If you own a Windows computerand you are not able to open programs or files, and instead you are getting an error message, then it can be a mighty frustrating experience to have. If the problem is associated with DLL files, you are likely to get the error - api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll .
Don’t worry because there are easy ways to rectify the error and it is really not a big thing. As long as you know what to do, you will not have any trouble. Also, this error message simply means that Universal CRT that forms an important part of Visual C++ Redistributable is not installed completely.
The Problem
It usually starts when you are trying to open programs or files and you are given a message that says that the file is not available on your system and you can’t start it. You may also be prompted to reinstall the program you have been trying to start. Being panicked is a normal reaction because you don’t know what to do. But it is important to understand that it is one of the easiest problems to correct. The truth is that many people face the same problem and when you know what to do, it stops being a huge thing. Understanding the reason behind the API MS Win CRT runtime file missing is one of the first things you have to do. The Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable for Visual Studio includes this file and when it is not available, users face this error message. Either there is no software or the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll file has become corrupt
Downloading the Missing File
As a Windows user, it is extremely important to understand that you must not download the dll file from just any dll download website. You may be tempted to do so from a site on the internet but it may not a good idea because it can lead to more harm than good. So stay away from any random dll site that asks you to download the dll file from it. The main reason why this is so is because the file may not be updated and it may cause your computer harm because it has not been approved by Windows. So it is best to stick to original things when it comes to such matters. In case you have already downloaded the dll file from a random site, it is important that you delete it before proceeding.
Fixing the error
Now it is time to learn how you can correct the error once and for all and get back to working on your system. You have to understand that the missing issue is because of something that is already included in the software. So reinstalling the software is the thing to do first. This will ensure that the whole thing gets reinstalled properly. Here are 3 ways you can rectify this problem:
1. Installing the software with an update
This is the first way you can address this issue. With the Windows Update, you can simply install the Redistributable package.
• Open Start menu
• Enter ‘update’ into the box
• Choose the updates option
Windows will then start looking for any updates. If you are using Windows 10, you will find that Windows automatically downloads the updates required for the detected software. If you are using Windows 7, then please click the option Install Updates. After this is done, you have to restart the system. It may be required to repeat the process several times. You have to keep updating till the time when there are no more. After this is done, you have to open and check the program or file that has been giving you trouble because of the Visual C++ error and then see whether the process has been successful. If it is working fine, then wonderful! But if not, then don’t worry, as varied other things can also be done.
2. Repairing the Redistributable Package
This is the next thing on your list of things to do to correct the issue. Repair of the Redistributable package may seem to be a complicated thing but rest assured it is not. You may already have Visual C on the computer and if nothing is working then it is may be because there is a problem with what needs to be fixed. So you have to mend it.
• Go to the Control Panel from your Start Menu
• Open ‘Programs & Features’
• Click on the Redistributable package
• Click on Change
• After this you will be prompted to click on Repair
After clicking Yes, you will be following the instructions on your system’s screen to start the repair. After this, find the program or file that has been giving you trouble and try to open it. If it is successful, then you have managed to rectify the dll error yourself.
3. Downloading the Package from the Microsoft website
If the first troubleshooting method does not work out, then it is time for you to download the Redistributable package from the Microsoft website directly. For this, first go to the download page from the Microsoft official website and then click on Download. After this you will be prompted to select your computer type. After this wait for it to get downloaded. When the download is complete, kindly go as per the instructions that will come to your computer screen for the installation to be completed. After this, the program or file that was causing the problem has to be opened and if you see that the problem is no more, then it means this method has worked. If you are still facing the same issue, then don’t worry because there is another thing you can do.
Read the article to better understand how to fix the error. If none of the above methods work, then it is best to take your problem to a professional who will be able to address it. In most scenarios these tips should help you find the right solution to the error.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://blog.datasciencedojo.com/p/ac54d869-f4df-452b-a721-84dae0803e86/