How to Stop "Semaphore Timeout" Error From Ruining File Transfers?

Why Does Windows 11 Keep Giving Me Error 0x80070079 When I Transfer Files?

I know how maddening it gets when you're trying to move important files and Windows 11 throws that cryptic error 0x80070079 at you. That "semaphore timeout period has expired" message feels like computer gibberish, but I'm here to walk you through exactly what's happening and how to fix it.

This error pops up when Windows gives up waiting for your storage device or network to respond. Think of it like calling someone who never picks up the phone - eventually, you hang up. Windows does the same thing with your drives and network connections.

What Makes This Error So Common?

I've seen this error countless times, and it usually happens in these situations:

• Moving large video files to external USB drives
• Copying folders over your home network
• Transferring data between old and new computers
• Working with files bigger than 4GB on certain drive types

The good news? Most of these problems have simple fixes that don't require any technical wizardry.

Solution 1: Start With Your Cables - They're Often the Culprit

Bad cables cause more problems than people realize. I always tell folks to check this first because it's quick and often solves the issue immediately.

What to do:

1. Unplug your USB or network cable completely
2. Look closely at both ends for bent pins, cracks, or worn spots
3. Try a different cable if you have one handy
4. Plug directly into the back of your computer, not a USB hub

Cheap cables from dollar stores often can't handle fast data transfers. Invest in a quality USB 3.0 cable or better - your files will thank you.

Solution 2: Turn Off USB Power Saving

Windows 11 tries to save battery by putting USB ports to sleep. This sounds smart, but it causes headaches during file transfers.

Here's how I fix it:

1. Open Control Panel and find Power Options
2. Click "Change plan settings" next to your current power plan
3. Select "Change advanced power settings"
4. Find "USB settings" and expand it
5. Set "USB selective suspend" to "Disabled" for both battery and plugged-in modes
6. Click Apply and restart your computer

This keeps your USB ports awake and ready to work.

Solution 3: Check Your Drives for Problems

Corrupted files or bad sectors on either drive can cause timeouts. I run this check whenever I see the 0x80070079 error.

The process:

1. Right-click the Start button and choose "Windows Terminal (Admin)"
2. Type: chkdsk X: /f /r (replace X with your drive letter)
3. Press Enter and let it run - this might take a while
4. Do the same for both drives involved in your transfer

The scan fixes small problems automatically and marks bad sectors so Windows avoids them.

Solution 4: Fix the 4GB File Size Limit

Many external drives come formatted as FAT32, which can't handle single files over 4GB. Modern video files, game installations, and disk images often exceed this limit.

Converting to NTFS:

1. Back up everything important from your external drive first
2. Open Command Prompt as administrator
3. Type: convert X: /fs:ntfs (replace X with your drive letter)
4. Wait for the conversion to complete

NTFS handles files of any size and works great with Windows 11. If you need to use the drive with Mac computers too, consider exFAT instead.

Solution 5: Update Your Drivers

Outdated drivers cause communication breakdowns between Windows and your hardware. I've seen ancient USB controller drivers cause all sorts of transfer problems.

Quick driver update:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
2. Expand "Disk drives" and "Network adapters"
3. Right-click each device and choose "Update driver"
4. Select "Search automatically for drivers"
5. Restart when prompted

Don't forget to check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates for your external drives or network equipment.

Solution 6: Use Windows Built-in Troubleshooters

Windows 11 includes helpful troubleshooters that can spot and fix hardware issues automatically.

Running the troubleshooter:

1. Press Windows + S and type "cmd"
2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose "Run as administrator"
3. Type: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
4. Follow the prompts to apply any suggested fixes

For network-related transfers, also run the Network Adapter troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot.

Solution 7: Temporarily Disable Security Software

Sometimes antivirus programs and firewalls get overly protective and slow down file transfers to a crawl. This creates timeouts.

Safe testing approach:

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu
2. Go to Virus & threat protection
3. Temporarily turn off real-time protection
4. Try your file transfer
5. Turn protection back on immediately after testing

If this fixes the problem, add your transfer locations to the antivirus exclusion list.

Solution 8: Repair Windows System Files

Corrupted Windows files can mess up both storage and network operations. I run these commands whenever I suspect system file problems.

System repair commands:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
3. Wait for completion, then run: sfc /scannow
4. Restart your computer after both scans finish

These tools fix damaged Windows files that might be causing the timeout error.

Solution 9: Reset Network Settings

Network configuration problems can prevent successful file transfers over WiFi or Ethernet connections.

Network reset process:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet
2. Click "Advanced network settings"
3. Select "Network reset" at the bottom
4. Click "Reset now" and restart when prompted

Remember that this removes all saved WiFi passwords, so have them ready to re-enter.

Solution 10: Clean Boot to Find Conflicting Programs

Background programs sometimes interfere with file transfers. A clean boot helps identify the troublemaker.

Clean boot steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type "msconfig" and press Enter
2. Go to the Services tab
3. Check "Hide all Microsoft services" then click "Disable all"
4. Switch to the Startup tab and click "Open Task Manager"
5. Disable all startup items
6. Restart and test your file transfer

If the transfer works, gradually re-enable services to find which one was causing problems.

When Hardware Might Be Failing

Sometimes the error indicates failing hardware that needs professional attention. Watch for these warning signs:

• Transfers work sometimes but fail randomly
• Drive makes clicking or grinding noises
• Computer freezes during file operations
• Multiple different error codes appearing

If you suspect drive failure, copy your important data immediately and consider professional data recovery services.

Prevention Tips That Actually Work

I've learned these habits prevent most timeout errors:

• Use quality cables and replace them every few years
• Keep drivers updated through Windows Update
• Run disk checks monthly on heavily-used drives
• Avoid transferring files during heavy computer use
• Close unnecessary programs during large transfers

The 0x80070079 error looks scary, but it's usually fixable with these straightforward solutions. Start with the simple fixes like checking cables and updating drivers. Most people find their problem solved within the first few attempts.

Remember that patience helps too. Large file transfers take time, and rushing the process often creates more problems than it solves.