ERROR_SXS_LEAF_MANIFEST_DEPENDENCY_NOT_INSTALLED - 14016 (0x36C0)
The manifest for an assembly used by the application has a reference to a dependent assembly which is not installed.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
This error indicates that an application or component is attempting to use a manifest file that references a dependent assembly, but the required assembly is not installed on the system.
Error Details
The error code 14016 (0x36C0) is returned when the runtime environment encounters a manifest dependency issue. This typically occurs in scenarios where an application or component relies on a specific version of another assembly, but that assembly is missing from the system.
Usage Context
This error can occur in various contexts, such as during the execution of applications that use side-by-side assemblies (SxS) or when deploying software that depends on external components. It is commonly encountered in environments where multiple versions of an application or component are installed and managed through manifest files.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should ensure that all required dependencies for their applications are properly installed and referenced. This includes verifying the presence of necessary assemblies, ensuring correct versioning, and managing manifest files to accurately reflect the dependency relationships between components.
Related Errors
- ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_PARSE_ERROR (14002, 0x36A2): Manifest parsing failure.
- ERROR_SXS_CORRUPT_MANIFEST (14005, 0x36A5): Corrupted manifest detected.
- ERROR_SXS_MULTIPLE_DEPS_FOUND (14017, 0x36C1): Multiple dependencies found for a single assembly.
FAQ
Q: What does this error mean?
A: This error indicates that an application or component is missing a required dependency as specified in its manifest file. Ensure all necessary assemblies are installed and correctly referenced.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Verify the presence of the required assembly, check for correct versioning, and ensure that the manifest files accurately reflect the dependencies.
Summary
The ERROR_SXS_LEAF_MANIFEST_DEPENDENCY_NOT_INSTALLED error signifies a missing dependency in an application's manifest file. Developers should carefully manage their manifests to avoid such issues by ensuring all required assemblies are present and correctly referenced.