Microsoft Windows HRESULT Error Code 0x80070060: How to Fix It

Easy 30 minutes to 1 hour Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Summarize with ChatGPTSummarize with ClaudeSummarize with Perplexity Add as Preferred Source on Google
Error Code
0x80070060
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
hresult
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
30 minutes to 1 hour
Error code 0x80070060, also known as ERROR_SEM_OWNER_DIED, means a semaphore (a synchronization object used by programs) was abandoned because its owner process crashed or ended unexpectedly. This typically occurs when an application or service fails to release a resource, causing other programs to hang or crash. You can usually fix it by closing problematic processes, restarting services, and repairing system files.
Ad

Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x80070060

  1. Restart Your Computer

  2. End Hung Processes in Task Manager

    Ending system processes may cause instability; only end processes you recognize as user applications.

  3. Restart the Windows Error Reporting Service

    Do not modify other services unless you are sure.

  4. Run System File Checker (SFC)

    Do not close the Command Prompt window during the scan.

  5. Perform a Clean Boot

    After troubleshooting, re-enable services and startup items to avoid a reduced feature set.

  6. Update Windows and Drivers

    Back up important data before major updates.
Ad

When to Call a Professional

If the error persists after all steps, especially in a work or enterprise environment, contact your IT support or a professional technician. There may be deeper software corruption or hardware issues (e.g., failing hard drive) requiring diagnostic tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error 0x80070060 mean?
It means a program (the owner of a semaphore) crashed without releasing it, leaving other processes waiting indefinitely. It's a software synchronization issue.
Can error 0x80070060 be caused by malware?
Yes, malware can cause processes to crash or behave erratically. Run a full antivirus scan to rule out infection.
Will restarting my computer fix error 0x80070060?
In many cases, yes. A restart clears temporary states and resets semaphores. If the error returns, follow the other steps.
Is error 0x80070060 serious?
It's usually a minor software glitch. However, frequent occurrences may indicate a problematic program or system corruption that needs attention.
How do I find which program is causing the error?
Use Task Manager to look for hung processes. Also check the Windows Event Viewer (press Win+X, select 'Event Viewer') under Windows Logs > Application for error details mentioning the affected program.

Related Error Codes