Error 0x8007016a: What It Means and How to Fix It Fast

If you’ve run into error 0x8007016a, chances are you’re dealing with a problem related to OneDrive or cloud storage.

Maybe you’re trying to delete a file, move it, or sync it, and suddenly this cryptic message pops up.

Frustrating? Absolutely.

But don’t worry—this guide will break it down, explain why it happens, and walk you through the quickest ways to fix it.

What Is Error 0x8007016a?

Error 0x8007016a usually pops up when you’re trying to interact with files stored in OneDrive.

It’s often linked to Windows 10 and 11 when trying to delete, move, or sync cloud-based files.

The root cause?

Something is stopping the system from properly syncing or accessing the files.

This can be due to:

• Files on Demand being disabled
• A corrupt OneDrive cache
• Sync issues after a Windows update
• Power-saving settings blocking OneDrive from working properly

Quick Fixes for Error 0x8007016a

Let’s get straight to the point.

Here’s how to fix error 0x8007016a without wasting time.

1. Restart OneDrive

Before anything else, try restarting OneDrive.

1. Close OneDrive: Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar > Select Quit OneDrive
2. Restart OneDrive: Open the Start Menu, type OneDrive, and hit Enter
3. Check if the issue is gone

If it was just a temporary glitch, this should clear it up.

2. Turn On Files On-Demand

This error often happens when Files On-Demand is turned off.

Here’s how to turn it back on:

1. Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar
2. Select Settings
3. Go to the Sync and Backup tab
4. Look for Files On-Demand and make sure it’s enabled

Try accessing your files again.

If this was the issue, it should be working now.

3. Unlink and Relink OneDrive

Sometimes, just refreshing the connection between OneDrive and your PC can fix the error.

1. Unlink OneDrive
   • Open OneDrive Settings
   • Go to Account > Click Unlink this PC
2. Sign back in
   • Open OneDrive again
   • Enter your Microsoft account credentials
   • Wait for the sync to restart

Check if you can now delete, move, or sync files without error 0x8007016a popping up.

4. Disable Battery Saver (If Using a Laptop)

Power-saving settings can mess with OneDrive syncing.

• Click on the battery icon in the taskbar
• Make sure Battery Saver is off
• Try accessing your files again

This quick tweak could be all you need.

5. Reset OneDrive

If none of the above worked, resetting OneDrive might do the trick.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog
2. Type this command:shellCopyEdit%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
3. Hit Enter

Wait for OneDrive to restart and check if error 0x8007016a is gone.

6. Delete the Problem File Using Command Prompt

If you can’t delete a file no matter what, try this:

1. Open Command Prompt (type cmd in the Start menu and open it as Administrator)
2. Use the del command like this:bashCopyEditdel /f /q "C:\Path\To\Problem\File" (Replace C:\Path\To\Problem\File with the actual file path)

This forces the system to delete the file.

7. Update Windows and OneDrive

Sometimes, the error is just a sign that something is outdated.

• Update Windows:
  • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates
• Update OneDrive:
  • Download the latest version from Microsoft’s official site

Why Does Error 0x8007016a Happen?

This error usually happens because OneDrive is struggling to sync files properly.

It could be a bug, a Windows update glitch, or a setting that got changed without you realizing it.

OneDrive might think files are only available online, but Windows is treating them like local files—causing a sync conflict.

FAQs About Error 0x8007016a

Why does error 0x8007016a happen after a Windows update?

Windows updates sometimes change OneDrive settings, causing sync errors.

To fix it, try turning Files On-Demand back on and relinking OneDrive.

How do I delete files that keep showing error 0x8007016a?

If regular deletion doesn’t work, try:

• Using Command Prompt (del /f /q "file path")
• Deleting the file in Safe Mode
• Resetting OneDrive

Is error 0x8007016a a serious problem?

Not really, but it’s annoying.

It won’t damage your PC, but it will stop you from managing your files properly.

Fixing it ASAP will save you a ton of frustration.

Final Thoughts: Fix Error 0x8007016a Fast

Error 0x8007016a is a OneDrive sync issue that can be fixed quickly if you know what to do.

Start with the simple fixes—restart OneDrive, enable Files On-Demand, and check battery settings.

If that doesn’t work, try unlinking and relinking OneDrive or resetting it completely.

If you’re still stuck, check out Microsoft’s support page for more help.

Fixing this now means you won’t have to deal with it again later.