Skyrim Script Extender, or SKSE, is a third-party plugin for the PC version of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This is one of the main tools needed for players to create, modify or update mods. Mod which is short for modification (modification) is changing the game program code for customization purposes. If you plan to modify Skyrim on your computer, you can do so after installing SKSE.
Step
Step 1. Download SKSE
You can download Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) from the developer's site. Download "7z archive", not "installer". A self-installing installer can cause problems, and you'll usually have a smoother experience if you install the files yourself.
Step 2. Download and install 7-Zip
This is a free archiver program that can open.7z files. You can download it from 7-zip.org.
Step 3. Extract the SKSE file
After installing 7-Zip, right-click the archive and select 7-Zip → Extract Here. A folder will be created in the same location as the extracted files.
Step 4. Locate the Skyrim directory
Skyrim requires Steam to be installed, so you'll need to look in the Steam directory. The most common default installation directories are:
C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\skyrim
Step 5. Open the folder containing the extracted files in another window
You will now have two folders open: the Skyrim game directory folder and the folder containing the SKSE files.
Step 6. Copy all files
.etc and.exe from the SKSE folder to the Skyrim folder.
This means all SKSE files except those two folders.
If prompted, choose to overwrite or replace the existing file
Step 7. Open the
Data\Scripts\ both in the Skyrim and SKSE folders.
Step 8. Copy all files
.pex from the SKSE folder to the Skyrim Scripts folder.
- If prompted, choose to overwrite or replace the existing file.
- You can leave the rest of the files as they are. They are only necessary if you plan on coding your own mod from scratch.
Step 9. Go back to the Skyrim game directory
Step 10. Right click
skse_loader.exe and select "Create Shortcut".
Step 11. Drag the shortcut to the desktop
Step 12. Run Steam
You must have Steam running before you can run your modified Skyrim.
Step 13. Double click the shortcut
skse_loader.exe to run Skyrim.
Now you can download and install the Skyrim mod that requires SKSE.
