How to Fix Missing Api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll Error

Are you trying to open an app or a program on your Windows computer, but suddenly you see the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll error message?

It is possible to fix the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll error. However, do you know why you’re seeing the error message? There are two possible reasons: it could be showing up because the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll file is missing, or the Universal CRT file that is included in the Visual C++ Redistributable package isn’t installed properly.

This error message usually surfaces when you’re trying to open Adobe-related applications, such as Skype, AutoDesk, Microsoft Office, SmartFTP software, XAMPP, and Corel Draw.

A Quick Overview of DLL Files

Dynamic Link Libraries (DLL) are external aspects of applications that run on Windows or other operating systems. In most cases, applications cannot run themselves and store codes in these files. If there is a need to store codes or data, the needed DLL file is loaded into the system’s memory.

Once the system is unable to find the required DLL file or if it is corrupted, the missing api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll error message appears.

Possible Fixes to the Api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll Error

Because the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll file is included in the Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable package, the fixes usually involve the reinstallation of the software.

Here are some ways to reinstall the Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable package:

Method 1: Reinstall the Software through Windows Update.

Microsoft already included the Visual C++ Redistributable package for Visual Studio 2015 in the recent Windows Update KB2999226. That only means you can reinstall the package via the Windows Update itself. Follow the steps below for a detailed guide:

1. In the search bar, input Update.
2. From the search results, choose Check for Updates for Windows 10/11 devices and Windows Update for Windows 7 devices.
3. Hit the Check for updates button.
4. Windows should start checking for any updates. If your computer is running on Windows 10/11, Microsoft will automatically install any detected updates. But if your computer is running on Windows 7, you will need to click Install Updates to initiate the update.
5. Once the update is complete, restart your computer.
6. Repeat the steps above until there are no more updates available.
7. Open the app or program you want to use and check if the error message still appears.

Method 2: Get the Visual C++ Redistributable Package for Visual Studio 2015 from Microsoft’s Website.

You may download the Visual C++ Redistributable Package for Visual Studio 2015 from the official website of Microsoft. Simply follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Visit Microsoft’s official download website.
2. Click the Download button.
3. Choose your system type (x32, x64, or x86). If you are uncertain about this information, type system in the search bar. From the search results, click System. You should now have an idea of your system type.
4. Click Next. The download should now begin.
5. Once the download is completed, double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Open the program. If you still see the error, try the next method.

Method 3: Fix the Visual C++ Redistributable Package for Visual Studio 2015.

If you have already installed the Visual Studio 2015 program on your computer, then you can try to fix the error by repairing the program itself. Just follow these steps:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Navigate to Programs and Features.
3. Scroll down and look for Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable.
4. Click Change.
5. Choose Repair.
6. When asked to confirm, click Yes.
7. Complete the repair process by following the on-screen instructions.

Method 4: Have Another Copy of the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll File.

If the first three methods don’t work for you, try to copy the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll file from another Windows computer that runs the same operating system and paste it on yours.

Below is a detailed guide on how to copy the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll file correctly:

1. First, you have to check if the operating system type is similar to yours. In the search bar, enter System Information. Click on System Information from the search results.
2. If it matches with yours, proceed with copying the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll file.
3. Find the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll file first. Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows and E keys together.
4. Navigate to C:\\Windows\System32.
5. Use the Ctrl + F shortcut to find the file. Type api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll and then hit Enter.
6. If no results show, navigate to C:\\Windows\SysWOW64. After that, search for the file again.
7. Once you see the file, copy and paste it on an external drive.
8. Replace the problematic api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll file on your computer.

Keep in mind that not all computers with the same system types have the DLL file you need to restore. Thus, there is no guarantee that this method will always work. But as they always say, there is no harm in trying, right?

Other Methods You Can Try

If none of the methods above worked or you just do not feel confident about troubleshooting the problem yourself, we suggest you seek help from an expert. He or she can resolve the problem for you more quickly, but prepare to spend a few dollars.

Once the problem is fixed, we encourage you to download the tool Outbyte PC Repair. Although it does not work to fix the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll error directly, it does a great job of keeping your computer free of junk files that may trigger these sorts of error. It even helps keep your Windows computer running at its best.

Do you have other solutions in mind that can fix the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll error? We’d like to know. Share them with us below.