How to Fix “api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing” Error
While opening a program on Windows, if you find “The program can’t start because of api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer” error message, then it can be because of the DLL file has gone missing from your system or been corrupted. The other reason for the system showing this error message is the part of Visual C++ Redistributable i.e., Universal CRT has failed to be installed properly. Though it is not a Windows critical error, “api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing” error is still very annoying and put the user in panic.
You may find this type of message shown up on your screen while opening any Adobe applications, Skype, Autodesk, Corel Draw, SmartFTP software, Microsoft Office, or XAMPP. The list will go on unless you learn how to fix api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll missing error.
What is the DLL File?
A lot of the applications do not contain all its data into it and have the codes stored in different files. DLL, or Dynamic Link Libraries, is a type of external storage file which is used to store the parts of apps or software and help it to run on any operating system. The application or software finds that external file and loads it into the memory to be used to run the program. So, if these DLL files are missing or corrupted, then the operating system or software do not get the code to run the program resulting in the display of error message.
Pro tips: Just like the DLL file, there are usually many personal files which are important to users. In case of accidental deletion or losing of precious photos, videos or documents, don’t hesitate to use Jihosoft File Recovery to get them back.
Methods to Fix “api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing” Error
It is very easy to fix this issue, but before getting started with it you need to check your Windows is updated or not. If not, then update your Windows and confirm it. You can download and install System File Checker for the replacement of potentially corrupted files present on the system. When you are reinstalling the program, it may be possible that your issue is fixed by your PC. If not, the. Go through the methods given below.
1. Repair Installed Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package
As mentioned earlier, this type of error message is shown up when there is a problem in the installation of Universal CRT which is a part of Visual C++ Redistributable. So, if you are having Visual C++ Redistributable Package installed on your system, then you need to repair the program to avoid getting an error related to it. Follow these steps to repair its program quickly.
- Step 1. Go to Control Panel > Program and Features.
- Step 2. There, locate Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64) [if you are using 64-bit machine] and then right-click on it. Now, click on the “Change” button and select the “Repair” option.
- Step 3. Now, restart your PC and wait for it getting booted up. Now, check whether the issue exists or not.
Note: If you’re using Windows 10/8 computer, then you may go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features to repair Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable。
2. Download api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll File
You have already read about the DLL file and its role for running the program or application. There can be two cases for the error message i.e., the DLL file is missing or the DLL file is present on the computer but corrupted.
- Open Windows Explorer, go to C:\Windows\System32, type api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll in the search box, see if there is a result. If no, then go to C:\Windows\SysWOW4 for a check.
If you have the DLL file on your computer, still you are seeing an error message while trying to open any application that means, the DLL file is corrupted and you need to re-register it.
If the DLL file is missing from your computer, then you need to download the appropriate DLL file from the internet. Thereafter, you can paste it to the place where it is needed. However, this method is not so effective and there is no guarantee of getting the issue fixed by doing so.
- Anyway, you could download api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll and save it to the locations mentioned above.
3. Update for Universal C Runtime
You should be knowing that for Windows 10, Universal CRT has become part of the operating system. So, you can’t avoid this problem by skipping it. You can use Universal C Runtime without the risk of getting an error message. This can be done by downloading the update of Universal C Runtime from Microsoft. Then install its components after the downloading is finished. Restart your PC and check whether the issue is resolved or not.
4. Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Update
Microsoft consists of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable updates which can be installed from there directly. For this, you have to select your operating architecture whether it is 64-bit or 32-bit. Steps to install the updates via Windows are given below.
- Step 1. Open the Start tab and then enter “Update” in the search box. Now, locate “Check for updates” (Windows 10) or “Windows Update” (Windows 7) and then click on it.
- Step 2. You will get a window displaying “Check for updates”. Click on it.
- Step 3. If you are using Windows 10, then Windows will automatically check the updates and will update your system. In the case of Windows 7, you need to install the detected updates by clicking on “Install Updates”.
- Step 4. You can repeat the above procedure until and unless all updates are finished. You must check for updates after restarting your computer.
- Step 5. Now, check for the error existence by opening an infected program or software.
5. Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2017
As many programs use Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable package, many of other new and advanced programs use the Microsoft Visual 2017 Redistributable for Visual Studio 2017. So, if your program is not running and showing an error, it may be possible that it might be using this package. So, you need to install Visual Studio 2017 package to fix your issue.
Conclusion
So, you have seen 5 easy and compatible ways to fix the “The program can’t start because api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing” issue. By detecting the reason behind the error message shown up in your PC, you can easily go for one solution. You really need not to worry as all the ways are tested and successfully implemented. These methods will also be beneficial to run your programs smoothly. If you have any queries or doubts, then post it in the comments.