How to Fix Disabled Linked Data Types and Stock Data in Excel for Mac
Question details
Users are unable to use Linked Data Types or retrieve stock data in Excel for Mac, even when creating a new workbook.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to format cells as Linked Data Types or fetch financial market data within a spreadsheet.
- Observed behavior
- Linked Data Types are grayed out or disabled, and Excel fails to identify or pull in stock market data.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection, as Linked Data Types require active online access to fetch real-time stock data.
Verify Microsoft 365 Subscription and Update Excel
Linked Data Types are a premium cloud-connected feature that requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription and the latest Excel version (16.48 or newer).
Standalone or one-time purchase licenses (such as Office 2019 or 2021) do not support premium Linked Data Types. You must have an active Microsoft 365 subscription.
Open Microsoft Excel on your Mac. Click 'Excel' in the top Apple menu bar, then select 'About Microsoft Excel'. Verify that your license is listed as 'Microsoft 365 Subscription'.
Go to the 'Help' menu in the top menu bar and click 'Check for Updates' to launch the AutoUpdate tool.
If a newer version of Excel is available, click 'Update' to install it. Ensure your version is at least 16.48. Once updated, restart Excel and check the Data tab.
Sign Out and Re-authenticate Your Account
Refreshing your account connection can resolve synchronization errors that temporarily disable cloud-based features.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management on Mac
If Microsoft 365 subscription restrictions or bugs are preventing you from working effectively, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. WPS Spreadsheets offers robust data analysis tools with full support for Microsoft Excel formats, ensuring you can manage your financial data without expensive subscriptions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for macOS.
- 2. Install the Software: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Workbooks: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and seamlessly open your existing .xlsx files to continue analyzing your data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Linked Data Types grayed out in Excel for Mac?
Linked Data Types are exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscribers. If you are using a perpetual license like Office 2019 or 2021, or if your Microsoft 365 subscription has expired or failed to sync, the feature will be grayed out and disabled.
Does Excel require an internet connection to pull stock data?
Yes, Excel needs an active internet connection to communicate with external data providers and fetch real-time financial market data.
Can I use stock data in an older version of Excel for Mac?
No, Linked Data Types and the stock data feature require a newer build of Microsoft 365. You should update your software using Microsoft AutoUpdate to version 16.48 or newer to access these capabilities.
