Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) : Installing and running on Skyrim 1.6 or later

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Published 2012-06-12

** UPDATE ** Yes there is an installer now. But NO I do not recommend using it. Please stop asking me to update this because I still recommend installing this way :)

** UPDATE 2 ** For Skyrim SE go here : • SKSE64 : Beginner's Guide (ALPHA)

This is a introduction to the Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE). It is aimed at people who are fairly new to modding or have never installed SKSE before, or at people who have installed SKSE before but wish to know about the new steps to install. It will covers following:

00:00 - Who is this video for?
01:37 - What is SKSE?
02:43 - Is it safe?
03:21 - Does it affect performance?
03:55 - How to install.
11:45 - How to launch the game with SKSE running.
16:17 - How to un-install SKSE.

The latest version of SKSE can be found at: skse.silverlock.org/

You can find archive extraction programs at:
www.win-rar.com/
www.7-zip.org/

The thumbnail for this video is Aftermath by graphiccore.

The music playing is the Sons of Skyrim from the official trailer.

This video is in no way associated or approved by Bethesda and is intended for non commercial educational purposes only.

All Comments (21)

@GophersVids 4 years ago

For people using Skyrim Special Edition there is an updated video for that game here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTNy9Qr2sOc
@PyrotechnicPower 5 years ago

Duuuude... 2019 and you're still one of the only people to put out a how video on this that can actually be UNDERSTOOD by the technologically inept. Seriously dude, thanks.
@GophersVids 9 years ago

** UPDATE ** Yes there is an installer now. But NO I do not recommend using it. I am making a video where I discuss this issue, but please stop asking me to update this because I still recommend installing this way :)
@lolauvelia 2 years ago

Ten years later, and your tutorial is still helping people! Thank you for being so concise, patient, and easy to understand!!
@connornobed6648 7 years ago

Jesus christ, 4 years later and people STILL watch this, good job on this dude :)
@K87e87l87e87p87a87r 8 years ago

dude, you are crazy helpful and easy to follow.
@RestlessHarp 6 years ago

Thank you again for your excellent tutorials, Gopher! I came back to this again when having to reinstall everything on a new computer, and your instructions and demonstrations are so clear and easy to follow, it makes it a real pleasure instead of a headache. :)
@error678 5 years ago

This video has not only been super helpful but also indirectly taught me so much about how mods work in general. Thank you.
@BananaDuck 8 years ago

without doubt the best Skyrim/fallout help guide guy!
@hentcadia2919 8 years ago

You have been making this journey into modding a lot less stressful Gopher. Thank You very much.
@sgalloway 5 years ago

Thank you so much! I have had so many problems trying to get SKSE to work for myself but this was pretty easy and great to follow. I appreciate that you go at a slow pace and that you don't rush the finished project, it forces me to slow and think things through so that I can do it the right way the first time.
@claykalmar8131 4 years ago

One of the best tutorials of this type that I have ever watched. Worked perfectly, thank you so much!
@jasonwilling7576 8 years ago

Thank you for all the help you've given me. Honestly after working on Skyrim I don't think I will ever mod a game again. You got me through this "adventure" Thank you Gopher for all you've done for the community.
@catpsyche 7 years ago

Yes, THIS was my Achilles Heel! That Damned SKSE that needs to be install just right or it's game over before you even start!!!... I kinda fell into THAT TRAP a bit too late, being new to Elder Scrolls, Skyrim, and Modding in this game. Guess it's very important to not install Steam's version at all, and only install it the way you recommend.... Now I'm off to just push it all into the Recycle bin and clean install it from scratch again (Uninstall/ Reinstall; Skyrim, main 3 add-ons, and 3 free HighRes updates), along with ALL of those other programs I got from Nexus... I only found out AFTER not receiving any conflicts that my SKSE was not working or responding properly until the start of game, when it tells you what is working and what is not working... Ooooh, what's Not Working?! BUT --- Live and learn! ;)
@RSFoxGalassi 4 years ago

Just wanted to say, despite my having modded for year, 6:19 - 7:21, where you describe to those who don't understand or know about the buried functions in their OS....I didn't skip it literally because it was the most respectful walk through of something I had thought mundane. You're thorough, and it should be appreciated.
@gronkus4443 1 year ago

Amazing video! Still useful 10 years later! You're so concise I was able to install SKSE for the first time while drunk
@QuietRage 9 years ago

All I can say is, thank you. Thank you for treating me like I am stupid. Thank you for walking me through every single little detail. I felt so alone trying to fix error code 3, no one would help me or respond to my questions. No one told me where to find all the files I needed or what to do if the data folder and exe file were missing. No one clarified anything, and I was so lost. Then you made everything so clear, told me how to get those missing files and put them where they belong, Now I don't have to live in fear of starting a new game all over again or go back to a time before SKSE in Skyrim. Thank you.
@SharkyDeed4l3 9 years ago

I am completely new to this and as advertised, this video has really helped me. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. Cheers!
@bonesaw2716 4 years ago

Bless you for this vid, there's a ton of info that I already knew and didn't need, but I appreciate the patience and detail that you put in this for complete beginners. 10 thumbs up
@UDimwit 4 years ago

Awesome stuff as always, every time I need to refresh my memory, I know to come here .. thank you..