OneDrive Error Codes

Fix OneDrive Error 0x8007016A: Delete Files Without Account Access

Partner Editor Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to remove residual OneDrive files from their computer after the associated company account was deleted, but receives error codes 0x8007016A and 0x80070091.

How to Delete OneDrive Files from a Computer Without Account Access

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to clean up local storage by deleting synced folders from a disabled or removed corporate Microsoft 365 account.
Observed behavior: The system blocks the deletion of the files and folders, prompting error 0x8007016A (The cloud file provider is not running) and error 0x80070091.

Before you start

Ensure that OneDrive is completely closed from your system tray and that you have administrator privileges on your computer before attempting to force-delete the orphaned folders.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink and Temporarily Uninstall OneDrive

Removing the local OneDrive application integration severs the connection to the deleted account, unlocking the files for manual deletion.

Errors 0x8007016A and 0x80070091 typically occur because the Windows File Explorer is still trying to communicate with a OneDrive sync client that is tied to an account that no longer exists. Uninstalling the app removes these registry and explorer hooks.

Open Windows Settings

Click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Windows Settings, then navigate to the 'Apps' or 'Apps & features' section.

Uninstall Microsoft OneDrive

Scroll through the list of installed applications, locate 'Microsoft OneDrive', click on it, and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the prompts to remove the application.

Restart Your Computer

Reboot your PC to ensure all background OneDrive processes and File Explorer integrations are completely terminated.

Delete the Orphaned Folder

Open File Explorer, navigate to the location of the residual OneDrive folder, right-click it, and select 'Delete'. The errors should no longer appear.

Reinstallation: Once the problematic files are deleted, you can safely redownload and reinstall OneDrive from the official Microsoft website for your personal account.

Solution 2

Contact the Former Organization's Administrator

If local removal fails, device management policies might be enforcing file retention.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Hassle-Free Document Management with WPS Office

Struggling with corporate cloud locks and sync errors can disrupt your workflow. Switch to WPS Office, a powerful, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office. It allows you to manage your files locally without forced cloud synchronization, while maintaining full compatibility with all your essential document formats.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the lightweight suite in just a few minutes.
3. Manage Files Locally: Open WPS Office and start creating or editing your documents directly on your local drive without worrying about cloud sync errors.

Seamlessly open, edit, and save Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Manage files locally on your hard drive without encountering rigid enterprise cloud sync errors.Lightweight application that uses minimal system resources and avoids aggressive background processes.Familiar, intuitive tabbed interface that requires zero learning curve to get started.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What does OneDrive Error 0x8007016A mean?

Error 0x8007016A translates to 'The cloud file provider is not running.' It happens when you try to modify or delete a file configured for OneDrive's Files On-Demand feature, but the OneDrive sync client is closed, malfunctioning, or disconnected from the account.

Why do I see error 0x80070091 when deleting a folder?

Error 0x80070091 indicates 'The directory is not empty.' In the context of OneDrive, it usually means there are hidden system files, corrupted sync logs, or corrupted sectors within that folder preventing Windows from removing it normally.

Will uninstalling OneDrive delete my personal files?

No, uninstalling the OneDrive app only removes the synchronization software from your computer. All files and folders that have already been downloaded to your local hard drive will remain intact.

Can I use Command Prompt to forcefully delete the folder?

Yes. You can open Command Prompt as an Administrator and use the command 'rmdir /s /q "C:\Path\To\Your\OneDriveFolder"' to forcefully remove the directory, though it is highly recommended to uninstall or close OneDrive first to release file locks.

Microsoft Office Error Codes