Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to frequently asked concerns regarding installing, using, and troubleshooting Fallout 4 Script Extender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This FAQ is designed to help users who are installing, updating, or troubleshooting the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE). If you’re having problems with startup crashes, update failures, or F4SE not launching, this page will help you fix the most common issues.

What is F4SE?

F4SE (Fallout 4 Script Extender) is a modding tool that extends the scripting capabilities of Fallout 4. Many popular mods require it, and it allows mod authors to include features that would otherwise be impossible to implement in the basic game.

How do I install Fallout 4 Script Extender?

Download the F4SE archive for your game version.
Extract the contents using 7-Zip.
Copy all extracted files to your Fallout 4 game directory.
Merge the provided Data folder into your game’s existing Data folder.
Launch Fallout 4 using f4se_loader.exe.

For more detailed instructions, visit the Download Page.

How do I install F4SE using Vortex or Mod Organizer 2?

Vortex: Install F4SE manually, then change the game launcher to f4se_loader.exe in Vortex’s deployment choices.
Mod Organizer 2: Add a new executable to the MO2 launcher that points to f4se_loader.exe. Run the game from that entry.

Why is F4SE not working after a Fallout 4 update?

Fallout 4 updates frequently change the game’s runtime version, rendering previous versions of F4SE incompatible. Wait until the F4SE team releases a compatible update before downloading and installing the new version. You may verify your game version at the Fallout 4 main menu.

How do I update Fallout 4 Script Extender?

Download the latest version of F4SE from the Download Page.
Overwrite the existing F4SE files in your game directory.
Do not delete any additional mod files unless instructed by a mod author.

F4SE crashes on startup. What should I do?

Check that you have downloaded the correct F4SE version for your game runtime.
Check that all essential files were copied to the correct location.
Temporarily disable other mods to rule out conflicts.
Make sure you’re launching from f4se_loader.exe rather than the usual Fallout 4 executable.

I get the error: "Couldn’t find Fallout4.exe" or "A component has stopped working"

These errors usually occur when:

F4SE is not placed in the correct directory
Fallout 4 is not installed properly
Steam is not running in the background

Check your file paths to ensure F4SE is in the same folder as Fallout4.exe.

How do I know if F4SE is working?

Launch the game using f4se_loader.exe, then load a save file. You can:

Check if F4SE-dependent mods are working properly
Open the console (~ key) and type: GetF4SEVersion

Will F4SE work with Fallout 4 VR?

Yes. Use the F4SE version specifically designed for the Fallout 4 VR runtime 1.2.72. It is available on the Download Page.

Does F4SE work with the Windows Store or Game Pass version of Fallout 4?

No. These versions are locked down and do not allow script extenders to function.

Is F4SE safe to use?

Yes. F4SE is open-source, reliable, and frequently utilized in the Fallout modding community. It does not change your original game files and may be uninstalled at any moment.

How do I uninstall F4SE?

Simply delete the following from your Fallout 4 directory:

f4se_loader.exe
Any f4se_*.dll files
F4SE-related script files from the Data/Scripts folder (if manually installed)

This will remove F4SE from your setup without affecting your game or other mods.

Still Have Questions?

Use the Contact Page to reach out. We will revert you regarding your query.

Frequently Asked Questions