How to install Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE)

[Vlad 254]

SKSE install
Download from skse.silverlock.org

You'll need 7zip (or winrar) to open the file after download and for step 3

Make sure you take the file for your version of the game:
Preliminary AE build 2.1.4 (runtime 1.6.342): 7z archive - is for the SE Anniversary Upgrade (This is the version as of this writing 12/15/2021 these numbers can change with future updates, not the instrctions)

1. Place on your desktop, right click on the file and choose "Extract Here"

2. then open the folder
Copy both .dll's and the one .exe file to your Skyrim SE directory.
Wich is in Steam\SteamApps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\
You'll see SkyrimSE.exe and SkyrimSELauncher.exe in that folder.
so you know you're in the right place

Do Not add SKSE64 files to the Data folder as we'll add those withour mod manager in a minute
The "src" folder can be ignored/deleted same with
the 2 .txt files (we don't need any of them)

3. Using 7zip right click on the Data folder we just downloaded
then in the dropdown choose "7zip" then "add to archive"
Now name up in the very top box name it: SKSE64_Scripts_1.6.342

4. make sure Your Vortex is open and you're in the "Mods" section
drag the file we just made to the big long box down at the bottom of Vortex

5. now up top in Vortex click to install and you're done installing.

6. Create a shortcut from "skse64_loader.exe" (which you just placed in Steam\SteamApps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\) on both your Desktop and on the Vortex Dashboard.

ALWAYS LAUNCH THE GAME FROM THOSE SHORCUTS FROM NOW ON

AND MAKE SURE STEAM IS RUNNING IN THE BACKGROUND

[Vlad 254]

OR
Vortex will install SKSE64 for you start to finish

https://youtu.be/0prWgeGGnp8

Remember: Version numbers for SKSE can change but the installation process is the same.

[Vlad 254]

Reserved

[CrackeR]

There is a read me file included in the zip....

[tulle040657]

Or you can just have Vortex install it for you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0prWgeGGnp8

[Vlad 254]

Originally posted by CrackeR:

There is a read me file included in the zip....

Indeed. Yet folks ask. So here's a detailed step by step that includes archiving the "Scripts".
I prefer this way but there certainly is a read me included in the zip from Silverlock.

[Vlad 254]

Originally posted by tulle040657:

Or you can just have Vortex install it for you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0prWgeGGnp8

Yes, I'm going to be include that video in the OP although not everyone uses Vortex. My guide includes videos on how to install it as well.

This way I have an easy link to post for folks who ask in the forums.

[Phobos]

Thx for the insights!
Just saying that a very similar solution(as in requiring the user to create a pseudo mod archive for MO from SKSE's the script folder) also worked for MO2.
Without it SKSE and mods depending on it would just plainly fail to load :v

[Vlad 254]

Originally posted by Phobos:

Thx for the insights!
Just saying that a very similar solution(as in requiring the user to create a pseudo mod archive for MO from SKSE's the script folder) also worked for MO2.
Without it SKSE and mods depending on it would just plainly fail to load :v

I'm with you on that. I use Vortex and many who use my guide's do as well so I tend to use Vortex as an example out of habit. An autopilot type thing with me.

[Hari Seldon]

Followed the steps of Vlad 254 ... same result : game crashes to desktop as soon as I hit a key :( I guess this is the end of Skyrim for me :(