Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) is an open-source tool that expands scripting capabilities and adds additional functionality to the game through complex mods. Many major mods like SkyUI, Immersive Armors, Alternate Start – Live Another Life, etc. require this tool.
SKSE works by injecting itself into the game and allowing you access to advanced modding functions that aren’t available in the base game. It lets modders create mods that can add advanced features like new menus and windows, quests, enhancements to the game UI or HUD, fixing bugs that are not fixed by Bethesda, new animations and gameplay features, custom scripts, graphical enhancements, etc.
Note: This download is only available for Steam and GOG releases of the game. Microsoft Store, Gamepass, and Epic Games Store releases are not supported.
How to Download & Install SKSE
All five separate builds of this app are available on our website. The process of installation is the same for all editions except the VR version. The most commonly downloaded build, however, is the Special Edition one, so we’ll use that for this tutorial. Take a look below for a more detailed explanation.
Step 1: Click on the Free Download at the top of the website and select which build you want to download.
- SKSE Classic 1.7.3
- SKSE Anniversary Edition 2.2.5 for Skyrim Anniversary Edition 1.6.1130
- SKSE GOG Anniversary Edition 2.2.3 for Skyrim GOG Anniversary Edition 1.6.659.
- SKSE Special Edition 2.0.20 for Skyrim SE 1.5.97.
- SKSE VR 2.0.12 for Skyrim VR 1.4.15.
Step 2: After downloading this tool as a zip archive, extract it. Copy all the extracted files into the game’s installation directory. If you’re prompted to replace files go ahead and click Overwrite.
Step 3: Going forward, anytime you want to play it with installed mods you will need to launch it via the “skse64_loader.exe“.
How to Install SKSE 2.2.3 With Vortex
Note: Since 2021, Vortex has officially replaced Nexus Mod Manager as the official mod loader for Nexus Mods.
This same method given below can also be used for the VR version.
Step 1: Download the scripting tool but do not extract it from the zip archive.
Step 2: Launch Vortex, and go to the Mods tab from the right side. Now drag and drop the zip archive of Skyrim SE Script Extender into the Drop Files section as shown below.
Step 3: Once it is loaded you will need to install it. In the list above click on Never Installed next to its name and the installation will begin.
Step 4: Once installed click on Deploy and Enable in the top right corner’s notification area. If you missed it then you can find it by clicking on the bell icon in the top right corner.
Step 5: Now launch the game via Vortex by going to the Dashboard and clicking on Script Extender SE or you launch it manually via the “skse64_loader.exe“.
How to Install SKSE VR with Vortex
Installing this app for the VR version is simple but you will need a mod manager/loader for it. We recommend using Vortex as it is the most stable and packed with features.
Once you have Vortex installed follow the exact steps as shown above in the How to Download & Install section. The only difference will be that you download and use the VR zip file instead of the special edition zip file. The rest of the process even launching it will stay the same.
How to Use Skyrim SE Script Extender
There is nothing to use in this tool because it does everything on its own and in the back-end. However, to make use of this tool’s full functionality, simply browse for the mods you like and install them by manually placing the files or using Vortex Mod Manager to automate the mod installation process. No further work is required on your end once it’s installed.
How to Update Skyrim Script Extender
There are two methods for updating this app, first will will show you the manual method:
Step 1: Download the latest version and extract the zip archive it downloads.
Step 2: Delete the old skse64_x_x_x.dll file from the game’s installation folder.
Step 3: Once you’ve deleted the old DLL file, copy and paste all the files from the latest version’s zip archive into the installation folder of the game. Overwrite any files if you’re prompted to do so.
How to Update SKSE with Vortex
The second method is if you have previously installed it via Vortex Mod Manager. See further instructions below:
Step 1: Launch Vortex Mod Manager and go to the Mods tab.
Step 2: Click on Check for Updates and Vortex will start searching for any updates available for mods including the installed script extender.
Step 3: If there is an update available it will show up in the notification section in the top right corner. If you see an update click on More.
Step 4: A pop-up window will ask you if you want to download the newer version, click on Download to begin downloading the latest version.
Step 5: Once downloaded and installed, click on Deploy and Enable.
Step 6: After doing this make sure you disable the old version in Vortex otherwise your game will crash. To disable the older version of SKSE, click on the green Enabled button with a tick on it.
Skyrim Script Extender Not Working
Take a look at one of the three possible reasons for this error below:
1. Mismatching Versions of Game & SKSE 64
The version of the tool must be supported by the game otherwise it won’t work.
2. Anti Virus Blocking the App
Some anti-virus software may accidentally flag it as a virus because of its DLL-injecting capabilities. So to fix this add both the tool and the game as an exclusion in your anti-virus and they should work fine.
3. Faulty Mods
Outdated & buggy mods are often the cause for this tool to not work. The easiest fix to this is to either update the outdated mods or if the mod does not have an update available then it is best to uninstall the mod.
FAQs
Yes, it is safe and used every day by millions of players. We have scanned & tested it via Virus Total and none of the security vendors marked this file as malicious.
Try launching the loader.exe as an admin to fix this issue. You can also do this by going to its properties and granting it administrator permissions from there.
Follow these steps to check the version.
Step 1: Launch the game via the “skse64_loader.exe“.
Step 2: Press the Grave Accent key ( ` ) often located right under the Esc key to open up the console.
Step 3: Type “getskseversion” (without the quotes).
Step 4: Press Enter.
Step 5: Now you can see the version.
