If you are experiencing problems with the “api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll” file, you are not alone. This DLL file is essential for the Windows operating system as it handles software devices. If the file is either missing or damaged, it can lead to issues with different programs and applications.
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The “api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll” file is an important part of the Software Device API, which allows programs to interact with virtual devices. This API is used by a variety of software, from device drivers to multimedia applications. When the DLL file is missing or damaged, it can prevent programs from accessing the API and cause them to crash or display error messages.
If you’re experiencing issues with programs that rely on the Software Device API, such as virtual machine software or multimedia applications, it’s possible that the “api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll” file is the culprit. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to fix the issue, including reinstalling the affected program, updating your operating system, or manually replacing the DLL file.
What is api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll
The api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file in Windows operating systems, particularly relating to software device management. This DLL is part of the Windows API and is involved in handling software-based device interfaces and functions. It plays a role in the operating system’s ability to manage and interact with virtual or software-emulated devices. Issues with this DLL file can lead to problems in device recognition or operation, often requiring system troubleshooting or updates to resolve.
Common Error Messages

Here are some of the most common error messages related to the api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll file:
- The program can’t start because api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.
- api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll not found.
- This application failed to start because api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
What causes a api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll error message?
The api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll file is part of the Software Device API, which is used by Windows to manage software devices. If this file is missing or damaged, it can cause errors in programs that rely on the Software Device API.
One common cause of api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll errors is a malware infection. Malware can damage or delete important system files, including DLL files like api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll.
Another possible cause of api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll errors is a problem with the Windows registry. The registry is a database that stores settings and configuration information for Windows and all the programs installed on your computer. If the registry becomes corrupted or damaged, it can cause errors with DLL files and other system components.
Is it safe or harmful?
The api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll file is a legitimate system file that is part of the Windows operating system. However, as with any system file, it can be targeted by malware or other malicious software.
If you’re encountering errors related to api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll, it’s important to take steps to diagnose and fix the problem. This may involve running a malware scan, repairing the Windows registry, or reinstalling the affected programs.
Troubleshooting and Fixing api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll Issues
If you encounter an error message that mentions api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-0.dll, it means that your system is missing this specific DLL file. This can cause issues with various programs that rely on this file to run properly. In this section, we will discuss some possible methods to troubleshoot and fix this issue.
1. Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan
The first method you can try is to run a System File Checker (SFC) scan. This tool scans your system for missing or corrupted files and replaces them with the correct ones. To run an SFC scan, follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
If the scan finds any issues, it will attempt to fix them automatically. Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and check if the issue has been resolved.
2. Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable Package
Another method you can try is to reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable Package. This package contains various DLL files that are required by many programs to run properly. To reinstall this package, follow these steps:
- Go to the Microsoft Download Center.
- Download the latest version of the Visual C++ Redistributable Package for your system.
- Install the package and restart your computer.
After the installation is complete, check if the issue has been resolved.
3. Update Windows

Updating Windows can also help fix issues related to missing or corrupted DLL files. To update Windows, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security.
- Click on Check for updates.
- If any updates are available, click on Download and install.
After the updates are installed, restart your computer and check if the issue has been resolved.
4. Perform a System Restore
If none of the above methods work, you can try performing a System Restore. This will restore your system to a previous state where the issue did not exist. To perform a System Restore, follow these steps:
- Type “system restore” in the search bar and select Create a restore point.
- Click on System Restore.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and restore your system.
After the restore is complete, check if the issue has been resolved.
5. Contact Microsoft Support
If you have tried all of the above methods and the issue still persists, you can contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They may be able to provide you with more specific solutions based on your system configuration and the programs you are using.