If you encounter this error while playing Windows games on a Steam Deck or Linux desktop, you must force the compatibility layer to use updated runtime libraries. Open and navigate to your Game Library.
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api-ms-win-core-memory-l1-1-6.dll is a core Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file belonging to the Windows Operating System. It is part of the
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth api-ms-win-core-memory-l1-1-6.dll
The Universal C Runtime relies heavily on Microsoft's C++ libraries. Repairing them refreshes missing virtual API paths.
Ensure your Windows is fully up to date. Go to and check for updates. Installing the latest updates can bring in missing API Set definitions and fix known bugs.
: It is deep-coded into Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables and modern Windows structures. Why does the error occur? If you encounter this error while playing Windows
The core-memory-l1-1-6 extension handles the system's virtual and physical memory routing layer. Programs query this file to perform critical operations, including:
Since this file is a core component of the Windows API, the most reliable way to get it back is through an official update. Update & Security Windows Update Check for updates and install any pending ones. Restart your computer. 2. Repair System Files (SFC Scan) Windows has a built-in tool called the System File Checker (SFC)
on Steam Deck, navigate to the game's and disable "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool." This should trigger a download for a "Proton Hotfix" that includes the necessary file. Important Security Warning This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted
and install any available "Optional" or "Cumulative" updates. Update Visual C++ Redistributables
: You are running an older operating system (like Windows 7 or 8.1) or an unpatched version of Windows 10/11. The app you are trying to open requires an interface level ( l1-1-6 ) that older OS versions simply do not have natively.
Always fix the issue cleanly by updating the operating system or the Microsoft runtime environments that natively supply the library. To help narrow down the root cause, let me know: Which operating system version are you currently running?
A very specific and technical topic!