Just bought and downloaded "Deserts of Kharak". It seem to install with no problem, until I try to run the program. Tells me I can't start because "api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll" is missing. To reinstall program should fix. But doesn't work. If someone has answer, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks

Same problem here. Googling tells me this is because Visual C++ Redistributable failed to install correctly. I tried re-installing the vc++ runtime just by itself but I end up with an error.

I found some possible answer, most point out to execute windows update until you have no updates pending, and then installing the VC++ runtime mentionend by killy9999.

Yes, found the same advice. I wonder if there is a way to do this without full Windows update. I have found information that in order to install VC++ runtime one needs KB2999226 update installed. Sadly, when I try to install an update file downloaded from MS web page I get an error that this update cannot be installed on my computer. I'm guessing that it requires some other updates to be installed first.

Maybe try getting help from Gearbox?

Worth raising with GOG Support as they guarantee their games to run. Service will probably be better than Gearbox. If still issues then GOG can issue a refund.

Ok, managed to get it working. I did Windows update. After installing the first batch of recommended updates VC++ runtime still didn't work. So I went with second batch of recommended updates (new ones become available once the older ones are installed). This time VC++ runtime installed fine but that game crashed on startup. I removed it and installed it again and it works perfectly. Hope that helps.

Which versions of Windows was this issue happening with? Only the manual Windows Update may not be an option for users with Windows 10 Home.

For me this was Windows 8.1 Pro.

Also, I noticed that once in a while the game will randomly crash at startup.