The semaphore time-out period has expired, can you extend it?

Windows 10, like any other operating system, is plagued with its own problems and bugs. Some of these are common, others not so much. The semaphore timeout has expired. The Error 0x80070079 occurs when you try to transfer files between an external device and Windows 10. It also is known to occur when you try to access a controller that is connected to your computer.

Naturally, this bug blocks the offending action and stops the transfer process in its tracks. Here is a list of possible solutions that can help.

Update all drivers

To function normally, all hardware components of Windows 10 must be equipped with up-to-date and functional drivers. An outdated driver may function normally but still cause problems, just like the error in question. You can try to update all drivers manually from Device Manager, but your best bet would be to download software for automatic driver updates.

Automatic driver update programs will automatically scan your computer for your hardware, find the necessary drivers online, download and install them for you. Some automatic update programs are not free, but they are definitely worth it. This software can avoid this problem and many other possible problems.

Perform a clean boot

Do a clean boot to make sure there is no file/program conflict causing this error. With a clean boot, you will be able to disable unnecessary startup programs and non-Windows services. Don’t worry about your data: it will remain safe throughout the operation. Here we’ll explain to you how to do it.

Press Windows key + R to start the Run box. In the Open: field enter » msconfig «. Hit Enter. You will see the System Configuration window opens. Navigate to the Service tab. Check the box in front of Hide all Microsoft services and then select Disable all. Now, restart your device.

NTFS instead of FAT32

Large file transfer can only be done if the drivers are formatted as NTFS. This is especially true if you are using an external USB drive. Converting from FAT32 to NTFS should help here.

Find the driver in question and right-click. Then select Format from the list that appears. In the next window, you will be able to choose between FAT32 and NTFS. Select NTFS. Click Quick Format to start formatting and wait until the process is complete.

Delete HDD Entries

The worst consequence of the semaphore timeout has expired 0x80070079 error is that it may prevent you from using your drive normally. If this happens, go to Device Manager, expand the USB category and see if there are old entries from external drives.

To do this, navigate to the Universal Serial Bus Controllers category and right-click on any of the old HDD inputs. Then select Deactivate device. Do this for all old HDD inputs.

Disable firewall and antivirus

Your antivirus program or Windows Firewall itself may mislabel a file as a threat. If this happens during the transfer, you may receive the semaphore timeout 0x80070079 error. So, try disabling your computer’s security measures and try the process again. Please note that you must be absolutely certain that the file in question is not a potential virus.

To disable Windows Firewall, press Win + X or right-click the Start button. Then select Control Panel. Once the Control Panel opens, search for the firewall manually or type » Windows firewall » in the search box. Follow the instructions to disable firewall protection.

Disabling your antivirus is different. Each antivirus has its own interface. Your best option would be to find how to disable it on Google.

Update the drivers for your network adapter

Your network drivers may be out of date. Try updating them manually. To do this, press Win + R to open the Run box. Inside the Open field: enter » devmgmt.msc «. Device Manager will open. Find the Network Adapters entry in the list and expand it by clicking the arrow to its left. Right-click on the adapter and then select Properties. Go to the Driver tab and select Update Driver. Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Wait until the process has finished and reboot your system.

Perform integrity check

If the semaphore timeout has expired 0x80070079 an error occurs when trying to transfer files within a LAN (local area network), you need to perform an integrity check. For a successful LAN transfer, there can be no problem with your signal and each connection must be configured correctly. It is recommended that you perform the integrity check using administrator privileges.

Run the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Health Analysis (DISM)

If the semaphore error is the result of corrupted, damaged, or missing files, SFC or DISM check should fix it. To run these checks, press Win + R to open the Run dialog and type ” cmd ” in the empty field. Then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch an advanced version of Command Prompt. Inside the command prompt, type » sfc / scannow » and press Enter.

System File Checker will scan your PC for problem files. When finished, you will see instructions on how to resolve the waiting time of the light that expired 0x80070079 error.

When the SFC completes, run a Deployment Image Health Analysis by running the command » DISM / Online / Cleanup-Image / restorehealth » at the command prompt. DISM finds a problem, resolves it by following the on-screen instructions.

Pro tip: back up everything

This is an important disclaimer. Whatever you are working on, you should always have a backup somewhere. If the waiting time of the semaphore has expired, the error occurs 0x80070079, you risk losing all involved files, which can become a nightmare. Always back up everything properly before attempting a transfer.

The error number 0x80070079

This annoying transfer error can take a long time to fix. Hopefully, this guide will help you find the solution asap and get your drivers working properly again.

Have any of these tips helped? Do you have another one that didn’t show up here? Feel free to join the discussion below and add any tips/questions/experiences you may have.