How to Fix Error 0x80070079 (File Transfer Error) in Windows 11

Encountering the “The semaphore timeout period has expired” error (0x80070079) while transferring files in Windows 11 can be incredibly frustrating. This error halts your file copies or moves, particularly when dealing with external hard drives, network shares, or large files. It’s essentially Windows’ way of saying it waited too long for a response from a storage device or network resource. But don’t worry – with a systematic approach, you can often resolve this issue and get your data moving smoothly again. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to fixing error 0x80070079, ensuring your file transfers are reliable and efficient.

1. Inspecting and Replacing Cables for Reliable Data Transfer

A surprisingly common culprit for the 0x80070079 error is a faulty cable. Damaged or low-quality USB or network cables can introduce delays or errors, leading Windows to prematurely abort the transfer.

Step 1: Physical Inspection: Disconnect the external drive or network cable from your computer.

Step 2: Visual Check: Carefully examine the cable for any signs of damage. Look for frayed wires, bent connectors, or any kinks. If you find any, replace the cable immediately. Consider investing in a high-quality, short, shielded USB 3.x or SATA cable for optimal performance.

Step 3: Direct Connection: Plug the drive or network cable directly into a port on your motherboard’s rear panel. Avoid using front-panel USB ports or unpowered USB hubs, as they can sometimes cause issues.

Step 4: Retry the Transfer: After replacing the cable and connecting to a more stable port, attempt the file transfer again to see if the error is resolved.

2. Disabling USB Selective Suspend: Preventing Unexpected Disconnects

Windows 11 includes power-saving features that can sometimes suspend USB ports, interrupting data transfers to external drives. Disabling this feature can prevent unexpected disconnects and is a simple fix to try.

Step 1: Access Power Options: Open the Control Panel and select Power Options.

Step 2: Modify Power Plan: Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan, then choose Change advanced power settings.

Step 3: Disable USB Selective Suspend: Expand USB settings, then USB selective suspend setting. Set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled. Click Apply and OK.

Step 4: Reconnect and Test: Reconnect your USB drive and retry the file transfer to see if the error is gone.

3. Running CHKDSK: Repairing File System Errors

File system corruption or bad sectors on either the source or target drive can also lead to timeouts. The CHKDSK utility can help repair these issues.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for cmd, right-click the result, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Run CHKDSK on External Drive: Type chkdsk X: /f /r (replace X: with the drive letter of your external or target drive) and press Enter. If prompted to schedule the scan at reboot, type Y and restart your computer.

Step 3: Run CHKDSK on Internal Drive: Repeat the process for the other drive involved in the transfer.

Step 4: Retry File Transfer: After both scans complete, attempt your file transfer again.

4. Converting FAT32 Drives to NTFS: Handling Large Files

FAT32 formatted drives have a file size limitation of 4 GB. If you are trying to copy or move a single file that exceeds this limit, you will encounter an error. Converting your drive to NTFS eliminates this restriction.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data: Back up any important data from your external drive, as converting file systems can lead to data loss.

Step 2: Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Open an elevated Command Prompt as described above.

Step 3: Convert to NTFS: Enter convert X: /fs:ntfs (replace X: with your drive letter) and press Enter.

Step 4: Wait for Completion and Test: Wait for the conversion process to finish, then try your file transfer again.

Note: If you need to use the drive with macOS, exFAT is a viable alternative. However, exFAT drives may exhibit less reliability for large transfers on some Windows systems.

5. Updating Device Drivers and Firmware: Ensuring Compatibility

Outdated or faulty drivers for your USB controller, network adapter, or storage device can cause communication errors and timeouts. Keep your drivers current to prevent issues.

Step 1: Open Device Manager: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Update Drivers: Expand relevant sections (e.g., Disk drives, Network adapters). Right-click your device, select Update driver, and choose Search automatically for drivers.

Step 3: Check for Firmware Updates: If available, visit the manufacturer’s website to check for firmware updates for your external enclosure or network adapter and follow their instructions to install updates.

Step 4: Restart and Test: Restart your computer and test the file transfer after the drivers are updated.

6. Running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter: Automatic Diagnosis

Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix hardware-related issues, including those affecting external drives and network adapters.

Step 1: Run the Troubleshooter: Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2: Execute Troubleshooter Command: Enter msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.

Step 3: Follow Prompts: In the troubleshooter window, click Next and follow the prompts to apply suggested fixes.

Step 4: Network Troubleshooter: For network-related errors, use the Network Adapter troubleshooter by navigating to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and running the appropriate tool.

7. Temporarily Disabling Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Identifying Interference

Security software can sometimes block or slow down data transfers, especially over network shares or Wi-Fi, leading to timeouts.

Step 1: Disable Windows Defender Firewall: Open the Control Panel and go to Windows Defender Firewall. Select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off and temporarily disable it for both Private and Public networks.

Step 2: Disable Third-Party Antivirus: If you have third-party antivirus software, right-click its icon in the system tray and choose to disable its shields or real-time protection.

Step 3: Test Transfer and Re-enable: Attempt the file transfer. If successful, re-enable your firewall and antivirus immediately afterward.

8. Repairing Windows System Files: Addressing System Corruption

Corrupted system files can disrupt both storage and network operations, causing errors like 0x80070079. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools to repair these files.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Open an elevated Command Prompt as described above.

Step 2: Run DISM: Run the following command to repair Windows images: DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Step 3: Run SFC: After the DISM scan completes, run the System File Checker: sfc /scannow

Step 4: Restart and Test: Restart your computer after the repairs are completed and attempt the file transfer again.

9. Resetting Network Settings: Resolving Network Configuration Issues

Corrupted network configurations or outdated settings can prevent successful file transfers over the network.

Step 1: Open Network Settings: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.

Step 2: Reset Network: Scroll down and select Network reset, then click Reset now.

Step 3: Reconnect and Test: After your PC restarts, reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and test the transfer process.

Note: Resetting your network will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords and restore all network settings to default, so have your credentials ready.

10. Performing a Clean Boot: Identifying Conflicting Software

Third-party applications or services running in the background can interfere with file transfers, causing unexpected delays or errors.

Step 1: Open System Configuration: Press Windows + R, enter msconfig, and press Enter.

Step 2: Disable Services: In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.

Step 3: Disable Startup Items: Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.

Step 4: Restart and Test: Restart your computer and try the file transfer. If the transfer succeeds, gradually re-enable services and startup items to identify the conflicting program.

Additional Tips and When to Seek Professional Help

If the above methods fail to resolve the error, the issue may be due to failing hardware, such as a degraded hard drive or SSD. Drives with mechanical or electronic faults may intermittently fail to respond, even if diagnostic tools like SMART report no problems. In these cases, copying your data off the affected drive as soon as possible is recommended. If the drive continues to fail or becomes inaccessible, consider consulting a professional data recovery service to avoid permanent data loss.

By methodically working through these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the “semaphore timeout period has expired” error (0x80070079) in Windows 11, ensuring your file transfers are successful and your data remains safe. Remember to back up your important files regularly to mitigate potential data loss.