api-ms-win-core-winrt-l1-1-0.dll missing

Hello Ann Howells,

I understand that you are unable to open your files because Windows displays an “api-ms-win-core-winrt-l1-1-0.dll is missing” error. This may be related to a missing Windows component or a compatibility issue between the program opening the files and your current Windows version.

Please try the options below and check whether the issue continues:

1. Install all available Windows updates, restart the computer, and then try opening the file again.
2. Reinstall the application that normally opens these files. Download its installer only from the application developer’s official website.
3. Open the Start menu, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator. Run these commands one at a time:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

sfc /scannow

Restart the computer after both commands finish.

You can also try installing the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable:

• If you use 64-bit Windows, install both the x64 package and x86 package, since some 32-bit programs still require the x86 files.
• If you use 32-bit Windows, install only the x86 package.
• If you use a Windows ARM device, install the ARM64 package.

You can check this under Settings > System > About > System type. Restart the computer after installation and test the files again.

Please let me know how it goes after trying these steps, and I'll be glad to continue looking into it with you.

Hi Ann Howells,

When this error comes up which app or file were you trying to open?

You can also use event viewer to see the error which might give you more clues over which app has the problem.

WinRT only runs on W8 to W11, can you type winver in search , open that app and post back your build please.