Conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) are specialized for the uptake of dead cells and presentation of cell-associated antigens. This function is essential for both tolerance to self and the initiation of immune responses to infection and cancer. Despite this importance, the mechanisms by which cDC1 internalize dead cells remain poorly understood, particularly in comparison to macrophages. Most studies focus on efferocytosis (the internalization of apoptotic cells), while overlooking the uptake of necrotic cells (here termed ‘necrophagy’). Necrotic cells, unlike apoptotic cells, lose membrane integrity and expose intracellular contents. Intriguingly, cDC1 uniquely express DNGR-1, a necrophagy receptor which recognizes F-actin exposed specifically during lytic cell death. Here, we asked whether efferocytosis and necrophagy are distinct processes in cDC1. Using flow cytometry, confocal and electron microscopy, we find that cDC1 engage apoptotic and necrotic cells in distinct manners, leading to differences in cargo internalization, phagosomal dynamics, and downstream antigen presentation. Our study reveals that cDC1 differentially handle apoptotic and necrotic cell cargo, suggesting distinct functional outcomes and highlighting the importance of distinguishing between forms of dead-cell uptake in immune regulation.