If you encounter problems with your Windows PC, you might receive an error message referring to “api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll.” This error pops up when attempting to launch a program or app that relies on this particular DLL file for proper operation. If the file is missing, the program or app will not function correctly until you resolve the problem.
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The “api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll” file is installed by the Windows operating system. It contains functions that allow software to interact with hardware devices on your computer.
Without this file, your computer may not be able to communicate with certain hardware devices, such as printers or scanners. If you’re experiencing issues with a hardware device, it’s possible that the problem is related to this DLL file.
Fixing issues with “api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll” can be a bit tricky, but there are several solutions that you can try. In some cases, simply reinstalling the program or application that’s causing the issue may fix the problem.
You can scan your PC for registry, software and malware issues with SpyZooka. Thirdly we recommend running a full antivirus scan from Windows Security which is built into your operating system.
What is api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll
The api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file in Windows operating systems, specifically linked to the management of software devices. It is a component of the Windows API set, which provides functionalities for software based device management and interactions.
This DLL plays a crucial role in the seamless operation and integration of virtual or emulated devices within the Windows environment. Problems with this DLL can lead to issues in the functioning of such devices, requiring appropriate troubleshooting, such as system updates or file integrity checks.
Common Error Messages

Here are some common error messages that you may encounter if api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll is missing or corrupted:
- The file api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll is missing.
- api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll not found.
- Cannot find api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll.
- This application failed to start because api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll was not found.
If you see any of these error messages, it is likely that you are experiencing issues with the Software Device API.
What causes a api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll error message?
There are several reasons why you might encounter an error message related to api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll. Here are some of the most common causes:
- The file api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll is missing or corrupted.
- The Software Device API is not installed on your system.
- Your system is infected with malware that has corrupted or deleted the file. Or malware may be showing you a fake error message.
- Your system has outdated or incompatible drivers.
Is it safe or harmful?
api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll is a legitimate file that is part of the Windows operating system. It is used by the Software Device API to manage software devices, and it is not harmful to your system. However, if the file is missing or corrupted, it can cause issues with the Software Device API and other programs that rely on it.
If you are experiencing issues with api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll, it is recommended that you try to repair or reinstall the Software Device API on your system. You can also try updating your system’s drivers to ensure compatibility with the API.
If you suspect that your system is infected with malware, it is important to run a full system scan with a reputable program like SpyZooka and Windows Security to remove any threats.
Troubleshooting and Fixing api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll Issues
If you are experiencing issues with the api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll file, there are several troubleshooting methods you can try to resolve the issue.
1. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, simply restarting your computer can fix the issue with the api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll file. This can help to clear any temporary files or processes that may be interfering with the file.
2. Download SpyZooka
Download SpyZooka and run a free scan. There is no cost to clean up the issues detected by SpyZooka. SpyZooka’s registry cleaner will clean up old registry entries which may be outdated and causing issues on your PC.
SpyZooka’s Malware AI feature displays known and unknown spyware and offers a one click solution to removing all threats. This is superior to traditional malware scans that depend on a database of malware files as no database contains all malware due to tens of thousands of new malware being released daily.
3. Run a Virus Scan
It is possible that the api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll file has been infected with a virus or malware. Running a virus scan on your computer can help to identify and remove any threats that may be affecting the file.
We recommend running the built in Windows Security full scan. Or if you have another antivirus program on your computer that you prefer, we recommend running a full scan using that program. Make sure to run a full scan as this is usually not the default option.
3. Update Your Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can also cause issues with the api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll file. Updating your drivers can help to ensure that all necessary files are up to date and functioning properly. You can read more about Drivers vs DLLs.
SpyZooka also displays all drivers on your PC and will help to see which ones need updating. We don’t recommend using driver updater software as they typically have out of date drivers, the install process of the driver is often not done correctly so it can cause more problems on your PC and mostly we hear complaints from people who have tried these or see complaints online about these driver updater programs not working.
Drivers can always be downloaded for free from the manufacturer of the program and there is no benefit in paying for a driver updater program.
4. Reinstall the Program
If the issue persists, you may need to reinstall your Microsoft Windows operating system to re-install api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll file. This can help to replace any missing or corrupted files and ensure that the program is running properly.
5. We Don’t Recommend DLL Download Sites
We don’t recommend downloading DLL files from online databases as they may not be up to date so they are incompatible with the version of software you are running, DLL downloads usually don’t solve the issue, they can be corrupted which causes more issues on your PC, they can be infected with malware and you have to install the DLL in the correct place or it will not work.
By following these troubleshooting methods, you can resolve issues with the api-ms-win-devices-swdevice-l1-1-1.dll file and ensure that your computer and programs are running smoothly.