'server unavailable' error. It is best to verify the server status before altering your spreadsheet.

Check service health status

Open a web browser and visit the official Microsoft 365 Service Health portal or check online tech forums to see if other users are reporting Excel server outages.

Avoid editing formulas

If an outage is confirmed, do not attempt to rewrite or edit your STOCKHISTORY formulas. Wait until Microsoft resolves the service issue, then try refreshing the data.

Check Microsoft Service Health for Temporary Outages

Data Preservation: Existing data in your spreadsheet will not be lost during an outage, but it will not reflect the latest stock market updates until the connection is restored.

Solution 2

Update Excel and Verify Account Requirements

Ensure your Excel application is fully updated and authenticated with an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription.

Solution 3

Report Persistent Errors to Microsoft Support

If no outage is reported and your software is up to date, report the specific server error directly to the development team.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Your Spreadsheet Needs

If frequent Microsoft server outages disrupt your workflow, consider using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for comprehensive spreadsheet management without the heavy reliance on specific premium cloud services.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website, download the free version of WPS Office, and run the installer.
2. Open your spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and click 'Open' to select your existing Excel files.
3. Analyze your data: Utilize the extensive built-in functions and charting tools to seamlessly continue your financial data analysis.

Seamlessly open, edit, and save Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Free and lightweight office suite with rapid startup speeds.Rich library of built-in financial and statistical functions for robust data analysis.Familiar user interface requiring zero learning curve for Excel users.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the STOCKHISTORY function say the server is unavailable?

This usually happens due to a temporary outage on Microsoft's financial data servers. It can also occur if your firewall or network settings are blocking Excel from communicating with Microsoft's cloud services.

Can I use Excel Stock data types without a Microsoft 365 subscription?

No, linked data types such as Stocks and Geography are premium features that require an active Microsoft 365 subscription and a reliable internet connection.

Will my stock data disappear if the server goes down?

Your previously retrieved data will remain visible in your spreadsheet. However, the data will not update to the latest prices, and any new STOCKHISTORY formulas you write will return an error until the server is back online.

Excel & Data Problems