Fixing the “api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is Missing” Error

The error stating api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing is a common issue on Windows, especially when launching certain programs, such as games and applications that rely on Visual C++ libraries. The error message typically reads, “The program can’t start because api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer.” Let’s explore what causes this issue and how to resolve it easily.

What Causes the “api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is Missing” Error?

The api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. It facilitates various functions for the C Runtime (CRT) libraries, which are widely used by many applications. The error arises when the system cannot locate this file, often due to:

  • missing or damaged Visual C++ components,
  • incomplete Windows Updates affecting the library, or
  • viruses or malware that may have deleted or corrupted the file.

Steps to Fix the “api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is Missing” Error

1. Update Windows

Often, this issue is caused by missing Windows updates that contain the necessary libraries. To resolve this:

  1. Go to Settings — Update & Security — Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

2. Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

If updating Windows doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to install or reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable package. To do this:

  1. Visit the official Microsoft site to download the correct Visual C++ Redistributable version (x64 is recommended, but x86 may also be needed).
  2. Install the package following the prompts and restart your computer.

3. Manually Download the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll File

This method should only be used as a last resort. Find api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll on a reliable source, such as DLL-Files. Download the file and place it in:

  • C:\Windows\System32 for a 64-bit system, or
  • C:\Windows\SysWOW64 for a 32-bit system.

Then, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

4. Run System File Checker (SFC)

You can automatically repair missing or corrupted files with this built-in Windows tool:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (through the Start menu).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan and repair process to complete.