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Api-ms-win-crt-filesystem-l1-1-0.dll Missing: How to Download it
Installing the latest Visual C++ Redistributables is the easiest fix
5 min. read
Updated onNovember 7, 2024
updated onNovember 7, 2024
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For fixing DLL errors, we recommend Fortect:
Fortect will search for an intitial version of your missing, corrupted or damaged DLL files that cause problems to your Windows OS and will replace it. Here is how to find them in 3 easy steps:
Theapi-ms-win-crt-filesystem-l1-1-0.dll file, developed by Microsoft and a key part of Windows, is required for running several games and apps. If the file is missing, it’s usually due to an app inadvertently deleting the DLL, incorrect path, corrupted system files, or missing Visual C++ Redistributables.
When it’s not found, the error message reads,The program can’t start because api-ms-win-crt-filesystem-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.
Before you proceed,boot the PC in Safe Mode, then back in normal mode, and install all pending Windows updates. For most of you, these alone should fix the missing DLL error!
How can I fix api-ms-win-crt-filesystem-l1-1-0.dll is missing error?
1. Manually replace the DLL
Theapi-ms-win-crt-filesystem-l1-1-0.dllfile is stored in one of the following paths:C:\Windows\System32C:\Windows\System32\downlevel
So, if the DLL is missing, go to the same location on another PC running the same OS iteration and architecture(32-bit or 64-bit)> copy the file to a flash drive > connect the flash drive to the affected PC > move the DLL to the paths listed earlier, whichever one works > then restart the computer.
2. Install the latest Visual C++ Redistributable packages
If you have far too manyVisual C++ Redistributablepackages that are outdated or corrupted, apps and games likeResident Evil 7will throw the missingapi-ms-win-crt-filesystem-l1-1-0.dllerror. So, you simply need to remove the others and only install the latest package(s).
3. Repair the corrupted system files
Sinceapi-ms-win-crt-filesystem-l1-1-0.dllis a protected system file, when it’s missing or corrupted, running theDISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)and SFC(System File Checker)scans will restore the DLL.
4. Scan the PC for malware
5. Temporarily disable the installed antivirus
In case you have a third-party antivirus installed on the PC, temporarily disable it oruninstall the app, and verify whether theapi-ms-win-crt-filesystem-l1-1-0.dllnot found error is fixed.
If the error message now disappears, your antivirus was conflicting with Windows and preventing the detection of the DLL. So, it’s best that you leave it disabled/uninstalled and use the built-inWindows Securityor switch to atop-rated antivirus solution.
6. Reinstall the affected app
If a quick removal doesn’t do the trick, use aneffective software uninstallerto delete any leftover files, app cache, and Registry entries, which might still be triggering conflicts with the OS.
7. Perform an in-place upgrade
An in-place upgrade will certainly fix theapi-ms-win-crt-filesystem-l1-1-0.dllnot found Windows error, and you should be able to run the affected app/game. The best part is that you won’t lose any personal files or installed programs.
If the error message persists, the last option is toreinstall Windows.
Before you leave, discover what to do whenDLLs are missing in Windowsand prevent such errors from reappearing!
Which fix worked for you? Share with our readers in the comments section.
More about the topics:DLL errors,DLL issues
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
