The Program Can’t Start Because api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll Is Missing From Your Computer
SomeWindows users are viewing an error messagecalledThe program can’t start because api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer. There could be several reasons why you might get this DLL file missing error while opening an app on Windows 10 computer.
If there was a recent adware attack and some system files got changed, there is a chance of getting this particular error message. Similarly, an identical error message may appear if you download and install software from an untrusted website that contains malware.
The program can’t start because api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer
Instead of heading to some dedicated websites to download a particular DLL file, it is recommended to go through the following troubleshooting steps to eliminate this error first.
1. Download Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Update 3 RC
Whether you are using Windows 7, 8, or 10, you mustdownload this package from the official Microsoft websiteand install it.
To download the package, you need to know your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). If you do not know that already, openThis PC, right-click on an empty space and select thePropertiesoption.
Now, check theSystem type. If x64 is visible, you have a 64-bit system, whereas x86 defines a 32-bit system.
After installation, restart your computer and check if it solves the issue or not.
2. Repair the Installed Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package
1:Search forControl Panelin the Taskbar search box, and click on the individual result to open Control Panel on your computer.
2:Click on theUninstall a programoption. If you cannot find it, make sure theView byis set asCategory.
3:FindMicrosoft Visual C++2015-2019 Redistributable (x64) or (x86)and click on it to select. In case you see both, select the first package and click theChangebutton.
4:Click on theRepairoption.
It may ask for the administrator’s permission by showing the UAC prompt. You can click theYesbutton to allow the app and wait for a few moments to allow the process to complete. Once done, restart your computer and check if the problem persists or not.
3. Update Universal C Runtime
At times, Windows Update might not download the required package due to some misconfiguration. To fix that, you maydownload the update packagefor Universal C Runtime in Windows from the official Microsoft website.
It is a basic download and installation step. However, as you are using Windows 10, you should download the Windows 8.1 package since there is no official release for Windows 10 yet (but it works).
4. Reinstall the Software
The ‘api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing’ error may occur while opening any installed program, such as Google Chrome, Skype, Evernote, etc. When this error occurs, and if it is happening with only one specific app, you have to note the app name. you may check the app name in the title bar of the error message.
Then, you have two options – repair the installed software or reinstall it. As the repair option is not always available for all the apps, you have to make use of the second option. To repair an app, follow these steps-
1:Search for theControl Panelin the Taskbar search box and click on the individual result.
2:Set theView byasCategory, and click on theUninstall a programoption.
3:Let’s say you want to repair the Microsoft Edge browser. For that, select theMicrosoft Edge, and click on theChangeoption visible on the top menu bar. For some apps, you may view a dedicatedRepairoption instead of theChangebutton.
4:Then, click on theRepairbutton and wait for a few moments to complete the process.
5:Once done, try to open the app to check if the DLL file missing error reappears.
6.If you want to uninstall an app, you have to open theUninstall a programwindow as you did earlier in Control Panel, select the program you want to uninstall, and click on theUninstalloption.
7.Finally, you can download the software from the official website and reinstall it on your computer.
5. Run Adware Removal Tool
For your information, AdwCleaner is a well-known and handy tool from Malwarebytes, which does the job pretty well. You candownload AdwCleanerand double-click on the .exe file to open and run it.
1.Click on theScan Nowbutton to start scanning your PC.
2.Once done, it shows an option toRun Basic Repair. This option appears when AdwCleaner doesn’t detect anything suspicious.
3.However, if it does detect adware, you will see an option to remove it accordingly.
6. Use System File Checker
AsSFC or System File Checkeris a command-line and in-built tool, so you do not have to install third-party software. To get started, follow these steps-
1:Search forCMDand click on theRun as administratoroption to open Command Prompt with administrator permission.
2:Enter the following command-
3:It takes some time. Once the scan is complete, you can restart your computer.
7. Troubleshoot in Clean boot
1:PressWin+R, typemsconfig, and click theEnterbutton to open the System Configuration window.
2:Switch to theServicestab and check theHide all Microsoft servicesbox.
3:Make sure all the visible services are selected or checked, and click theDisable allbutton.
4:Click theOKbutton andrestartyour computer.
5:Try opening the same app that was causing the missing DLL issue. If you cannot see any error as earlier, pressWin+R, typemsconfig, and press theEnterbutton. Then, choose theNormal startupbutton.
6:Restart your computer in normal mode and open the same System Configuration window to enable one or two services at a time.
7:Repeat 4th,5th, and 6th steps to find out whether a third-party service is causing the issue on your computer not.
8:If yes, you have to repair or reinstall the corresponding app.
8. Re-Register the Dll File
1:Search forCMDin the Taskbar search box, click on theRun as administratoroption, and click theYesbutton to open Command Prompt with administrator privilege.
2:Enter the following command:
3:Wait for a few moments to complete the process. Once done, restart your computer.
9. Use System Restore Point
This method works only if you created a System Restore point before getting this issue or if your system is set to create one automatically in the background. Restoring your computer to a previous point in time won’t delete your personal files or data.
1:Search forcreate a restore pointin the Taskbar search box, and click on the respective search result to open theSystem Propertieswindow.
2:In theSystem Protectiontab, click on theSystem Restorebutton.
3:Now, you get an option to choose a custom restore point. There maybe more than one and if so, select one when you believe Windows 10 was running error-free. Select it and click theNextbutton.
4:Click theFinishbutton, restart your computer, and allow it to finish the steps as per your requirements.
Once done, you won’t find any problem related to the DLL missing.
Which Solution Worked for You
As there are mainly two reasons you are getting this problem, it is recommended to go through all these steps. However, if you know the cause, it would help you get rid of the missing DLL problem quickly.
Sudip is a freelance writer who has over nine years of experience in content writing. He loves to write about almost anything related to PC and mobile apps, how-to guides, tricks, and more.
