If you recently updated Skyrim to version 1.5.97 (the Anniversary Edition update), you likely noticed that the standard RaceMenu mod causes the game to crash on startup or fails to load sliders.
Here is the solution to get it working.
When Bethesda released the Anniversary Edition update (version 1.5.97), they upgraded the game script engine and changed address libraries. The classic version of RaceMenu relied on a specific .dll file that is now incompatible with this new executable. Trying to force the old version to work will result in a CTD (Crash to Desktop) every time you try to open the character creation menu. racemenu for skyrim se 1597 work
If you have followed the above and still see problems (e.g., missing sliders, invisible menu, immediate CTD), troubleshoot here:
To fix this, you need a specific version of the mod ported for the Anniversary Edition. 🛡️ Getting RaceMenu to Work on Skyrim SE 1
Download the AE Version: Go to the original RaceMenu Nexus Mods page.
Installation (MO2/Vortex): Install the mod via your mod manager as usual. If asked to update, select "Replace." Open RaceMenu (showracemenu) Go to Face section Scroll
LOOT/Sorting: Run your load order sorter (LOOT or Vortex's built-in sorter). RaceMenu should generally be placed low in your load order, usually after other character modification mods.
Clean Save (Optional but Recommended): If you are updating an existing save:
Symptom: When loading a save, you see SKSE plugin errors about RaceMenuPlugin.
Cause: You have a mix of AE scripts and SE scripts.
Fix: Manually delete the RaceMenu folder inside Data\scripts and reinstall RaceMenu v0-4-16 fresh.