This DLL and its associated runtime files are often distributed through Windows Update. If your system is missing crucial patches, running Windows Update can resolve the issue.
“The program can’t start because api-ms-win-core-version-l1-1-1.dll is missing from your computer,”
Download and install all available critical and optional updates. Reboot your PC and try launching your software again. Method 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Jack suspected that the problem lay with a recent Windows update that had caused a mismatch between the 64-bit and 32-bit versions of the DLL. He proposed a solution: to manually replace the missing DLL with a compatible version from a trusted source.
The error appears most frequently on and Windows 8.1 64-bit systems. The reason is straightforward: your operating system lacks the required update that introduces this API Set. Api-ms-win-core-version-l1-1-1.dll 64 Bit
In older versions of Windows (XP, Vista, 7), applications would directly call functions like GetFileVersionInfo or VerQueryValue . These calls would bind directly to a specific DLL—usually version.dll or kernel32.dll . This direct binding created a problem: if Microsoft wanted to change how versioning worked internally, it risked breaking thousands of legacy applications.
: Ensure your OS is fully up to date. Many API-set DLLs are delivered through Windows Update Visual C++ Redistributable : Download and install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 . You should install both the (64-bit) and (32-bit) versions for maximum compatibility. KB2999226 Update
If the above solutions don't work, you may need to try more advanced solutions:
This feature explores what this file is, why it exists, how it works in a 64-bit environment, and what it means when it goes missing. This DLL and its associated runtime files are
In some cases, the required file might be in a different location on your system. Microsoft has a specific folder for these types of system DLLs.
Specifically, is part of the Universal C Runtime (UCRT) and the Windows App SDK . It provides core versioning functions that allow applications to query the operating system version. The "64 bit" designation means your application is compiled for x64 architectures.
Method 2: Install or Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
How to Fix Api-ms-win-core-version-l1-1-1.dll Missing Errors on 64-Bit Windows Reboot your PC and try launching your software again
You may also find this specific DLL in the downlevel subfolders of these directories. Common Fixes for "Missing" Errors
Before manually changing any system files, it's vital to understand that the safest way to fix this error is to use official Windows tools and updates. Downloading a single DLL file from a third-party website can be risky, as these files might be outdated, corrupted, or infected with malware. The following official methods are recommended to resolve the issue:
This is the single most effective fix. Almost every modern Windows application requires the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages. Installing the latest version will restore the required runtime files on your system.