Is Skyrim Script Extender Not Running? Here’s How To Fix It

Skyrim Script Extender(SKSE) is one of the most popular tools for modding Skyrim. SKSE adds functions to your mods and works through scripting and changing its default function to modders’ preference. 

I have modded Skyrim with the Vortex application, and I know how difficult it is to run dozens of modes in one game. Crashes and compatibility issue is a major occurrence. SKSE helps to unite together all the mods for a smooth gaming experience.

In this article, we will tackle the problems of not running SKSE and ways to fix this extension. 

How to Fix Skyrim Script Extender Not Running?

SKSE(Skyrim Script Extender) is relatively simple to install for many users. But it is easy to accidentally miss a step or make a mistake during its installation. The problem may occur during the installation process. Let’s roll back the changes and install SKSE from the Vortex application. 

Install SKSE From Vortex Mod Manager 

Manually Installing Mods is a recipe for confusion; that is why we have mod managers to properly configure mods without any hassle. We will swiftly go through the installation process and make the Script Extender up and running. If you are confident with your SKSE installation and want to skip this part, then you can move to other fixes. 

1. Open your Vortex Mod Manager application.
2. Hover on the Skyrim game file and click on manage. 
3. Click on the bell icon on the top right that says SKSE is not installed. 
4. Click on more, and another window will appear. 
5. Select the button that says Open in Vortex.
6. Vortex will take you to the next window. Click on continue.  
7. This will load the website where the script extender is hosted inside the Vortex. Download the latest edition build by clicking on the link, and Vortex will then download and install the script extender.
8.  Click on the Mods tab from the list, and you can see that SKSE is being installed, enabled, and deployed and that a new mod entry for it is being created.
    
9. Switch to the dashboard at the top of the list. The script extender should be added as a tool, including the little bookmark icon. 
10.  If the bookmark doesn’t show, restart the Vortex application, click on three dots beside SKSE and select “Make primary“. The bookmark means that SKSE is now set as a primary tool and will be run whenever you launch the game through Vortex.
     
11. Now run the game from Vortex by clicking on the play button in the top left corner.  
12. Press the Tilde “~” key on your main menu, and the console command will appear. Type getskseversion, and you will get your script extender details. 

You can also view your SKSE version by going to the SYSTEM page on the gameplay menu and viewing the version in the lower left corner. Just make sure to always run Skyrim from Vortex, and SKSE is bookmarked as a primary tool. 

Grant Administrator Access Permanently

SKSE should function when running as an admin. This will allow access to some of the restricted parts of your computer system. Here are several steps you need to follow in granting permanent access to your SKSE file. 

1. Navigate to the skse64_loader.exe file on your computer. 
2. Right-click on the application and then click on properties. 
3. Click on the Compatibility tab and checkmark the box that says Run this program as an administrator. 
4. Click apply and okay. 

Check to see if the script editor works inside the game or not. 

Install Steam Outside C Drive

Windows chose C drive as the best and safest option to install any application. However, it can cause errors when modding games, as mods are considered foreign applications and are blocked by firewalls. 

Remember, the mod files should be installed on the same drive as the game to run the game with mods. You can install steam and all game directories outside of Program Files. This will solve the issue for most users if you are just starting your mods or have a few games installed. 

Check if SKSE is Not Compatible with Skyrim Game Version

Go to the Skyrim Script Extender(SKSE) site and check if you have downloaded the correct build version suitable for your game. 

Many users may get confused by the use of “Special Edition” and “Anniversary Edition“, as the second edition. Don’t get caught up on editions; focus only on game versions. If you are running game version 1.6.4, you should download the SKSE build that has the 1.6.4 version in it. 

Assuming you have the latest SKSE build installed when you get this error, it is because your Skyrim version has been updated automatically, and SKSE has not yet been updated to work alongside it. Every time Bethesda updates Skyrim, SKSE needs to be updated too. 

You can either download the .zip file, extract all content, and drag and drop it to the SKSE folder, or download and replace the SKSE version from Mod Manager. To identify your correct Skyrim version, go to the file location where you have installed Skyrim and right-click on SkyrimSE.exe. Click on the Details tab, and it will show you the correct version number. 

Add the SKSE Application to An Exception List

By allowing the SKSE application as an exception, the system will overlook the file for any unlicensed digital certificate or alternate script on SKSE. Usually, mods are regarded as Viruses due to the lack of qualities needed in a proper program. You should do this when Windows keep removing your files, saying it’s a virus. 

1. Press the Windows button and search for Firewall & network protection in the search box.
2. Click Allow an app through the Firewall. A new window will pop up.
3. Click on Change Settings.
4. Scroll down to find Elder Scroll V: Skyrim and checkmark the file along. Check mark other steam files if they are not checked. Click okay and close the application. 
5. Now search for Virus & threat protection on the windows search bar. 
6. Here, Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings. 
7. Scroll down and click on Add or remove exclusion under the Exclusion section. 
8. Click on Add an exclusion. Navigate to your Skyrim folder and select the folder.

These are the steps you can do to run Skyrim Script Extender on your PC. You can download the zip file and manually troubleshoot SKSE issues but it’s better to leave such a hassle to the mod manager.