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.
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.
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 access2.3 Fix #3: Add both Skyrim apps and Steam to Exclusions on Windows Defender2.4 Fix #4: Reinstall SKSE to Skyrim2.5 Fix #5: Disable Auto-Updates from Steam3 Final Thoughts
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:
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:
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: 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:
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.
