Fixes – api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing

To fix the error, Install/Repair Visual C++ Redistributable files, update PC drivers & software, or download the missing file manually.

The api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll missing error appears when you are trying to run an application. The error prompt for this particular error code reads – The program can’t start because api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.

As the error suggests, you may need to reinstall the application. However, that does not always work as the issue appears for other reasons. It can be frustrating to remove and reinstall an application just to witness the same error again. 

If you have tried doing so and had no luck, do not worry; we might have just the solution you are looking for. In this post, let’s look at some ways to fix api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is a missing error on a Windows PC. 

5 Ways to Resolve api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll Missing

Before we jump to the fixes, you must know that the error appears due to one of the following reasons on your PC – 

• Missing/Corrupt Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable files on PC
• Outdated Software Definition, OS Version, or Drivers
• Missing DLL Files from the System

If you are aware of any of these issues on your PC, you already know where your PC has gone wrong. If none of these issues are in your knowledge, do not worry, you can try the fixes below one-by-one to resolve the issue.

Fix 1 – Install Visual C++ Redistributable Files

The first thing you need to do is ensure that your PC has Visual C++ Redistributable files ready. Most of the users who are aware of Visual Studio and its applications on a Windows PC have these files already installed. 

To check if the files are installed or not, simply – 

Step 1 – Press Win + R to open the run search.
Step 2 – Use the Command – control appwiz.cpl and hit enter
Step 3 – The above command will take you to the list of programs installed on your PC.
Step 4 – Scroll down to check if the files are installed or not. 

If these are unavailable, simply use the following steps to download and install the components.

Step 1- Go to the official website for Visual C++ Redistributable to find the download option.

Step 2 – You can check system requirements and other information to ensure compatibility.
Step 3 – Download the file and run the exe. file to install the file.

After installing the files, try running the application that showed the error message again, and it should work fine. 

Fix 2 – Repair Visual C++ Redistributable Files

In case you already had the files installed, and the issue still appeared, the files are not up to the mark and need repairs. Fortunately, the files have an internal mechanism that allows you to repair them. All you have to do is – 

Step 1 – Press Win + R to open the run search.
Step 2 – Use the Command – control appwiz.cpl and hit enter.

Step 3 – From the list of programs installed, navigate to the Visual C++ Redistributable files.

Step 4 – Select the installed application and click the Change button from the top bar.
Step 5 – When you click Change, a pop-up window will appear, asking what you aim to do.

Step 6 – You will have an option that says repair in the prompt. Click on it.
Step 7 – Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to get over with the process. 

Once these files are repaired, restart your computer and try running the application with the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll error, and it should not appear anymore.

Read Also: Fix – LiveKernelEvent 141 Hardware Error

Fix 3 – Update Software & Drivers

If the issue persists, you may use a lower software version showing the error, or the driver involved in the process may be outdated. The ideal way to deal with this situation is to update both these entities and check if the issue can be resolved, 

With the application showing the .dll file is missing an error, it is easy to check for updates as you know exactly what to look for. However, it can get tricky when it comes to drivers, as you do not know which driver is causing the issue. This makes manually updating the driver in use impossible. Hence, using Advanced Driver Updater is your best chance to do so. Here’s what you need to do – 

Step 1 – Download the application from the link below.

Step 2 – Click on Start Scan Now to initiate a scan for outdated drivers.

Step 3 – After the scan is over, you have a list of all the outdated drivers.

Step 4 – Click on Update All to install the latest versions.

Step 5 – Let the tool finish the update. 

Now that you have both the application in question and the drivers updated try running the application again. 

Read Also: 9+ Ways To Fix Windows Stuck on “Checking for Updates”

Fix 4 – Download the Missing DLL File

If you could not resolve the issue with the stated fixes, the .dll files must be replaced. The best way to handle this is to browse online and look for the missing .dll file. To make things easier for you, here are the steps to help you save the file manually – 

Step 1 – Search online for the missing .dll file.

Step 2 – Download it from a genuine website.
Step 3 – Extract the zip file.
Step 4 – Once you have the file, copy and paste it to either of the following destinations on your PC (depending on the type of OS you are using)

On a 32-bit version of Windows (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10).

C:\Windows\System32 

On a 64-bit version of Windows (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10).

32bit dll-files –  C:\Windows\SysWOW64\  

64 bit dll-files –  C:\Windows\System32\ 

Step 4 – Save the extracted file to these locations based on your Windows version and check if it resolves the issue for you. 

Fix 5 – Re-Install the Latest Version of Application

If none of the above fixes worked, the last resort is to uninstall the application and download the latest version from scratch. Do not use the previously downloaded setup file, as it may lead you to a similar situation. 

To uninstall the application from scratch, simply – 

Step 1 – Press Win + R to open the run search.
Step 2 – Use the Command – control appwiz.cpl and hit enter.

Step 3 – From the list of programs installed, navigate to the application showing the error.

Step 4 – Select the installed application and click the Uninstall button from the top bar. Step 5 – Follow the instructions of the uninstall wizard to remove the application and its components from the PC. 

Download the latest version of the applications, install it on your PC, and use it as intended, i.e., without errors. 

The api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing Error is now FIXED!

After performing these 5 fixes, you can resolve the error at hand. Facing difficulties while trying to launch an application can be frustrating. Do not let this frustration bother you anymore. Use the fixes and resolve the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll missing error today!

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