If you want to install Skyrim mods, create an account on the Nexus Skyrim site. After installing some modding utilities, you can start downloading mods and installing them with a few clicks.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Creating a Nexus Account
Step 1. Open nexusmods.com in a browser
This is the most popular modding site and repository for Skyrim mods, and you can find all mods there.
Step 2. Click LOG IN
You will see this button in the top right corner.
Step 3. Enter your email address and click LOG IN
Step 4. If you don't have an account on nexusmods yet, click the "Register here" link below the login field
Step 5. Enter your email address in the specified field
Fill in the captcha verification and click VERIFY EMAIL.
Step 6. Check the verification email you received
Copy the verification code given in it.
Step 7. Fill in the verification code in the specified field and click VERIFY EMAIL
Step 8. Fill in the account creation form
You must enter your username and password then click Create My Account.
Step 9. Select a membership type
You don't need to use a paid plan to download mods. You can choose a paid membership or click the link at the bottom, "I'll stick with the basic membership".
Part 2 of 4: Preparing to Install Skyrim
Step 1. Open Windows Explorer
Skyrim should not be installed in the same folder as the one you normally use for Steam. This has to be done because some mods have had problems accessing game files in the Program Files folder on the computer, which is the default location for program installations.
You can open Windows Explorer by clicking the Folder button on the taskbar or pressing Win+E key
Step 2. Open your computer's hard drive
Double-click the computer's main drive to view its contents. This is usually located on the C: drive.
Step 3. Right-click and select New → Folder
A new folder will be created in the main section of the hard disk.
Step 4. Name the folder Steam 2
You can name it anything, but this name (Steam 2) can make it easier for you to identify it.
Step 5. Create another folder with the name Skyrim Mods
This folder must be on the same drive as the new Steam 2 folder.
Step 6. Run Steam
Once the folder has been created, you can add it to your Steam library so you can install games in it.
Step 7. Click the Steam menu and select Settings
Step 8. Click the Downloads tab and select Steam Library Folders
Step 9. Click Add Library Folder
Step 10. Browse the newly created folder
Now that folder can be used to install Steam games, including Skyrim.
Step 11. Right-click Skyrim in the Steam library, and select Install
If Skyrim is already installed, first delete the game.
Make sure you're using the standard Skyrim game or the Legendary Edition. Almost all mods cannot be used in the Skyrim Special Edition (Remastered) game
Step 12. Select the newly created folder from the Install under menu
Wait while the game is installed.
Part 3 of 4: Installing Important Mod Files
Step 1. Visit the Mod Manager site
For a utility that can make it easier for you to set up Skyrim mods, visit nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/1334/?.
Step 2. Click Download (Manual)
Step 3. Click the Mod Organizer v1_3_11 installer link
Step 4. Run the installer
Step 5. Specify the correct directory when you do the installation
When prompted for a location to install Mod Manager, select C:\Steam 2\steamapps\common\Skyrim or whichever folder you created earlier.
Step 6. Run Mod Organizer
This program is in the Skyrim directory.
Step 7. Allow Mod Organizer to handle NXM files when prompted
This can make it easier for you to install directly from the Nexus site.
Step 8. Visit the Skyrim Script Extender website
Visit skse.silverlock.org to download SKSE. This is a tweak program that extends the Skyrim script, and is needed to handle a lot of mods.
Step 9. Click the installer link
Step 10. Double click the installer you downloaded
Step 11. Specify the correct directory for the SKSE
When prompted to specify the installation location, select C:\Steam 2\steamapps\common\Skyrim.
Step 12. Run the Mod Organizer which is in the Skyrim directory
Step 13. Click the drop-down menu
This menu is next to "RUN".
Step 14. Click SKSE
This allows you to change the Mod Manager settings for SKSE.
Step 15. Click the "Edit" button
Step 16. Determine the location for SKSE
Navigate to the skse_loader.exe file in the Skyrim folder.
Part 4 of 4: Installing and Playing the Mod
Step 1. Visit the Nexus Skyrim site
Go to nexusmods.com/skyrim/ to browse mod files.
Step 2. Make sure you are signed in
You must be logged in with a Nexus account to download mods larger than 2 MB (most mods are larger than 2 MB).
Step 3. Look for the mod you want
Browse the Nexus Skyrim mod database for mods that interest you. There are lots of mods out there, but the installation method is pretty much the same for all mods since you're using the Mod Organizer.
Double-check the description and instructions provided by your chosen mod. Sometimes a mod requires another mod or requires a special installation method
Step 4. Click the Files tab
The mod installation file will be displayed.
Step 5. Click Download with Manager
If there is a Download with Manager button, the file will be directly loaded into the Mod Organizer.
If you must use the installer, make sure you point it to the Skyrim directory
Step 6. Try to use only one mod at a time first
When you start trying to use mods, it's a good idea to only install one mod at a time to make it easier to troubleshoot if the game you're playing crashes.
Step 7. Start playing Skyrim by running Mod Loader and selecting SKSE
From now on, you'll have to play Skyrim through the Mod Manager, not directly from the game.
Tips
- Some mods depend on other mods to work. If you've done all the instructions above, but your mod still won't load, maybe you need to install another mod that the mod requires.
- At any given moment, it is possible that the game you are playing has crashed. If you experience this, remove the last mod you installed using the Mod Manager, and start looking for a solution to the problem.
