How to Fix Error 0x8007016A: The Cloud File Provider Is Not Running

Last updated on August 14th, 2025 at 01:22 am

Error 0x8007016a is a common issue faced by Windows users, particularly when working with Microsoft OneDrive. This error message, which states “The cloud file provider is not running,” typically appears when attempting to access, copy, or move files stored in OneDrive.

What Does Error 0x8007016A Mean?

This error indicates that OneDrive’s cloud sync system—referred to as the “cloud file provider”—is either not running, not responding, or blocked from communicating with the OneDrive servers. The issue prevents you from opening, copying, deleting, or moving OneDrive-stored files. Affected files often appear with a grey “X” icon overlay and cannot be accessed even if they seem to exist locally.

The problem is especially common when:

• OneDrive sync is disabled or paused.
• Files On-Demand is turned on but not properly configured.
• The system is in battery saver mode or using a power plan that throttles background activity.
• OneDrive is not configured to launch at startup.

Why Does This Error Occur?

Before attempting a fix, it helps to understand the potential causes behind this error. Below are the most common reasons:

• Files On-Demand is active: Files aren’t fully downloaded to your device, making them inaccessible offline.
• OneDrive is not running or syncing: The background process required for sync may be paused or terminated.
• Windows updates are missing: Compatibility issues may arise if system or OneDrive updates haven’t been applied.
• Power-saving settings: Laptops running in Battery Saver mode may throttle OneDrive’s activity.
• Corrupt OneDrive installation: The app may be improperly configured or damaged.
• File or folder corruption: Affected files might be stuck in a glitched state preventing access or deletion.

How to Fix Error 0x8007016a

Check OneDrive Account Status

Before troubleshooting, make sure you’re signed in:
Open OneDrive settings → “Accounts” tab → Ensure you are signed in with your Microsoft account. If not, sign in and restart sync.

1. Resume OneDrive Sync

If syncing is paused, OneDrive won’t be able to retrieve or modify cloud files.

Steps:

1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.
2. Select the gear icon → Resume syncing.
3. If you don’t see the icon, OneDrive may not be running. Press Windows + S, search for OneDrive, and open the app.

2. Turn Off Files On-Demand

The Files On-Demand feature allows access to cloud files without downloading them. However, this often triggers the 0x8007016a error if syncing is broken.

Steps:

1. Click the OneDrive icon → Gear icon → Settings.
2. Go to the Sync and Backup tab → Advanced Settings.
3. Under Files On-Demand, select Download all files or uncheck “Save space and download files as you use them.”

Turning off Files On-Demand forces OneDrive to store a local copy of your files, avoiding sync-based access errors.

3. Update Windows and OneDrive

Missing updates may result in incompatibilities that disrupt OneDrive’s sync engine.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I → Windows Update → Check for Updates.
2. Install all pending updates and restart the system.
3. Visit OneDrive’s official site to install the latest version.

4. Reset OneDrive

If OneDrive is stuck or behaving abnormally, resetting it can restore default settings and reinitiate the sync engine.

Steps:

• Press Windows + R → enter:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

• If OneDrive doesn’t restart automatically, launch it manually:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe

5. Change Power Settings

Some power-saving plans restrict background processes, including OneDrive syncing.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type powercfg.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Select Balanced or High Performance.
3. Avoid using Power Saver or Battery Saver modes.

6. Ensure OneDrive Starts Automatically

OneDrive needs to start with Windows to begin syncing immediately.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Startup.
2. Enable the toggle for Microsoft OneDrive.

7. Reinstall OneDrive

If corruption or installation issues persist, reinstalling OneDrive can help restore normal operations.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Search for OneDrive → Click Uninstall.
3. After rebooting, download and reinstall from the official page.

8. Manually Delete Problematic Files or Folders

If specific files continue to trigger the error, they may be corrupted.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Run:

Remove-Item "FullFolderPath" -Recurse -Force

When You’re Most Likely to See This Error

• After upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 without re-linking OneDrive.
• When moving large folders between drives.
• If your device was offline for weeks and OneDrive cache expired.
• After changing your Microsoft account password but not reauthenticating in OneDrive.

Pro Tip: Pausing OneDrive sync for 10 seconds and then resuming can force a reconnection with the cloud file provider service, which may clear temporary glitches.

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Error 0x8007016a may seem like a serious issue, especially when local OneDrive files appear inaccessible. However, by methodically working through the steps above—starting with syncing and settings, and progressing to resets and reinstallations—you can almost always resolve the problem. For related fixes, see our Error 0x80070522 guide and Outlook not sending emails fix.
For continued peace of mind, consider enabling startup sync, keeping your system updated, and creating regular backups.