The Skyrim Script Extender 64 tool, which is also known as SKSE64 for short, is a modding tool that is used to create complex mods in the Skyrim Special Edition game. It is quite popular and is what’s being used to create some of the most popular mods of the game. While this is a solid performing tool there are instances when certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the SKSE64 not working issue.
How To Fix SKSE64 Not Working Issue
Before performing the recommended troubleshooting steps for this particular problem I suggest that you try restarting your computer first. This will refresh the operating system as well as remove corrupt temporary data and is quite effective in fixing most software related issues.
There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from interference from the antivirus program to a faulty mod. Listed below are the recommended troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.
Grant firewall access
One common reason why this problem occurs is because it is being blocked by the firewall which is why you will need to make sure that it is given firewall access.
- Click on the Start Menu and select the “Settings” icon.
- Inside the settings, click on the “Updates & Security” option.
- Select the “Windows Security” option from the left pane.
- Click on the “Firewall & Network Protection” option.
- Select the “Allow an application through firewall” option.
- Click on “Change Settings” to grant the necessary permissions.
- Allow “Skyrim” and all the Skyrim related applications through both “Public” and “Private” networks.
- Make sure to also allow “Steam“.
- Click on “OK“, run the game
Check if the Skyrim Script Extender 64 not working issue still occurs.
Turn off the antivirus
You will need to check if the antivirus software installed in your computer is causing the problem. To do this try to disable the antivirus.
If you are using Windows Security
- Select Start – Settings > Update & Security – Windows Security – Virus & threat protection > Manage settings
- Switch Real-time protection to Off.
If you are using Avast
- Search for the Avast icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Avast shields control.
- Locate the options to disable the program – the options are to disable it for 10 minutes, an hour, until the computer is restarted or permanently (until you yourself turn it back on). Select whatever option suits you best and use it to disable the program.
If you are using AVG
- Search for the AVG icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Temporarily disable AVG protection.
- Choose how long you want AVG to be turned off and whether you want AVG to disable its Firewall too.
- Click on OK to disable the antivirus program.
If you are using McAfee
- Search for the McAfee Antivirus icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Exit.
- You should see a dialog box warning you that McAfee‘s protection will be turned off. Click on Yes in this dialog box to disable the antivirus program
In case the Skyrim Script Extender 64 not working issue does not occur in this mode then you will need to add the game to the exception list of your antivirus software.
Windows Security
- Click on the Start Menu and select the “Settings” icon.
- Inside the settings, click on the “Updates & Security” option.
- Select “Windows Security” from the left pane.
- Now select “Virus and threat protection“.
- Click on the “Manage Settings” option under the “Virus & Threat Protection Settings” heading.
- Now scroll down and click on “Add or Remove an Exclusion” under the “Exclusions” heading.
- Click on “Add an Exclusion” and select “Folder“
- Add the Skyrim installation folder to this.
Bitdefender
- Open Bitdefender and go to the Protection Window by clicking the shield icon shown below in the picture.
- Click on the link which says View Modules.
- Click on the Settings icon which you can see on the upper right corner of the antivirus.
- Go to the Exclusions tab present in the window.
- Click on “List of files and folders excluded from scanning”.
- Click on the ADD button. Navigate to your game directory and select the folder to exclude it from the scanning process. You should also select the Both options before you add an exception
- Click Add and save changes.
- You can also add the game executable file in the exceptions list by clicking on “List of processes excluded from scanning”.
Avast Antivirus
- Open the Avast interface.
- Click on Settings found at the bottom left corner of the screen.
- From Settings, browse to General and scroll down the options until you find Exclusions.
- Expand the section and you will see a dialogue where you can add global exceptions. Navigate to your game directory using the option of Browse.
- Once you have selected the game folder, click on ADD found at the bottom left side of the screen. Press OK and it is now added to global exceptions of Avast antivirus.
McAfee Antivirus
- Open McAfee Antivirus by clicking on its icon present on the toolbar on the bottom right side of your Windows.
- Click on Manage Security.
- Select the option of Schedule and run scans option present in the box of Virus and Spyware Protection.
- Select the option of Schedules scans from the list of options that follow. A new window will open and from there you will see the Add button present under the tab of Excluded Files and Folders. Select the game directory after clicking Add through the file explorer.
- Once you reach the location select the folder and save changes.
Kaspersky AV
- Open Kaspersky AV from the icon present in your taskbar at the bottom right of the screen.
- Navigate to the Settings menu.
- Select the tab of Additional and select the tab of Threats and Exclusions from the list of options given.
- Click on the Configure Exclusions present in the middle of the screen.
- Select the option of Add present in the bottom right of the screen.
- Now navigate to the game directory using the Browse button. Once you reach the location select the folder and save changes.
Malwarebytes
- Open your Malwarebytes window by either clicking on the icon in the taskbar located at the bottom right side of the screen, or by clicking the program’s launch file.
- Once the program is opened, click on the Malware Exclusions tab located on the left side of the window.
- In this tab, you find an option which says “Add folder”. Click it and you will be navigated to File Explorer from where you can select your game directory easily. Once you reach the location select the folder and save changes.
Check if the Skyrim Script Extender 64 not working issue still occurs.
Disable the faulty mods
One last troubleshooting step that you can do is to disable the faulty mods which could be causing the problem.
- Launch The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition and select Mods from the main menu.
- Find the mod you wish to uninstall in your Library.
- Select the mod you wish to uninstall and select Delete or Disable
Check if the Skyrim Script Extender 64 not working issue still occurs.
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