How to Fix the api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll Missing Error in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
Users need to resolve a system error where Adobe Acrobat cannot launch due to a missing runtime DLL file.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Launching the Adobe Acrobat application on a Windows computer.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to start and a Windows system error dialog pops up stating that the program cannot start because api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll is missing from the computer.
Ensure that you are logged into your Windows computer with an administrator account. You will need administrative privileges to install or repair the core Windows system updates and runtime libraries required for this fix.
Install or Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Universal CRT
This error is almost always caused by a missing or corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Universal Runtime component, which Acrobat needs to run.
The api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll file is a part of the Universal C Runtime (CRT) in Windows. Installing the official Microsoft update will restore this file and allow Acrobat to open properly.
Visit the official Microsoft Support website and download the 'Update for Universal C Runtime in Windows' package that matches your system architecture (x86 or x64).
Double-click the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen installer prompts to complete the installation.
If it is already installed, open Windows Settings > Apps, locate 'Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable', click 'Modify', and then select 'Repair'.
Click the Windows Start menu, select the Power icon, and click 'Restart' to apply the system changes before launching Adobe Acrobat again.
Install Pending Windows Updates
Updating Windows ensures that all native runtime libraries and system components are correctly registered and up to date.
Use WPS Office to Open and Edit PDFs Instantly
If Adobe Acrobat refuses to launch due to persistent system errors, you can bypass the problem immediately by using the built-in PDF tools in WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, error-free environment to view, edit, and annotate your documents.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Launch the PDF Editor: Open WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab located on the main home screen.
- 3. Open Your Document: Click 'Open' and browse your computer to select the PDF file you were trying to access in Acrobat.
- 4. Edit and Save: Use the top toolbar to edit text, highlight, add comments, or convert the file, then click 'Save' when finished.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll file?
It is a crucial component of the Microsoft Visual C++ Universal C Runtime (CRT) for Windows. It provides instructions and functions that applications developed using Visual C++ (like Adobe Acrobat) need in order to run properly.
Can I fix the error by downloading the DLL file directly from the internet?
No, it is highly discouraged. Downloading individual DLL files from unofficial third-party websites is a major security risk, as they can contain viruses or malware. The safest and most effective method is to install the official Microsoft Visual C++ redistributable packages.
Why does this error appear suddenly when Acrobat worked fine before?
This can happen if a recent Windows update failed, if the Universal CRT files became corrupted due to unexpected system crashes, or if another installed program accidentally overwrote or uninstalled the shared runtime libraries.
