'%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 Data Types Tools Unavailable or Blank
Question details
The user is attempting to utilize Data Types tools in Excel, but the features are unavailable or displaying as blank.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Accessing and applying Data Types features (such as Stocks or Geography) within an Excel workbook.
- Observed behavior
- The Data Types tools in the ribbon are unavailable, greyed out, or appear completely blank after being added to the interface.
Ensure your device has a stable internet connection, as Excel Data Types rely on online services to retrieve and display information.
Verify Your Microsoft 365 Subscription and Refresh Your Account Sign-In
Data Types are exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscribers. Verifying your license type and refreshing your account session will restore the feature if you have a qualifying subscription.
Microsoft restricts access to connected features like Data Types to active Microsoft 365 subscribers. Users with perpetual licenses, such as Office 2019 or Office 2021, do not have access to these tools.
Open Microsoft Excel, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon, and select 'Account' from the bottom of the left-hand menu.
Look under the 'Product Information' section. Confirm that the installed product is listed specifically as 'Subscription Product Microsoft 365'. If a different version is listed, your software does not support Data Types.
If you do have a valid Microsoft 365 subscription but the tools are still blank, click the 'Sign out' button located under your User Information on the same Account page.
Close the Excel application completely. Reopen Excel, navigate back to File > Account, and click 'Sign In' to enter your credentials and refresh your connection to the server.
Experience Hassle-Free Spreadsheets with WPS Office
Tired of losing access to essential tools due to complex subscription tiers and license restrictions? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and incredibly powerful alternative to Microsoft Office without the subscription headaches.
- 1. Download the software: Click the download button to get the free WPS Office installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your device.
- 3. Open your spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx files directly to continue working instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Excel Data Types completely greyed out?
Data Types will appear greyed out if you are not signed into a Microsoft 365 subscription, if your IT administrator has disabled connected experiences, or if your device is currently offline.
Can I use Excel Data Types in Office 2019 or Office 2021?
No. Features like Stocks, Geography, and other rich Data Types are exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Perpetual one-time purchase licenses like Office 2019 and 2021 do not include them.
How do I enable connected experiences in Excel to fix blank Data Types?
To enable connected experiences, open Excel and go to File > Account. Under Account Privacy, click on 'Manage Settings'. Check the box to enable optional connected experiences, click OK, and then restart Excel.
