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Fix Skyrim Won’t Launch

Skyrim Won’t LaunchSkyrim Won't Launch

Skyrim is an action-adventure game that is loved by millions of game lovers. Though it is the best game, the players face different kinds of issues while playing it. One of the common problems encountered by the user is Skyrim Won’t Launch.

If you are currently facing this error, then you are not alone. We are here to offer the workable methods that resolve the issue. You can use the basic and advanced methods given in this post to remove the error.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a world-class game developed by Bethesda Gaming Studios in the year 2011. Since it has a history of ten years, the craze on it is not decreased till today.

Windows, PlayStation, and Xbox users can download and launch this Skyrim game without any compatibility issues. Due to some reasons, Skyrim won’t start or run on your devices. In that situation, our techniques will help you in fixing it.

Read the post until the end and apply the best method that makes Skyrim open without any issues.

 

Problem Overview

Presently, there are different categories of games, such as racing, treasure hunt, shooting, and others. Several gamers love to play adventurous games on their systems. When you search for the best selling action-adventure game, you will get Skyrim at the top.

Bethesda Gaming Studios came up with several editions with wonderful features. You can also modify the look and appearance of the game using the Mod managers.

While trying to launch Skyrim on your computer, it crashes suddenly without any notice. If you currently facing the Skyrim Won’t Launch issue, follow this technical guide to fix it.

Before going further, let us discuss why this Skyrim is not launching on your PC. The reasons that stop the game to open on your computer are:

  • Some users come across this issue immediately after upgrading the game. It means that you have not installed the latest updates properly. At the same time, the issue occurs due to corrupted files.
  • Whenever you use the Mods for the game, you will see this error message.
  • If the Steam on your PC does not work correctly, then Skyrim won’t launch. Improper installation or corrupted Steam stops working this game engine.
  • Insufficient permissions
  • Expired Graphics Drivers
  • Unwanted or Several Apps running on your system.
  • Corrupted System Files
  • Older versions of DirectX and Visual Studio C++ 2015 Redistributable
  • Out-of-date Windows OS

Now, identify the exact reason why Skyrim is not launching on your Windows PC. By doing so, you can apply the best technique that we offer to fix it.

 

Related Problems

The gamers of Skyrim face various issues, and you can get in touch with some of those related errors. Go through the section and fix them whenever you encounter them on your PC.

  • Skyrim Won’t Launch After Pressing Play: In the first step, you have to verify the integrity of game files in order to check and repair the corrupted gaming files. If the error is not fixed, uninstall and reinstall the game on your PC.
  • Skyrim Won’t Launch Windows 10: Windows 10 and other editions of Windows users face this issue. All Windows consumers can use those troubleshooting methods that are provided below, such as updating graphics drivers, etc.
  • Skyrim Running But Not Launching: Even though the Skyrim game is running, you cannot see anything on your screen. To resolve the problem, you have to run the Steam and game with Admin permissions. Make sure that you disable unwanted apps on your PC.
  • Skyrim Special Edition Won’t Launch After Pressing Play: Check whether you fixed the issue by removing mods from the game. Try to open the Skyrim game in compatibility mode. If you still see the error, then download the latest versions of Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable. The final method is to restart your Windows PC in clean boot.
  • Skyrim Not Responding on Launch: If the problem is due to mod-related, then you need to disable all those mods that are installed while playing the game. Open Steam and Skyrim as Administrator to avoid this issue. You can also use the techniques listed below.
  • Skyrim Legendary Edition Not Launching: Whether it is Skyrim Special Edition or Legendary Edition, the user can apply the same methods. Some of them are checking the integrity of game files, upgrading graphics drivers, etc.

 

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

For fixing the Skyrim Won’t Launch issue, we offer the basic troubleshooting methods. Though it is not sure that they will resolve the error, we recommend you try them.

  • Restart your PC

Skyrim is compatible with Windows 10, PlayStation, and Xbox. The users who face the Skyrim Won’t Launch issue can fix it by restarting the PC.

Yes, rebooting the Windows computer is the primary or basic troubleshooting step that we need to follow. It might make Skyrim open or launch on your Windows computer. To restart your computer, follow the below steps.

  1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del keys on your keyboard.
  2. On the blue screen, you will see a list of options with icons at the bottom-right corner.
  3. Find the Restart icon and click on it to reboot the PC.

After restarting your computer, check whether the Skyrim Won’t Launch is fixed or not.

 

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  • Check the Graphics Drivers

When we are using outdated graphics drivers, we see different error messages. It means the Skyrim game will not open or launch due to the expired graphics card drivers.

That’s why immediately check for the latest updates and install them on your system. You can either use a manual method or an automatic process to update the display adapters.

  1. Press Windows + R to see the Run box on your screen.
    Press the Windows logo and R button together
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click the OK button.
    Enter devmgmt.msc in the Run box
  3. The device manager opens on your computer. From that, you need to locate the display adapters.
  4. Expand it and find the graphics drivers that you are using.
  5. Right-click on it and click the Update Driver option.
  6. Go with the Search automatically for the updated driver software option.
  7. Complete the update process by following the on-screen instructions.
  8. Now, launch Skyrim on your PC without any issues. If you still face the problem, move to the next method.

  • Check for Corrupted System Files

Is there are any corrupted system files on your computer? If so, then it is the reason for showing Skyrim Won’t Launch error.

In order to identify the corrupted files and repair them immediately, run the System File Checker (SFC). For that,

  1. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
    Select command prompt as an admin
  2. You can see the Command Prompt with Admin Rights. Now, type the sfc /scannow command and hit Enter.
    In The Command Prompt Type sfc scannow. (1)
  3. The search operation begins on your PC and locates the corrupted system files. Within a few minutes, it replaces them with the correct ones.
  4. Thus, the user can launch Skyrim on their computers and start playing it uninterruptedly.

 

 

Steps To Fix Skyrim Won’t Launch Issue

If you browse to this section, then it means the basic troubleshooting methods didn’t solve your problem. Carefully follow the below guidelines and resolve the Skyrim Won’t Launch issue.

 

  • Step 1

Run Steam and Skyrim with Administrator Privileges

Some applications need administrator privileges to work them without any issues. It means Skyrim needs to be run with an Administrator account to avoid several issues.

At the same time, you have to run Steam as Administrator in order to launch Skyrim error-freely. That’s why we are providing the guidelines to run Steam and Skyrim with Admin Rights.

If you want to run Steam as Administrator temporarily, execute the following steps.

  1. Locate the Steam icon on your desktop.
  2. Right-click on it and click the Run as Administrator option.
  3. If you see any confirmation window, click the Yes button.

For permanently running your Steam as Administrator, use the below guidelines.

  1. Select the Steam icon on your desktop.
  2. Right-click on it and choose Properties.
  3. Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the checkbox of Run this program as an administrator option.
    Click on Compatibility and check the box Run this program as an administrator
  5. Finally, click the Apply and OK buttons to save the modifications.
  6. Thus, you can run Steam as an administrator all the time.

Now, you have to launch Skyrim from Steam through the following steps.

  1. Provide your login credentials and enter into your Steam account.
  2. Click the Library.
  3. Now, identify The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition and choose the Properties from the right-click context menu.
  4. Thus, you will see the Properties page of the Skyrim game. Go to the Local Files tab and click the Browse Local Files button.
  5. A new pop-up window appears on your screen. Locate the executable file of Skyrim and right-click on it.
  6. Choose Run as Administrator from the context menu.
  7. Click the Yes button in the pop-up window that appears on your desktop.

The users who want to run Steam as Administrator permanently can go through the provided steps.

  1. When you identify the .exe file of Skyrim, right-click on it and click the Properties.
  2. In the properties window, open the Compatibility tab.
  3. Enable the Run this program as an administrator option by checking its box.
  4. Finally, hit the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes.

Thus, it will always the Skyrim as an administrator. By this, the Skyrim Won’t Launch error disappears on your Windows PC.

 

  • Step 2

Verify the Integrity of the Game Files

In order to launch Skyrim without any errors, you need to check for corrupted or missing game files. To do so, you can use the inbuilt tool to verify the integrity of the game files.

  1. Sign in to your Steam account.
  2. Open Library and find the Skyrim game.
  3. Right-click on it and click the Properties.
  4. Navigate to the Local Files tab and click the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.
  5. Thus, it starts verifying the integrity of game files. You need to wait until the process gets completed.
  6. Once it is finished, click the Close button.

Check the Skyrim Won’t Launch error is fixed or not. Suppose if the error appears on your PC? Then you have more methods to fix it.

 

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  • Step 3

Disable Unwanted Background Apps

Some users reported that they are facing the issue due to some applications that are running on your PC. So, to launch Skyrim without any issues, you need to disable all those unwanted background apps.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
  2. By default, it opens in the Processes tab.
    Click Process Tab
  3. Select the program that you want to disable -> Right-click on it -> Click the End Task option.
    Click on Snipping Tool and select end task
  4. Now, check whether you resolved the problem or not. If not, repeat the process until you launch Skyrim without any errors.

In most cases, the Antivirus software cause the Skyrim Won’t Launch issue. That’s why shut down the antivirus app running on your computer.

 

  • Step 4

Resolve Mod Conflicts

For improving the look of the Skyrim game, we install mods. But it will lead to many issues, including the Skyrim Won’t Launch. If you are facing this problem, then confirm that the issue is due to installed mods or not.

If your answer is Yes, then immediately remove them from your device to resolve the issue. It’s not so easy to find which mod is causing the problem when there are several mods installed on your game.

  1. First of all, disable the mods that you have installed recently.
  2. After that, check whether Skyrim launches perfectly or not.
  3. If you still face the issue, then it means the reason is some other else.
  4. In case if Skyrim opens successfully, then you need to find the exact mod that causing the issue. For that, re-enable the mods one-by-one and check whether the issue arises or not.
  5. If the mod that was installed is no more useful, then you can disable or completely remove it.

 

  • Step 5

Checking SKSE

Skyrim Script Extender or SKSE is one of the best tools used by Skyrim that enhances the scripting capabilities. Moreover, it provides additional functionalities to the game.

When you installed this SKSE, you can directly launch the Skyrim game on your PC. But several users faced the Skyrim Not Launching issue due to improper installation of Skyrim Script Extender.

So we recommend the user install SKSE correctly on your PC to avoid these kinds of issues.

 

  • Step 6

Update DirectX and Visual Studio C++ 2015 Redistributable

One main reason for Skyrim not launching on your computer is outdated DirectX and Visual Studio C++ 2015 Redistributable.

If you are using an expired DirectX and Visual Studio C++ 2015, then immediately download & install the latest versions.

  1. First of all, check the version of DirectX. To do so, press the Windows icon and type dxdiag and select it from the results.
  2. Now, it opens a window where you can get the current DirectX version.

If you are using an outdated DirectX, then update it through the below steps.

  1. Press Windows icon -> Type check for updates -> Select the best matched one from the results.
    Click on Check for update
  2. The Settings window appears on your screen. In that, click the Check for Updates option.
    Check For Update
  3. It will automatically search for the latest ones. After that, it downloads and installs the latest version of DirectX on your computer.

In order to update the Visual Studio C++ 2015 Redistributable, execute the given guidelines.

  1. Press Windows + R -> Type appwiz.cpl -> Click the OK button.
    appwiz
  2. Now, identify the Visual Studio C++ 2015 Redistributable of both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
  3. Remove them one-by-one by selecting them and hit the Uninstall option.
  4. Visit the official website of Microsoft and download the latest version of Visual Studio C++ 2015 Redistributable.
  5. Follow the basic on-screen instructions to complete the installation steps successfully.

Finally, check whether you launch Skyrim without any error messages or not.

 

  • Step 7

Update Windows OS

Using an outdated Windows version can also stop Skyrim to launch properly. That’s why we need to check for the latest updates and install them on our Windows PC.

  1. Press Windows + S to open the Settings.
  2. Now, click the Update & Security section.
    Choose The ‘Update And Security’ Option
  3. It automatically checks for the latest updates. If it finds anything new, then it installs on your computer.
    Check For Update
  4. After restarting the PC, see the Skyrim Won’t Launch error disappeared or not.

 

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  • Step 8

Reinstall the Game

If none of the methods I listed above solve the problem, then reinstalling it is the best option. Here are the steps to reinstall it again on your Windows 10 PC.

First of all, you need to uninstall it completely from your PC. For that,

  1. Open the Control Panel by executing appwiz.cpl command in the Run box.
    appwiz
  2. Scroll down until you find the Skyrim game.
  3. Now, click the Uninstall option to remove it permanently.
  4. After uninstalling, go to the folder where you have downloaded and installed it to remove the leftovers and empty files.
  5. In the next step, sign in to your Steam account.
  6. Search for the Skyrim game and reinstall it again on your Windows PC.

 

Tips To Avoid Skyrim Won’t Launch

  • The best tip that can avoid the Skyrim Won’t Launch issue is upgrading graphics drivers regularly with the latest ones.
  • Check your Windows computer for corrupted files and folders and repair them to escape from these annoying issues.
  • Access the system or application with the Admin account whenever it is needed so that it will not show any error messages.

 

Contact Official Support

The players who come across this Skyrim Won’t Launch issue can solve it using the methods listed above. With one or multiple fixes, we can make Skyrim open on our Windows PCs.

Even after reinstalling Skyrim, some users reported that it is not launching on the device. For those users who are still facing the problem, they can visit the forums and communities.

The technical experts discuss these kinds of issues so that you might found the best solution. If you didn’t fix the issue, then simply contact the official developers of Skyrim. They might help you in fixing the Skyrim Won’t Launch issue.

 

Final Words: Conclusion

In my final thoughts, I would like to say that the people who are fond of playing games search for the best ones. From all those top-selling games, Skyrim is one. That’s why it has been downloaded by millions of users all over the world.

Due to the reasons discussed in the above sections, the Skyrim Won’t Launch issue occurs. You can get rid of the problem by using the methods given in this post.

Up to our research and knowledge, we listed almost all the techniques to resolve it. If you hack it with a different solution, then share it with us.

Please leave a message or share the post through the below comment box.

 

  • Post last modified:February 12, 2021
  • Post category:Games
  • Post comments:0 Comments

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