The Skyrim Script Extender, or SKSE, is a third-party plugin for the PC version of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It is one of the main tools needed to allow players to create, modify or update mods. Mods, short for modifications, are alterations to the game code that allow you to customize it. If you want to modify the copy of Skyrim on your computer, you can do so once SKSE is installed.
Steps
Step 1. Download SKSE
You can download Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) from the developer website. Download the "7z archive", not the "installer". The installer can cause problems, and generally the whole procedure will be easier if you install the files yourself.
Step 2. Download and install 7-Zip
It is a free compression program that can open.7z files. You can download it from 7-zip.org.
Step 3. Extract the SKSE files
After installing 7-Zip, right click on the archive and select 7-Zip → Extract Here. A folder will be created in the same path with the extracted files.
Step 4. Find your Skyrim folder
Skyrim requires Steam, so you should look for it in your Steam folder. The most common path of Skyrim installation is:
C: / Program Files / Steam / steammapps / common / skyrim \
Step 5. Open the folder containing the extracted files in another window
You should now have two folders open: the Skyrim game folder and the one with the SKSE files.
Step 6. Copy all files
.dll And.exe from the SKSE folder to the SKyrim folder.
It should be all the files inside the folder except the two folders.
If prompted, choose to overwrite or replace existing files
Step 7. Open the folder
Data / Scripts / in the Skyrim folder and the SKSE folder.
Step 8. Copy all files
.pex from the SKSE folder to the Skyrim Scripts folder.
- If prompted, choose to overwrite or replace existing files.
- You can leave the rest of the files as they are. They are only required if you plan to make mods yourself.
Step 9. Go back to the Skyrim folder
Step 10. Right click on
skse_loader.exe and select "Create link".
Step 11. Drag the shortcut to the desktop
Step 12. Open Steam
Steam will need to be running before you can run your modified version of Skyrim.
Step 13. Double click on the link
skse_loader.exe to start Skyrim.
You will now be able to download and install mods for Skyrim that require SKSE.
