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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

SKSE Not Working After a Skyrim Update: How to Fix It (PC)

For the Steam and GOG versions: the game will not start through SKSE, or crashes right after launch, following a Skyrim update.

Edited by Gemnao Editorial Team (Japanese)Last checked 2026-10-01
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The short answer

Each SKSE build supports a specific game version. After a game update, install the matching build from the official SKSE site. If the game still crashes on startup after a patch, the SKSE team says to remove the files in Data/SKSE/Plugins and try again, because mods that use plugins usually need updating too.

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Key facts

Supported versions
Steam and GOG (not Game Pass or Epic)
Crashes after a game patch
Remove the files in Data/SKSE/Plugins and try again (SKSE team)
Logs for support requests
skse.log, skse_loader.log and skse_steam_loader.log (in My Games)
Save location
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\Saves

Find your symptom

Start with your symptom. Skip steps that do not apply to your setup.

What you seeWhat to checkGo to
The SKSE loader says your game version is not supportedSKSE does not match the new game versionStep 2
SKSE is up to date but the game crashes right awayPlugin mods that do not support the new versionStep 3
The game will not start even without SKSEA problem with the game itselfStep 1

Fixes, in order

Continue this issue

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Step 1｜Check whether the game starts without SKSE

The SKSE team asks you to confirm the game launches properly without SKSE before contacting them.

Time: About 5 min

  1. Copy your save folder somewhere else first.
  2. Start “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition” normally through your purchased edition: Steam for the Steam edition or the normal GOG launch for the GOG edition, without the SKSE loader.
  3. If the Steam edition does not start: In your Steam Library, right-click “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition” → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files.

Verifying files also restores game files that mods replaced. If you use a mod manager, check its instructions too.

Step 2｜Install the SKSE build that matches your game version

For the Steam edition, the SKSE team targets the latest game version. Each SKSE build requires a matching game version.

Time: About 10 min

  1. In the game folder (Steam: right-click → Manage → Browse local files), right-click “SkyrimSE.exe” → Properties → Details and note the File version.
  2. On the official SKSE site (skse.silverlock.org), find the build for that version: the Anniversary Edition build for Steam, the GOG build for GOG.
  3. Reinstall SKSE following the site’s instructions.
  4. If there is no build for your version yet, wait for an SKSE update.

Follow the download destination and included instructions for the SE/AE build you selected on the official site. You can extract 7z files with 7-Zip. Do not mistake the classic build’s “Install via Steam” or installer for an SE/AE installation method.

Step 3｜Remove SKSE plugins, then add back updated mods

After a game update, mods that use SKSE plugins may need updating as well.

Time: About 10 min

  1. Move the contents of “Data\SKSE\Plugins” in the game folder somewhere else (with a mod manager, disable the mods that include plugins).
  2. Check whether the game starts through the SKSE loader.
  3. If it does, check each mod’s page for a version that supports the new game version and add them back one at a time.

Avoid

  • Back up older saves before overwriting them; changes saved after removing mods may not be reversible.
  • Do not download SKSE from unofficial sites.

Important cautions

  • When contacting the SKSE team, attach skse.log, skse_loader.log and skse_steam_loader.log from the SKSE folder in My Games (official advice).
  • Version numbers in this article were correct when checked. See the official SKSE site for the current status.

FAQ

Does SKSE work with the Game Pass or Epic version?

No. The official SKSE site says the Windows Store/Game Pass and Epic Games Store versions are not supported.

Can I stay on an older game version?

The SKSE site still offers a build for players who downgraded to 1.5.97, but it recommends the Anniversary Edition build for the current Steam version.

Sources

We checked these official pages and wrote the steps in our own words. Follow the publisher’s page if it has changed.

Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) official siteSteam store: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionJapanese version of this page