How to Fix the "api-ms-win-core-winrt-l1-1-0.dll is Missing" Error

The error related to the missing api-ms-win-core-winrt-l1-1-0.dll file often appears when launching applications on Windows, especially after updates or system file changes. This DLL file is linked to Microsoft API, supporting the operation of applications in the Windows Runtime environment. Here are some solutions to fix this error.

1. Update Windows

The simplest and often most effective solution is to update your operating system. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Microsoft frequently releases patches that include missing or updated system files, including DLLs.

2. Install Visual C++ Redistributable

Many libraries, including api-ms-win-core-winrt-l1-1-0.dll, are part of the Visual C++ Redistributable package. Head to the official Microsoft site and download the Visual C++ Redistributable. Install both the 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions, restart your computer, and see if the error is resolved.

3. Reinstall the Application

Sometimes, specific applications may fail to properly install or lose necessary DLL files. Try reinstalling the program that triggers the error to ensure it includes all required components.

4. Check and Repair System Files

Windows has built-in tools for restoring missing or corrupted files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands:

cmd
sfc /scannow

This command will check the integrity of system files and repair them if needed. After that, run:

cmd
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This command will restore system components that may be damaged. Once finished, restart your computer and try launching the application again.

5. Manually Install api-ms-win-core-winrt-l1-1-0.dll

If the above methods don't work, you can try downloading the api-ms-win-core-winrt-l1-1-0.dll file from a trusted DLL resource and manually placing it in the C:\Windows\System32 folder (for 64-bit systems) or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (for 32-bit systems). However, downloading DLL files from third-party sites should be done cautiously, as they may contain malicious code.

6. Perform a System Restore

If the problem began recently, a system restore might help. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System Restore and select a restore point that predates the error.