Fix: “api-ms-win-crt-heap-I1-1-0.dll” is missing from your computer

Applications often fail to start and show the message: “The program can’t start because api-ms-win-crt-heap-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer,” right after you install them or update your system. This error means that a part of the Visual C++ Redistributable, called the Universal CRT, is missing or can’t be found.

Usually, this happens because the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 (or a newer version) is not installed, or was not installed correctly. Sometimes, it can also be caused by Windows updates that didn’t finish properly or a damaged system file.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

1. Uninstall Office Using Revo Uninstaller, Clean up, and Reinstall

When you uninstall programs like Office through Windows’ “Add or Remove Programs,” sometimes some files and registry entries are left behind. These leftovers can cause problems if you reinstall Office later. To fully remove every trace of Office, you can use a program called Revo Uninstaller, which does a thorough job of cleaning up after an uninstall.

First, download the free version of Revo Uninstaller from their website here.

After downloading, go to your Downloads folder and run the setup wizard to install Revo Uninstaller. The installation process is straightforward. When you reach the final step, make sure the “Launch Revo Uninstaller” box is checked and click Finish. This will start the Revo Uninstaller program. In the upper left corner, check to make sure the software is set to Uninstaller mode.

Next, find Microsoft Office in the list and select it, then click Uninstall. Confirm your choice by clicking Yes when prompted. In the next window, be sure to select Advanced mode, then continue with the uninstall process. When the uninstall finishes, Revo will scan for leftover files and registry entries. Don’t close Revo at this point. If it finds any leftover items, you’ll see a message. In that window, click Select All, then Delete. Confirm your choice by clicking Yes. When Revo is done, the list should be empty. Click Next, then Finish to complete the process. At this point, Office and all its traces should be gone from your computer. Restart your computer to make sure all changes apply.

Now that Office has been fully removed, reinstall it using your installation media, whether it’s a CD, DVD, or an .exe file you downloaded from the internet. Follow the setup wizard to complete the installation, and restart your computer when you’re finished. After reinstalling, you should be able to use Microsoft Office without any problems.

This error has become more common lately, especially for users who have installed the Windows Update for Universal C Runtime. Luckily, the steps above are quite simple and will help you get Microsoft Office working again in no time.