Black screen issues in Skyrim are common due to a rendering process failure. This issue results from various causes, such as conflicts with mods, outdated game files, or corrupted game data. Mainly, this issue occurs due to a problem with the mods, especially those that alter the game’s startup or add new scripts.
In addition to that, there could be a problem with the graphics driver or the game’s configuration files. Now, as we have discussed the causes, let’s look at the troubleshooting methods used in public forums. Before that, ensure you have the latest version of Skyrim, verify the game files from Steam, and repair any corrupted files causing this issue.
1. Disable Mods
Mods are often used to add scripts or modify the game, which can introduce conflicts or issues, especially if the mods are incompatible or outdated with the current version of the game. Disabling the mods will revert the game to its default state and allow it to run with default scripts, which might resolve this issue.
Open the Mod Manager (Mod Organizer, Nexus Mod Manager).
Find the list of the mods installed. Then, untick all the mods or use the Disable option.
If your mod manager provides an option to restore the original game files, simply use that option.
2. Use Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE)
Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) provides a more stable environment for running Skyrim with mods. SKSE is especially useful for bypassing the limitations of the default game to run more complex scripts. This helps eliminate bugs or errors caused by mods relying on complex scripts. Therefore, launching the game via SKSE can help bypass certain startup issues. This is especially true if you have mods installed that depend on SKSE.
Download the correct version of SKSE for your game, whether it is a Special Edition or an Anniversary Edition.
If you don’t update Skyrim from Steam, you need to check which version you have installed to download the correct version of SKSE. To do so, right-click Skyrim from Steam. Hover over Manage and click Browse Local Files. This will open up the game directory.
Right-click the Skyrim executable file and go to Properties.
Go to the Details tab and check the version listed next to the Product version.
Now go back to the official SKSE website and click the Archived Builds to download the appropriate SKSE version for your Skyrim.
Once it is downloaded, extract the SKSE folder using WinRAR or 7zip.
Copy all the extracted files and folders and go to the directory where Skyrim is installed.
Paste the copied files into the Skyrim directory.
Launch Skyrim using sks64_loader.exe.
Verify whether the black screen issue is resolved.
3. Configure Compatibility Settings for Skyrim
Various options come under the Compatibility settings. However, we will only discuss running Skyrim with an older version of Windows. This is particularly helpful when you want to simulate an environment for which the program was designed. If the application or program shows a black screen or does not launch completely, you can configure it to run with an older Windows version.
Sometimes, the latest Windows compatibility settings prevent applications or games from running correctly. This is why we recommend running it with an older Windows version.
Open the directory where Skyrim is installed.
Right-click the Skyrim executable file and select Properties.
Go to Compatibility. Tick the option Run this program in compatibility mode for and select Windows 8.
Click Apply and then OK.
Launch the game and see if this solution worked.
4. Update the Graphics Driver
You may have an outdated driver that might not support the latest version of Skyrim, resulting in this issue. GPU drivers are frequently updated to improve performance, fix bugs, and ensure compatibility with new games. Therefore, if you don’t update the GPU driver, it is recommended that you update it, as it might be corrupted or outdated.
Open the GPU Vendor application such as AMD or Geforce Experience.
Go to the Drivers section and click Check for updates.
If an update is available, download and install it.
Once done, verify if the issue is resolved.
Finally, if all the solutions listed above fail to resolve the issue, consider reinstalling Skyrim to remove any corrupted files that might be causing the problem.
Here's the TLDR for the fix: If you're using Skyrim Upscaler and you're using its TAA antialiasing setting, you'll get this black screen effect whenever you load up the game. To fix, simply reopen the Upscaler's menu (END key by default) and change the setting from TAA to something else.
Switch to 'Offline Mode' in Steam. This can be done from your Steam settings.
Turn off / unplug your router.
Start the game normally.
Once finished, save as normal and quit the game. After quitting, you may re-enable Steam in Online mode, and turn your router back on. Steam should upload your latest save to the cloud.
Black screen errors can occur for many reasons, such as Windows updates, faulty applications, outdated drivers or malware infections. As a Windows administrator, you'll have to fix the problem by trying different strategies, one step at a time.
If some of your game files are missing or corrupted, Skyrim might fail to launch on your computer. In this case, you can go to verify the integrity of the game files in Steam to fix the issue. Step 1: Open your Steam and click LIBRARY. Step 2: Among the list of games, right-click your Skyrim and choose Properties.
In some cases, the "Windows stuck on loading screen" issue is caused by Windows updates or other problems. At this time, you can enter the Safe Mode, do nothing, and then reboot your computer to help the computer start normally again. Safe Mode starts with a minimum set of drivers, software, and service.
If possible, eliminate the enemies and then Fast Travel. If you're indoors or otherwise in an area or situation where they cannot Fast Travel, you will need to reload to a previous save and be wary of the area in the future.
If you are having issues loading or starting the game after activating a large number of mods, you should clear all mods on your Xbox by clearing the Reserved Space for the title. If on PlayStation 5, the entire game will have to be uninstalled and reinstalled.
A power cycle can clear system errors that might be causing your black screen. Turn off your console and unplug it for 5-10 minutes.Then plug it back in and turn it on. If you've tried these steps and still need a little help, we're right around the corner.
This can occur for a variety of reasons: a failed startup, a power glitch, software bugs, a connection problem, and more. If your console stops working, we'll handle the repairs. Make an appointment, or visit your nearest store today.
Crashes can be due to the mod being out of date (Not updated by the Mod Author or abandoned). A crash can occur because Skyrim updated and mods haven't updated to work with the latest version of the game. Mods like Frostfall installed w/o dependent mods like Campfire, can crash the game.
Check for Additional Installers. If a game launch is cancelled or interrupted, it is possible that your computer will be missing programs or services that the game needs to run. This could include DirectX, PhysX, C++ components, or Windows Updates.
In this case, you can go to verify the integrity of the game files in Steam to fix the issue. Step 1: Open your Steam and click LIBRARY. Step 2: Among the list of games, right-click your Skyrim and choose Properties. Step 3: In the pop-up window, click LOCAL FILES tab and hit VERIFY INTEGRITY OF GAME FILES option.
Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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