How to check if skse is working

Skyrim is an iconic action RPG that was created by Bethesda Game Studios. A part of this game’s success was because of its ability to support various kinds of mods. Since its release in 2011, it has had nearly 70,000 unique mod submissions on Nexus mods alone. 

The Skyrim Script Extender 64 or SKSE64 is an important tool used by most Skyrim mods to add functionality and scripting capabilities to the game. However, some users have reported that their SKSE is not working. Instead, their game is not running or instantly crashes.

This situation also happens after you reapply SKSE64 on a fresh install of Skyrim Special Edition. The game sometimes would not run at all, compared to an unmodded version of Skyrim SE. So, how can you fix the problem of Skyrim SKSE not working or SKSE 64 not working? Read on to learn more.

Table of Contents

• 1 What Causes the Skyrim SKSE64 Not Working error?
• 2 How to Fix the SKSE64 Not Working error in Skyrim?
  • 2.1 Fix #1: Install Steam and its Apps outside of C: \Program Files\
  • 2.2 Fix #2: Grant Windows Defender Firewall access
  • 2.3 Fix #3: Add both Skyrim apps and Steam to Exclusions on Windows Defender
  • 2.4 Fix #4: Reinstall SKSE to Skyrim
  • 2.5 Fix #5: Disable Auto-Updates from Steam
• 3 Final Thoughts

What Causes the Skyrim SKSE64 Not Working error?

• Permissions – Your Steam, as well as Steam apps, will be installed by default on your computer’s Program Files folder. This folder also contains main Windows files, which might prevent it from running as a safety precaution.

• Windows Firewall – Some of Skyrim’s processes might be blocked by Windows Firewall upon launch. This includes the SKSE64 script extender, which will lead to an error.

• Antivirus – If you have any third-party security software running, it might label Skyrim and its game files as a threat, and will prevent it from launching properly.

• Improper installation of SKSE64 – This might be a common problem for most Skyrim SE users who have recently applied SKSE 64. We will also discuss the installation steps to see if you missed an important step.
• SKSE is not compatible with the current game version – SKSE64 has different versions out there that you can install. You must apply a version that’s best suited for your version of Skyrim SE.

Those are the most common reasons why SKSE64 is not working. It might also cover the reasons for other SKSE errors, so make sure to read the fixes below.

How to Fix the SKSE64 Not Working error in Skyrim?

Regardless of your situation, these fixes will help you solve SKSE64 – related problems with ease. These in-detail fixes will ensure smooth gameplay with a modded version of Skyrim SE.

Make sure to go through each one and check which fix works for you.

Fix #1: Install Steam and its Apps outside of C: \Program Files\

Installing your games to a different directory than the Program Files folder will exempt Steam and its games from any app permissions which will run most of the game’s files including mods.

Another trick to do is to run the SKSE64 application as an administrator. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the SKSE64 application and click Properties.
2. Select the Compatibility tab.
3. Then, tick the box next to the option Run this program as an administrator.

Fix #2: Grant Windows Defender Firewall access

You can grant application access to Skyrim as well as the SKSE64 by adding both of those apps to the Firewall’s exception list. Here’s how to do it:

1. Using the search menu, type Windows Defender Firewall and click to open.
2. Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left sidebar.
3. Then, click Change Settings.
4. From the list of applications, find the Skyrim applications and tick the checkbox that is near to Skyrim applications. Also, don’t forget to allow the Steam application.
5. Once done, click OK.
6. Open Skyrim and check if the problem persists.

Fix #3: Add both Skyrim apps and Steam to Exclusions on Windows Defender

Windows Defender is a known app to prevent any unknown software from running as a part of its security measures—it might include the SKSE64 application. 

To prevent this, it’s best to include all Skyrim apps and Steam to the excluded items so they won’t be scanned or be prevented from launching. Follow the steps below to add the mentioned apps to the excluded items:

1. Right-click on the Start icon and select Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click Windows Security from the list of options on the left side.
4. Then, click Virus & threat protection.
5. Under the Virus & threat protection settings, choose Manage settings.
6. Next, scroll down until you see Exclusions. Under it click Add or remove exclusions.
7. Click the Add an exclusion button and select Folder.
8. At this point, go to Skyrim’s folder location. Select it and click Select Folder.
9. Launch Skyrim and check if it works properly.

If you have any third-party antivirus software installed, also allow the said apps on the exclusion or exception lists. 

Fix #4: Reinstall SKSE to Skyrim

Some users reported that their modded version of Skyrim SE is not launching. It was later found out that it was due to improper installation of SKSE. 

Chances are, a step was skipped or done incorrectly, which will affect the whole installation process. To help you solve the SKSE64 not working error, here are the SKSE installation steps:

1. Go to the official website of Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE).
2. Make sure to find the build that’s compatible with your current game version.
3. Then, click the link beside the build number to download.
4. From the downloads folder, extract the downloaded SKSE file.
5. Next, open Skyrim’s game directory. This is generally located in Steam > steamapps > common > Skyrim Special Edition.
6. From your SKSE folder, hold CTRL and select the Data (folder), skse .dll file, skse64_loader.exe, skse64_steam_loader.dll. Then, drag those files to your Skyrim directory.
7. Next, open the Mod Organizer app from your desktop.
8. From the dropdown menu on the right, you should be able to see SKSE from the programs list. If not, select <Edit…> on top of the programs dropdown list and navigate to your game directory. Then, select skse64_loader.exe.
9. You can now launch Skyrim by clicking Run.

Fix #5: Disable Auto-Updates from Steam

Some users reportedly can run Skyrim SE without any problems and will suddenly come across an error message. This is due to Steam’s auto-update function.

Steam typically updates all games on your game library on its latest version. In this case, if you’re running a modded version of Skyrim, the SKSE64 version must be compatible at all times, or else you will come across some compatibility problems.

To prevent this, go to Steam > Settings > Downloads tab, tick the Only auto-update games between: option, and select a time to manually allow any updates to Skyrim SE. This way you can find a new SKSE build that will work with the new version of Skyrim SE.

If you run out of disk space after an update, then you may get the Steam stuck preallocating disk space error when you next try to install a game.

Final Thoughts

Skyrim is still one of the best action RPGs out there. Due to its active gaming community, players are actively contributing mods that are essential for a unique gaming experience.

Users however can encounter some problems when running certain mods—one of them is related to SKSE64. Hence, this in-depth guide will help you in fixing your Skyrim in-game issues with ease.