Discover 7 Ways to Fix “The Semaphore Timeout Period Has Expired.” Error 0x80070079!

Experiencing “The semaphore timeout period has expired” error when copying large files from your storage media to a PC or vice-versa can be frustrating. This error message usually prevents you from accessing your connected drive or completing the transferring process. But, no need to worry, as you are on the correct webpage. In this post, you will find every aspect of this error and the best solutions to fix it quickly.

So, without skipping a single line keep reading this post…..

What Is 0x80070079 Semaphore Timeout Period Has Expired?

In an operating system, there are limited resources, and each can be used to carry out one process at a time synchronized. This synchronization between processes is achieved using Semaphore which indicates the number of resources available at a particular time to accomplish any task.

‘The semaphore timeout has expired.’ is an error message that appears on Windows along with an error code 0x80070079. It simply indicates that, there is a timeout in the operation that your system OS was trying to perform.

Scenarios to Encounter this Error:

You may encounter this error during these 3 scenarios:

• When you are trying to copy or transfer the files from one device to another.
• When you try to access connected portable USB/Hard drives.
• While taking the backup of your system.

It usually happens when your system OS fails to build the connection or locate a source drive during the file transfer process.

Common Reasons for Semaphore Timeouts

It’s quite difficult to identify the exact reason behind the semaphore timeouts having expired. Yet some of the common causes of this issue are listed here below.

• Due to network-related issues.
• A network firewall or antivirus program might prevent you from accessing the file system.
• Bad sectors on the drive or the drive are physically damaged.
• Virus/ Malware attacks, installing improper apps, or unwanted temporary files can cause this error.
• If your source file gets corrupted.
• Because of the outdated drivers.

How to Fix “The Semaphore Timeout Period Has Expired.” Error 0x80070079?

Here are some of the quick fixes for error 0x80070079:

#1: Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes, you may need to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot some advanced system-related issues. Hence, you should also try this method to eliminate this error by following these steps:

• Press Win + R keys together to open the RUN dialog box.
• Then, input MSConfig & press OK.

• Now, a system configuration window will open.
• Here, you need to choose Services >> scroll down to the bottom and tick the checkbox Hide all Microsoft Services.
• Click on Disable All and press OK.

Fix 2: Disable the Windows Firewall & Antivirus

The Windows Defender Firewall is basically used to protect your system from any unauthorized access or network-based threats. But sometimes, it can block the file transferring process by displaying “the semaphore timeout period has expired Windows 10” error.

So here, disabling the firewall protection can help you to fix this error. Follow the below-mentioned steps:

Here’s how to disable the Windows firewall temporarily:

• Open the Control Panel then go to System & Security
• Here, you need to choose “Windows Defender Firewall”.
• Next, click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” option from the left panel.

• Under Private network settings& Public network settings,” you need to select the option Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) and click on the OK button.

Fix 3: Convert File Format FAT32 to NTFS

You can also fix this issue by converting the file format from FAT32 to NTFS. To do this, follow the below steps:

• Open the File Explorer by pressing Win +E keys together.
• Locate your target drive and right click on it & select Format

• Now, you need to choose the file format – NTFS and make sure to tick the Quick Format
• Finally, click the Start button to begin the converting process and that’s it.

Also Read –  9 Ways to Fix 0xc00d3e8c Error in Windows 10/11

Fix 4: Updating Drivers of Wireless Network Adapters

In most of the cases, it has been found that outdated network adapters are responsible for such kind of network file transfer issues. If it is so, then updating the drivers of your wireless network adapters can help you fix Error 0x80070079.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Press the Windows + X keys together & choose Device Manager.
• Once the device manager window opens, double-click on “Network Adapters” to expand this option.
• Make a right-click on the network driver, & choose “Update Driver” option.

Fix 5: Reset the Network to Fix The Semaphore Timeout Period Has Expired

Resetting the network helps to fix various kinds of network-related issues, so you can also perform this method to get rid of Semaphore timeout errors.

Here’s how to reset the network:

• Firstly, you need to click on the network icon located at the bottom right corner.
• After that, click on Network & Internet settings > Network reset.

• Finally, click on Reset Now

Hope, after resetting the network your problem will be solved.

Also Read – [Full Guide] How To Fix Windows Delayed Write Failed Error

How to Recover Deleted Data From External Hard Drive?

While attempting to fix the semaphore timeout period has expired error 0x80070079, if somehow your data gets deleted from your external hard drive then you can use the Hard Drive Data Recovery Tool to get back your deleted files.

It is a feature-loaded software that is specially designed to recover deleted, lost, missing, erased, or inaccessible data. It can extract data from all external data storage devices such as – hard drives, flash drives, pen drives, or memory cards. Besides that, it has a user-friendly interface and is 100% safe & secure to use.

So, just quickly download this External Storage Data Recovery software on your PC & recover your deleted hard drive data with ease.

* Free version of the program only scans and previews recoverable objects.

Follow the step-by-step guide to learn how to use this software.

Related FAQs:

Why Timeout Error?

Timeout error can occur due to various reasons such as network congestion, misconfigured settings, or server overload.

What Is Timeout Duration?

The timeout period is the length of time while transferring the files to another source and the forms system waits for a user to take an action.

How Do You Resolve the Semaphore Timeout Has Expired Error?

You can resolve ‘The semaphore timeout has expired’ error by following these tricks:

• Disable Firewalls & anti-virus software.
• Convert FAT32 to NTFS.
• Perform a clean boot.
• Update drivers of network adapters.

Will I Lose Data If I Fix the 0x80070079 Error?

No, fixing the 0x80070079 error will not cause data loss. However, it will prevent you from accessing your connected drive or completing the transferring process.

Time to Conclude

Undoubtedly, the semaphore timeout period has expired. Error 0x80070079 is one of the serious problems that take place in Windows PC during the copy or file transfer process. But the above-mentioned fixes will surely be going to help you to troubleshoot this in no time.

Thanks for reading this post!