Error message: "api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1.0.dll is missing from your computer"

Question

My son is studying overseas and just updated his laptop (Toshiba/Win. 8.1)

He instantly began receiving the following error message: "api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1.0.dll is missing from your computer Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem"

He tried reinstalling "Visual C++ Redistributable" as has been suggested elsewhere on MS community posts but to no avail.

He can only open Google Chrome right now -- all MS programs come up with same error.

Also cannot open control panel to get to restore point to restart before update.

Answer 1

Hi Mike,

To better assist you, we suggest that you update your Universal C run time in your Windows 8.1 computer. You may refer to the link below for the prerequisite before downloading. Also, download the update that is suitable for your current OS. Visit the link below for instructions:

• Update for Universal C Runtime in Windows.

For further information regarding troubleshooting the issue, visit the thread below from Microsoft Developer Network community:

• Program can't start because api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing from computer.
• This program can't start because is missing from your computer.

Let us know if you need further help.

Best regards.

Answer 2

Hi, 

I'm having the same problem but if I follow your advice and go to download and install the update for Universal C runtime in windows it says

Only one instance of wusa.exe is allowed to run.

Answer 3

Hi James,

We recommend the steps here, that also discusses the issue on hand.

Should you need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Answer 4

Hello

I have tried all of the above updates with no results. I still can't open itunes without the message appearing. When i try the x64 update my computer searches and searches but finds nothing. All possible windows updates are installed.

Please help if you can.

Thanks