Troubleshooting Skyrim Script Extender: Why it’s Not Running and How to Fix It?
Learn why Skyrim Script Extender is not running and how to fix this.
One of the most well-liked tools for Skyrim modding is Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE). By utilizing scripting and modifying its default function to suit modders’ preferences, SKSE adds features to your mods.
I’ve modified Skyrim using the Vortex program, so I know how challenging it is to play multiple modes simultaneously. Crashes and compatibility problems are common. SKSE brings together all the mods to create a seamless gaming experience.
This article will discuss the issues with not running SKSE and solutions.
How to Fix Skyrim Script Extender Not Running
Installing SKSE (Skyrim Script Extender) is relatively straightforward for many users. However, it is simple to unintentionally omit a step or make a mistake while installing it. The issue might come up during installation. Reverse the changes and set up SKSE using the Vortex program.
Install SKSE From Vortex Mod Manager
It’s easy to get lost when installing mods manually, so we have dedicated mod managers to handle the setup process automatically. In a short time, we will have Script Extender installed and ready to go. If you’ve already installed SKSE and are confident in its integrity, you can skip this section and continue with other fixes.
1. Launch the Vortex Mod Manager application.
2. Hover your mouse over the Skyrim game file and select manage.
3. On the top right, click the bell icon that says SKSE is not installed.

4. When you click more, another window will appear.
5. Select the “Open in Vortex” button.

6. The following window will be reached by using Vortex. Click the following button.
7. This will open the website hosted inside the Vortex containing the script extender. You can download the most recent edition build by clicking the link, and Vortex will download and install the script extender.

8. You can see that SKSE is being installed, enabled, and deployed and that a new mod entry is being created by selecting the Mods tab from the list.

9. Navigate to the primary dashboard option. With its handy bookmark icon, the script extender should be integrated into the toolkit.
10. If you have already restarted Vortex and the bookmark still isn’t visible, you can “Make primary” it by clicking the three dots in the upper right corner of SKSE. If you have SKSE bookmarked, it will be the default program executed whenever you launch the game via Vortex.

11. Click the play button in the top left corner to start the game from Vortex.
12. Press the Tilde ” key on your main menu to display the console command. You can find out more about your script extender by typing getskseversion.

By going to the SYSTEM page on the gameplay menu and looking at the version in the lower left corner, you can also see your SKSE version. Launch Skyrim from Vortex whenever possible, and save SKSE as your primary tool.

Permanently Grant Administrator Access
When running as an administrator, SKSE should work. This will grant you access to some of your computer’s restricted areas. Here are the steps to give permanent access to your SKSE file.
1. Find the skse64 loader.exe file on your hard drive and double-click it.
2. Select “Properties” from the context menu after right-clicking the program.
3. When the Compatibility window pops up, select the option to “Run this program as an administrator” from the drop-down menu.

4. Select okay after clicking apply.
Verify whether the script editor is functional within the game.
Install Steam Outside C Drive
The C drive was the best and safest option for Windows to install any application. However, since mods are regarded as foreign applications and are blocked by firewalls, it may result in game-modding issues.
To play the game with mods, remember that the mod files must be installed on the same drive as the game. All game directories, including Steam, can be installed elsewhere besides Program Files. If you have a few games installed or are just starting with mods, this will usually fix the problem for users.
Verify that SKSE is incompatible with the current version of Skyrim
Visit the Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) website and verify that the build version you downloaded is the one that is appropriate for your game.
Using “Special Edition” and “Anniversary Edition” as the second edition may confuse many users. Don’t worry about editions; only think about game versions. Download the SKSE build that contains the 1.6.4 version if you are running the game’s 1.6.4 version.
SKSE has not yet been updated to work with the most recent version of Skyrim, assuming you have installed the most recent SKSE build when you encounter this error. SKSE must be edited each time Bethesda updates Skyrim.
Download and replace the SKSE version from Mod Manager, or download the.zip file, extract all content, and drag it to the SKSE folder. Go to the folder where you installed Skyrim and right-click SkyrimSE.exe to reveal your correct Skyrim version. The accurate version number will be displayed when you click the Details tab.
Place the SKSE Application on a List of Exceptions
The system will ignore the file for any unlicensed digital certificate or alternative script on SKSE by making the SKSE application an exception. Due to the lack of qualities required in a proper program, mods are typically regarded as viruses. When Windows repeatedly deletes your files, claiming a virus is present, you should take this action.
1. In the search box, click the Windows button and type “Firewall & network protection.”
2. Select Allow an App Through Firewall by clicking. An additional window will open.
3. Change Settings by clicking it.

4. Find Elder Scroll V: Skyrim by scrolling down and marking the file. If other Steam files are not checked, check them. After selecting okay, close the program.
5. Use the Windows search bar for virus and threat protection.
6. Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.

7. Click Add or remove exclusion in the Exclusion section by scrolling down.
8. Add an exclusion by clicking. Select the folder by navigating to your Skyrim folder.
You can follow these instructions to run Skyrim Script Extender on your computer. You can manually fix SKSE issues by downloading the zip file, but leaving such a hassle to the mod manager is preferable.