How to Fix api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll Missing on Windows

What Causes This?

The api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll missing error usually means the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime files your app needs are missing, damaged, or outdated. This DLL is part of the Universal C Runtime, which is commonly installed through Windows Update or the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages. The problem can also happen after a broken app uninstall, failed update, or leftover files from older software versions that conflict with the current runtime.

Common Symptoms

• A program will not open and shows api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing
• You see errors about the app being unable to start because a DLL was not found
• Games, Adobe apps, or other desktop programs crash immediately on launch
• The error appears after reinstalling software or restoring a system backup
• Some apps work, but one specific program fails every time

How to Fix It Manually

1. Restart your PC first

   • Save your work and restart Windows.
   • If the error started after an update or install, a reboot may finish pending system changes.

2. Install all Windows updates

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • Go to Windows Update.
   • Click Check for updates.
   • Install everything available, including optional quality updates if offered.
   • Restart your PC after the updates finish.

3. Repair or reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

   • Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, and open it.
   • Go to Programs > Programs and Features.
   • Look for entries named Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
   • If you see recent versions such as 2015-2022, select each one and click Change > Repair.
   • If repair does not help, download and reinstall the latest supported Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages from Microsoft for both x64 and x86, then restart your PC.

4. Run System File Checker and DISM

   • Press Windows + S, type cmd.
   • Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   • Run this command:

     sfc /scannow

   • Wait for it to complete, then run:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   • Restart your PC when both scans finish.

5. Reinstall the app that shows the error

   • Press Windows + I and go to Apps > Installed apps.
   • Find the affected program, select it, and choose Uninstall.
   • Restart your PC.
   • Download the latest installer from the software maker’s official website and install it again.

6. Check for leftover files from old installs

   • Open File Explorer and check these folders if they exist:
     • C:\Program Files
     • C:\Program Files (x86)
     • C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local
     • C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming
   • Remove leftover folders for the broken app only if it has already been uninstalled.
   • Be careful not to download random DLL files from third-party websites. Replacing system DLLs manually often makes the problem worse.

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