How to fix ERROR_CLOUD_FILE_ACCESS_DENIED

Description

Access to the cloud file is denied.

Causes

This error occurs when attempting to access files stored in cloud storage services, most commonly Microsoft OneDrive. The error indicates that access to a cloud-based file has been denied:

• OneDrive Files On-Demand: Files stored as online-only (not downloaded locally) cannot be accessed by some applications.
• Insufficient Permissions: User or application lacks necessary permissions to access the file.
• File Ownership Issues: File is owned by another user or account.
• OneDrive Known Folder Move: Folders relocated to OneDrive cloud without explicit awareness, causing access restrictions.
• Sync Issues: OneDrive synchronization problems preventing file access.
• Administrative Privileges: Application requires elevated permissions to access cloud-managed files.
• File Hydration Delay: Cloud files not yet fully downloaded or synchronized.
• Account Authentication Issues: OneDrive account not properly authenticated or expired credentials.

Solutions

Disable OneDrive Files On-Demand

The Files On-Demand feature stores files online-only to save disk space, but can prevent applications from accessing them:

• Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray (notification area).
• Select "Settings".
• Navigate to the "Settings" tab.
• Under "Files On-Demand", uncheck "Save space and download files as you use them".
• Click "OK" to apply changes.
• Wait for OneDrive to download all files locally.

Note: Disabling this feature will download all OneDrive files to your local device, which may require significant disk space.

Make Files Always Available Locally

For specific files or folders that need to be accessible:

• In File Explorer, navigate to your OneDrive folder.
• Right-click the file or folder.
• Select "Always keep on this device".
• Wait for the file(s) to download completely.
• The icon will change to a green checkmark indicating local availability.

Verify File Permissions

Ensure your account has appropriate permissions:

• Right-click the file or folder in OneDrive.
• Select "Properties".
• Go to the "Security" tab.
• Check if your user account is listed with "Full control" permissions.
• If not, click "Edit", add your user account, and grant "Full control".
• Click "Apply" and then "OK".

Run Application as Administrator

Some applications require elevated privileges to access OneDrive-managed files:

• Right-click the application shortcut or executable.
• Select "Run as administrator".
• Retry the file operation.

Check OneDrive Sync Status

Ensure OneDrive is properly syncing:

• Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
• Check if files are up to date or if there are sync errors.
• If sync issues exist, click "View sync problems" and resolve them.
• Pause and resume sync if necessary.

Sign Out and Sign In to OneDrive

Refresh OneDrive authentication:

• Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
• Select "Settings".
• Go to the "Account" tab.
• Click "Unlink this PC".
• Restart your computer.
• Sign back in to OneDrive with your Microsoft account.

Move Files Outside OneDrive

If persistent issues occur, temporarily move files out of OneDrive:

• Copy files from the OneDrive folder to a local folder outside OneDrive.
• Work with files in the local location.
• Copy them back to OneDrive when done.

Check File Ownership

Verify who owns the file:

• Right-click the file and select "Properties".
• Go to the "Security" tab and click "Advanced".
• Check the owner at the top of the window.
• If you need to take ownership, click "Change" next to the owner name.
• Enter your user account and click "OK".

Pause OneDrive Sync During Operations

Temporarily pause sync for file-intensive operations:

• Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
• Select "Pause syncing" and choose a duration.
• Perform your file operations.
• Resume syncing when complete.

Update OneDrive

Ensure OneDrive is up to date:

• OneDrive typically updates automatically.
• To manually check: Right-click OneDrive icon → Settings → About.
• Note the version number and check Microsoft's website for the latest version.
• Reinstall OneDrive if necessary from onedrive.live.com/about.

Exclude Path from OneDrive

For folders that shouldn't be in OneDrive:

• Right-click the OneDrive icon and select "Settings".
• Go to the "Account" tab.
• Click "Choose folders".
• Uncheck folders you don't want synced to OneDrive.
• Click "OK".

Check Network Connectivity

Ensure stable internet connection for cloud access:

• Verify internet connection is active and stable.
• Test OneDrive web access at onedrive.live.com.
• Check if corporate firewall or VPN is blocking OneDrive.

Use Local Folders Instead

For applications with persistent issues:

• Configure applications to save files to local folders outside OneDrive.
• Manually copy files to OneDrive for backup after completion.
• Consider alternative cloud storage if OneDrive compatibility is problematic.