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gnz6903
gnz6903
Participant
March 2, 2026
Answered

Acrobat Reader Can't Open With Windows 7

  • March 2, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 1169 views

We have approximately 50 computers running Windows 7 that have encountered a critical issue since February 23, 2026. After Adobe Acrobat Reader automatically updated to version 25.001.21223, the application began displaying the following error message upon launch:

“The program can't start because api-ms-win-core-winrt-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.”

In response, we uninstalled the software and downloaded the official installer (AcroRdrDC2500120630_MUI.exe) from the official website to perform a clean installation. However, after a few days, the application automatically updated again and the same error reoccurred.

As a result, we have been forced to remove the software entirely and switch to alternative PDF readers. This situation has caused significant operational disruption and inconvenience.

Could you please advise whether there is currently a definitive solution to this issue?

    Correct answer Tariq Ahmad

    Hi ​@gnz6903, 

     

    This is to update that this issue has been fixed with the March release: 25.001.21265  that went live Yesterday: https://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/ReleaseNotesDC/continuous/dccontinuousmar2026.html#dccontinuousmartwentytwentysix

    In case the app isn’t set to install updates automatically, please check for updates manually.

    • Launch Reader/Acrobat
    • Menu > Help > Check For Updates. 
    • Follow the on-screen instructions

    Let us know how it works. And mark this answer correct if the issue is resolved for you.

     

     

    ~Tariq

     

    2 replies

    P
    ps66ps
    Participating Frequently
    March 4, 2026

    Dear Tariq, I do not understand what to do to fix Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on Windows 7.
    Can someone please be more specific about which link I download to fix:
    “api-ms-win-core-winrt-I1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer”

    Do I uninstall Reader first or not?
    When clicking the two links above, which one do I choose to download or install please?

    Thank you so much! I’m computer illiterate.

    T
    Community Manager
    Tariq AhmadCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    March 5, 2026

    Hi ​@ps66ps, 
     

    I can understand; this can be confusing, given that most users don’t have to update the application manually.  

     

    We can try the following. 

    1. Download the latest patch from here: https://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/ReleaseNotesDC/index.html - 25.001.21265
    2. It most likely would be this file: AcroRdrDCUpd2500121265.msp
    3. And try installing. If that doesn’t work.

    Try uninstalling Reader first and then updating to the latest patch.

    1. Uninstall Reader, restart the machine. 
    2. Reinstall Reader and download the latest patch from here: https://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/ReleaseNotesDC/index.html - 25.001.21265

    Let us know how it went. Thank you for your patience.


    ~Tariq

    P
    ps66ps
    Participating Frequently
    March 8, 2026

    I uninstalled Version:  25.001.21265 because it had TWO errors!

    I then installed version: AcroRdrDC2500121223_en_US and now this version will NOT open and has the same damn error: api-ms-win-core-winrt-I1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer

    So WTF do I do now?

    People keep saying download the patch but WHICH one exactly?
    All of the links have multiple rows of patches!

    Can someone PLEASE answer me and include a link to the correct patch?

    Thanks!!!

    T
    Community Manager
    Tariq AhmadCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    March 2, 2026

    Hi ​@gnz6903 , 

    Sorry for the troubled experience, and thanks for reaching out. 

    This issue is known to us and is currently being worked on by the product team. You can also follow the related discussion here: 

     

    The root cause of the issue has already been identified, and the fix is currently under development. As soon as we have an update on the release of the fix for this issue, we will keep you updated.

    You may also track new releases and fixes in the release from this release note page: https://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/ReleaseNotesDC/index.html

     

    ~Tariq

    gnz6903
    gnz6903Author
    Participant
    March 3, 2026

    Could we remove the 21223 update first, so that users won't be updated to that version when they reinstall the program?

      P
      ps66ps
      Participating Frequently
      March 8, 2026

      @gnz6903 

      I uninstalled Version:  25.001.21265 because it had TWO errors!

      I then installed version: AcroRdrDC2500121223_en_US and now this version will NOT open and has the same damn error: api-ms-win-core-winrt-I1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer

      So WTF do I do now?

      People keep saying download the patch but WHICH one exactly?
      All of the links have multiple rows of patches!

      Can someone PLEASE answer me and include a link to the correct patch?

      Thanks!!!

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