Skyrim Special Edition Save File Location
Here's exactly where Skyrim Special Edition keeps your saves on every platform, how to open the folder, and how to back them up before you mod.
Save file locations
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\Saves
Full path: C:\Users\<YourName>\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\Saves\ . Saves end in .ess with a matching .skse co-save if you use SKSE.
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\BethesdaSoftworks.SkyrimSE-PC_3275kfvn8vcwc\SystemAppData\wgs
The Microsoft Store / Game Pass version stores saves in this container folder instead of Documents.
Settings › Saved Data and Game/App Settings › Saved Data
Console saves are sealed and can't be copied as raw files. Back them up to PS Plus cloud or a USB drive from this menu.
My games & apps › <Game> › Manage game › Saved data
Xbox saves sync automatically to the cloud with your Microsoft account; there is no user-accessible save file on disk.
Cloud saves
On PC, the Steam version uses Steam Cloud for saves. The original Skyrim (not Special Edition) uses a separate folder: Documents\My Games\Skyrim\Saves — the two games do not share saves.
How to open the save folder
- Press Win + R to open the Run box.
- Type %userprofile%\Documents and press Enter.
- Open My Games, then Skyrim Special Edition, then Saves.
- Copy the whole save folder somewhere safe before editing, modding, or moving PCs.
FAQ
Where is the Skyrim Special Edition save file on PC?
It's at C:\Users\<YourName>\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\Saves. Press Win+R, type %userprofile%\Documents, then open My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\Saves. Files end in .ess.
Why can't I find my Skyrim saves?
If you play the Game Pass or Microsoft Store version, saves are in the Packages\BethesdaSoftworks.SkyrimSE-PC...\SystemAppData\wgs container under %localappdata%, not in Documents.
Do original Skyrim and Special Edition share saves?
No. They use separate folders (Skyrim vs Skyrim Special Edition under My Games) and the save formats are not compatible.