Installing Skyrim Special Edition outside of Program Files

[Vlad 254]

What's wrong with Program Files?

When SSE is installed in the programs files, Windows sometimes interferes due to (UAC) permissions. Microsoft wants to control these folders which never bothers us until we try to mod a game installed in these folders. While not everyone will have this happen right away if at all (depending on programs you use, how much modding you're doing, etc.) the best thing is to avoid any potential problems by simply installing your game & Steam in a different location.

UNRESTRICTED ACCESS (Moving Your Game Out of Program Files)
Please uninstall SSE then re-install your game to either another drive or if that is not an option install it to C: but NOT in Program Files or Program Files (x86) which is where Steam tries to install it. Also, installing on an EXTERNAL DRIVE you MAY encounter sound issues. Key word here is "may", not have sound issues and to the best of my knowledge this only seems to be a problem for some with Special Edition.

To Move to a separate drive (example: D) SEE Below:
Navigate to your Steam client 'Settings' menu. Select 'Steam Library Folders' from the 'Downloads' tab. From here, you can view your default installation path, as well as creating a new path by selecting 'Add Library Folder'. Once you have created the new path, all future installations can be installed there. (see link below for more on this)
Here's the link with Steam's full instructions:
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129

But I only have a C: drive:
Again, if this is absolutely not an option for you because you only have 1 drive, simply move Steam to your C: but NOT in either of the "Program Files".
instructions:
Discussion https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/1/135511294066324002/
Steam Support https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/4BD4-4528-6B2E-8327

[Vlad 254]

Reserved

[Vlad 254]

Reserved

[Vlad 254]

This of course is not "Required' but a good idea for several reasons.

[DR0 GAS]

for me the second option seems to be doable only when you have moved the steam installation out of program files x86 do you have any other solutions that do not involve moving the steam installation?

[HazakTheMad]

Most games require being in Steam's folders.

[bLaCkShAd0w]

Originally posted by DR0 GAS:

for me the second option seems to be doable only when you have moved the steam installation out of program files x86 do you have any other solutions that do not involve moving the steam installation?

I don't believe you can have steam insalled in one place and game library in another on the same drive.

Solution would be to partition OS drive and make a new game library on the newly created partition.

Only way I can think of that you wouldn't have to move steam itself.