Ucrtbase DLL: What is It  & How to Fix It If It's Missing?

A faulty app can be the reason for this issue

Reading time icon 4 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Tooltip Icon

Read the affiliate disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report effortlessly and without spending any money. Read more

Key notes

  • The reason behind the ucrtbase.dll missing error could be corrupted system files or a faulty app.
  • To fix the issue, you can run an SFC scan, uninstall the app and check Windows for updates.
ucrtbase.dll is missing

Sometimes, you may encounter the ucrtbase.dll missing error while launching an app or software on your computer.

This can be pretty frustrating as it prevents you from running the app. The error indicates that ucrtbase.dll is either corrupted or damaged.

In this guide, we will discuss what ucrtbase.dll is, different methods to fix the issue, and the causes of the problem. Let’s begin! 

What is ucrtbase.dll?

Ucrtbase.dll is a software component of the Universal C Runtime Library. The ucrtbase.dll file contains several standard C library functions, including string manipulation, memory allocation, and more.

The file is essential for properly functioning Windows apps and is used by both Microsoft Store and desktop apps.

Whenever an application needs the  ucrtbase.dll file, the operating system loads it into the memory, and the app uses the functions and classes in the file.

If this DLL file is corrupted or missing, the apps that need it to function might not launch.

What causes the ucrtbase.dll is missing error?

There could be various reasons why you are facing this error; some of the common ones are mentioned below:

  • Outdated OS – Windows needs to be up to date to function properly; if there are pending updates, you may get all kinds of errors, including this one.
  • Incomplete installation of the program – If the program you are trying to launch is not installed correctly, it might not be able to use the ucrtbase.dll file, hence the error.
  • DLL file is corrupt – If the ucrtbase.dll file is corrupt, then the app depending on the file to function, won’t start and will show the error.
  • Obsolete drivers – If you don’t have the latest drivers installed on your computer, you might get this system error. Make sure drivers are updated.

What can I do to fix the Ucrtbase.dll is missing error?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

 1. Repair system files

  1. Press the Windows key, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated
  2. Type the following command and press Enter to scan and repair the system files: sfc/scannowCMD sfc scan -ucrtbase dll
  3. If there is an error, copy and paste the following command and press Enter:  DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestorehealthCMD DISM
  4. Once done, restart your computer.

An even easier procedure for repairing your system files would be to use dedicated software that helps you run an in-depth scan to find corrupt, damaged, or missing files and automatically replace them with healthy units.

The tool below is the go-to method for this due to its effective repair technology and flawless diagnosing tools.

2. Reregister ucrtbase.dll file

  1. Open the Command Prompt with admin rights using the steps mentioned in the above method.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter to reregister the ucrtbase.dll file: regsvr32 ucrtbase.dll Reg
  3. Once the process gets completed, restart your PC to confirm the changes.

3. Repair/reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

3.1 Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps, then click Installed apps.Apps, installed apps -ucrtbase dll
  3. Locate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, and click on the three dots next to it. Select Modify.Modify
  4. Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
  5. On the next window, click RepairRepair

3.2 Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

  1. Open Settings. Go to Apps, then click Installed apps.
  2. Locate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, click on three dots, and select Uninstall.UIninstall -ucrtbase dll
  3. Again, click Uninstall.
  4. Download the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, and double-click the installer file.Uninstall step2
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install.

4. Update the graphics drivers

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.Device Manager RUN COMMAND
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to open Device Manager.
  3. Click on Display adapters to expand it, right-click the graphics driver and select Update driver.Graphics Driver update
  4. On the next page, click Search automatically for drivers.Search automatically for drivers
  5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete.
  6. Restart your computer.

5. Perform System Restore

  1. Press the Windows + R to open the Run window.Restore point -ucrtbase dll
  2. Type rstrui and press Enter to open System Restore.
  3. On the System Restore window, click Next.Next -ucrtbase dll
  4. Now, on the next page, place a checkmark next to Show more restore points.
  5. Select a restore point from the available list and click Next.Select Next
  6. Click Finish to restore the previous settings, and Windows will restart.Finish

So, these are methods that you need to follow to fix the ucrtbase.dll missing error. If you have any questions about  ucrtbase.dll, please feel free to mention them in the comments section below. 

More about the topics: DLL errors