The most common cause is a problem with the Files On-Demand feature. The error can also be due to corrupted OneDrive settings or recent Windows updates. Note: Back up all important files before resetting OneDrive or changing system settings.
Method 1: Update Windows 10 to the Latest Build (if applicable)
If you’re using Windows 10, the issue might be caused by update KB4457128. This update broke the syncing feature of OneDrive for many users. Fortunately, Microsoft was quick in releasing a hotfix for the issue and made it available for everyone via WU (Windows Update). If you installed the update but not the hotfix, install the hotfix to resolve the issue. Let Windows Update install all pending updates.
Method 2: New Folder Workaround
There is a little trick/workaround you can try to delete these files. Basically, you will create a new folder and delete it because when you create a new folder, it’s not immediately synced with OneDrive. So, it will make your files offline, and you will be able to delete them.
Method 3: Disable Files On-Demand
Most affected users have successfully resolved the issue by disabling Files On-Demand from OneDrive’s Settings menu and then deleting the semi-synced file from OneDrive. This procedure proves effective for files that are not fully synced—showing a thumbnail but a file size of 0 KB. Upon completing these steps and restarting their computers, the error no longer occurred when attempting to open or delete a file or folder within OneDrive. This recurring bug has persisted with OneDrive for several years and remains unpatched at the time of writing. Refer to this pictorial guide if you are stuck anywhere:
Method 4: Resume Syncing
It’s also possible that you’re encountering this issue because OneDrive syncing is temporarily disabled in the settings menu. This can happen as a result of manual user intervention or after a power plan or another third-party application has disabled the syncing process to conserve power. Several users have resolved the issue by accessing OneDrive’s settings and resuming syncing. Restart the service to resolve the issue.
Method 5: Modify the Power Plan (if applicable)
As several users have reported, this particular issue can also occur if you’re using a restrictive power plan that is stopping the syncing feature to conserve battery power. Obviously, this can only occur on laptops and other portable PCs. Several affected users have reported that they managed to resolve the issue by accessing the Power Options menu and making the switch to a power plan that doesn’t include the stoppage of file syncing.
Method 6: Reset OneDrive
Another method that might make you lose some user preferences is to reset OneDrive to the factory settings. This can be done easily from a Run dialog box, but keep in mind that after doing so, you will lose your saved login credentials and any other locally cached data used to save user setting preferences. Several affected users have reported that they managed to resolve the issue by using a series of commands to reset and restart the OneDrive service. Note that this will re-sync all your OneDrive files.
Method 7: Remove the Glitched Folder Forcibly with PowerShell
If you’re a tech-savvy user and none of the methods above have helped you to get rid of the 0x8007016A error, this method should allow you to forcibly remove the folder that ends up triggering the error inside the OneDrive folder. Several users confirmed this method helped clean glitched folders causing the 0x8007016A error.
Method 8: Perform a Repair Install
If none of the methods above have helped you to resolve the issue, the final method should resolve every possible instance in which the error will occur as a result of a bug, glitch, or system corruption. A couple of users have confirmed that performing a repair install on their Windows 10 computer helped them to resolve the Error 0x8007016A: The Cloud File provider. This refreshes all Windows components, including OneDrive, without affecting personal files. To perform a repair install on your Windows 10 computer.
