Api-ms-win-core-memory-l1-1-6.dll
api-ms-win-core-memory-l1-1-6.dll is a system file in Windows that acts as an "API Set" to manage advanced memory operations
. It is primarily a redirection layer that allows applications to access memory functions without needing to know exactly where they are stored in the system's core files (like kernelbase.dll Key Features & Functions
This specific version (l1-1-6) introduced and manages several critical memory management functions: Virtual Memory Allocation : Includes functions like VirtualAlloc2 VirtualAlloc2FromApp
, which allow developers to reserve, commit, or change the state of memory regions with extended parameters. File Mapping : Provides MapViewOfFile3 MapViewOfFile3FromApp
, enabling applications to map a portion of a file into their memory space for high-speed access. Memory Resource Notifications
: Allows programs to query the state of system memory—such as low or high memory alerts—so they can scale their usage accordingly. Modern App Support api-ms-win-core-memory-l1-1-6.dll
: Many of the "FromApp" functions in this DLL are specifically designed to allow Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps to perform memory tasks securely. Microsoft Learn Common Issues
If you see an error stating this DLL is "missing" or "not found," it usually indicates: Outdated Windows Version : This specific version was introduced in Windows 10, version 1803
(Build 17134). If you are running an older version of Windows, applications requiring this DLL will fail. Missing Visual C++ Redistributables : Some programs depend on the Visual C++ Redistributable packages to correctly interface with these system DLLs. Corrupt System Files : You can often fix this by running the System File Checker tool (running sfc /scannow in an admin Command Prompt). Are you currently seeing an error message related to this file, or are you looking for help developing an application that uses it?
The error regarding the missing api-ms-win-core-memory-l1-1-6.dll file typically occurs when a program—often a game like Halo Infinite
—attempts to call a specific memory management function that isn't supported by your current version of Windows. This specific version of the DLL is generally associated with newer Windows 10/11 features and is often missing on older systems like Windows 7 or 8.1. Microsoft Learn Recommended Fixes Install/Repair Visual C++ Redistributables api-ms-win-core-memory-l1-1-6
: This is the most common fix for missing "api-ms-win-core" files. Download the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable versions). If they are already installed, choose the option during the setup. Run Windows Update
: Ensure your system has the latest security and framework updates. These updates often include the Universal C Runtime (CRT) components required for these DLLs to function. System File Checker (SFC)
: To fix potential corruption in existing system files, run the Command Prompt as an Administrator and enter sfc /scannow . If that doesn't work, follow it with DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth For Steam Deck/Linux Users : If you encounter this error while playing Halo Infinite , navigate to the game's Properties Compatibility and try switching to the Proton Hotfix
or disabling "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool" to trigger a specific download. Note on Manual Downloads
: Avoid downloading individual DLL files from third-party "DLL fixer" sites. These files are often outdated or can contain malware. Always prefer official Microsoft installers or the software's own repair tools. Are you seeing this error with a specific game application Why Does This Error Occur
Why Does This Error Occur?
The api-ms-win-core-memory-l1-1-6.dll error is not usually caused by a missing download or a virus. Instead, it stems from operating system version mismatches. Here are the primary causes:
Common Errors Involving This DLL
Because this file is an API forwarder, you typically won’t see direct errors about it missing unless an application is trying to run on an incompatible or older version of Windows. Common error messages include:
"The program can't start because api-ms-win-core-memory-l1-1-6.dll is missing from your computer." "Error loading api-ms-win-core-memory-l1-1-6.dll. The specified module could not be found." "Api-ms-win-core-memory-l1-1-6.dll was not found."
The Specific Function of ...-memory-l1-1-6.dll
The naming convention of Api Sets follows a specific logic:
- api-ms-win-core: Indicates this is a core Windows API.
- memory: Indicates the functional group relates to memory management.
- l1-1-6: Represents the versioning of the API contract (Logical Layer 1, version 1, sub-version 6).
This specific DLL is associated with lower-level memory operations. It is typically utilized by system-level applications or drivers to manage virtual memory, heap allocation, or memory protection. It is included by default in Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11, and corresponding Server editions.
