How to Install SKSE

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

The Skyrim Script Extender, or SKSE, is a third-party plugin for the PC version of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It is one of the main tools required that allows players to create, change, or update mods. Mods, short for modification, are alterations of the game’s program codes for customization purposes. If you’ve been planning to modify Skyrim on your computer, you can do so once you’ve installed SKSE.

Steps

1
Download SKSE. You can download Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) from the developer's website. Download the "7z archive", not the "installer" The self-installer can cause problems, and you'll generally have a much smoother experience if you install the files yourself.
2
Download and install 7-Zip. This is a free archiving program that can open .7z files. You can download it from 7-zip.org.

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3
Extract the SKSE files. After installing 7-Zip, right-click on the archive and select 7-Zip → Extract Here. A folder will be created in the same location with the extracted files.
4
Find your Skyrim directory. Skyrim requires Steam to install, so you'll need to look in your Steam directory. The most common default installation directory is:
- C:\Program Files\Steam\steammapps\common\skyrim\
5
Open the folder containing the extracted files in another window. You should now have two folders open: your Skyrim game directory and the folder with your SKSE files.
6
Copy all of the ..dll and .exe files from the SKSE folder to the Skyrim folder. This should be all of the SKSE files except the two folders.
- If prompted, choose to overwrite or replace any existing files.
7
Open the .Data\Scripts\ folders in both the Skyrim and SKSE folders.
8
Copy all of the ..pex files from the SKSE folder to the Skyrim Scripts folder.
- If prompted, choose to overwrite or replace any existing files.
- The rest of the files can be left as is. They are only required if you plan on coding your own mods from scratch.
9
Return to the Skyrim game directory.
10
Right-click on .skse_loader.exe and select "Create Shortcut".
11
Drag the shortcut to your desktop.
12
Start Steam. You must have Steam running already before you can start your modified Skyrim.
13
Double-click the .skse_loader.exe shortcut to start Skyrim. You can now download and install Skyrim mods that require SKSE.

Community Q&A

Question

Where is the scripts folder in the Skyrim file?

Community Answer

There isn't one by default. Simply make a new folder named "Scripts", put it into your Skyrim data folder, and copy the required files into it.
Question

Does this work with the remastered edition?

Community Answer

SKSE hasn't been reworked for Skyrim: Special Edition. I don't believe the original creators plan on doing it, either.
Question

Do I need SKSE to download a mod?

Community Answer

Any mods that need SKSE will state that they require SKSE to properly work. Most mods are extract and play, but many still require SKSE.