How to Fix SKSE64 Not Working?

Skyrim is well-loved by many users but like many other games it can have glitches. Some people report their SKSE64 is not working properly. It might just freeze and show an error message. SKSE64 is short for Skyrim Script Extender 64, and this mod tool plays an important role in applying complicated mods on Skyrim.

Even if you are using an up to date version of Skyrim SKSE64 you might still get this error, which means you won’t be able to start the game after applying your mods. The game might launch but only give you a black screen. So what are some of the causes of this SKSE64 error?

Possible Causes of SKSE64 Error

First of all, the Windows Firewall settings might be the culprit, stopping the gaming elements from connecting to the server. This can result in the game not launching correctly.

Another reason could be your Windows Defender or other antivirus software you have on your machine which is stopping the game from launching. Some over-eager antivirus programs wrongly identify Skyrim as a threat.

Another reason is that the mods you install are causing some kind of a conflict. When you update the game, the mods tend not to work properly and you need to update those too.

If you update Skyrim, the old SKSE won’t work – for this you will need to update both or else roll the game back to the previous version.

Let’s take a look at some of the best solutions to fix this Skyrim issue:

Solution #1: Grant Windows Firewall Access

Sometimes the firewall on a PC can stop various gaming elements, stopping the computer connecting to the game on the server. This will prevent its launch. Try these steps to see whether your Windows Firewall is to blame for the error:

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click on Settings.
3. Now choose Update and Security.
4. Choose the Windows Security option on the left.
5. Choose the Firewall & Network Protection option.
6. Click on: Allow an application through firewall.
7. Click on Change Settings.
8. Allow Skyrim on both the public and private networks, as well as apps related to Skyrim.
9. Make sure Steam is enabled.
10. Click OK then run the game to see if the issue has been fixed.

Solution #2: Add an Exclusion to your Antivirus or Windows Defender

Windows Defender, which comes already installed on a new PC, helps protect from threats. The same is true of antivirus software. However, it has been known for this type of software to stop SKSE64 from launching or running, or to interfere with the game. In order to prevent this, you will need to add an exception to Windows Defender and your antivirus program, so they know Skyrim is not a threat.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click on Settings.
3. Click on Update & Security.
4. Select Windows Security on the left side.
5. Click on Virus & Threat Protection.
6. Now choose Manage Settings.
7. Find the Exclusion heading then click on Folder.
8. Add the Skyrim folder to this location.
9. Run the game and see whether the error has been fixed.

Solution #3: Roll Back Your Game Version

SKSE64 is supposed to be updated whenever there is a Skyrim update, in order for them both to be able to work together. If Skyrim updates but the SKSE64 has not, then you can roll the game back to the previous version to avoid incompatibility problems.

1. Open your web browser.
2. Navigate to the Steam Database site.
3. Type Skyrim in the search field, then click enter.
4. Find the entry of ‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’.
5. Write down the corresponding APPID number.
6. Click on the number; a new page will open.
7. Choose the Depot option.
8. Write the section ID number which is next to ‘Skyrim Special Edition.exe’.
9. Click on the number; a new page opens.
10. Choose the Manifests option.
11. Write down the number older than the newest release date.
12. For example, if the update came out 5 days ago, write the number listed before 5 days ago.
13. Navigate to the desktop.
14. Right click on the Steam launcher shortcut.
15. Click on Properties.
16. Type ‘console’ in the Target box after the earlier text.
17. Don’t leave a space at the end of the word.
18. Click Apply and then click OK.
19. Use the shortcut to open Steam and click Console.
20. Type ‘download-depot’ then the App ID number, or depot ID number, or manifest ID number.
21. Press enter.
22. Go to the folder where the older version download is (on the Console option).
23. Find the executable download, then copy it.
24. Paste it in the game installation folder, using ‘Copy & Replace’.
25. This reverts your Skyrim to the previous version.
26. Try running it to see whether this solves the error.

Solution #4: Disable Any Defective Mods

Mods can sometimes cause issues which result in this error, if the game updates without the mods also updating. Developers typically release mod updates at the same time as game updates. If the update is taking longer though, you might need to disable any problematic mods until the updates are released.

Try to find the update first, and if it isn’t available then disable the mods only. This is how to disable the mods:

1. Open the Elder Scrolls game.
2. Open the menu.
3. Click on mods.
4. Find the ones causing the error and disable them.
5. Restart the game to see whether this helped.

You won’t be able to play Skyrim until you have fixed the SKSE64 not working error, so try the above solutions in the same order they are written. Hopefully one of these fixes will solve the issue.