Skyrim Special Edition backups should include mod context, not just bytes. The base .ess file is the core save, but SKSE installations can add a matching .skse cosave and the save can reference plugins that are no longer installed. That means a technically intact file may still fail or behave differently on another setup. SaveEditor.com therefore treats the save file, its optional cosave, and the mod/load-order context as separate pieces of compatibility evidence.
Prepare the source PC
On the source system, identify the actual The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition save root: Windows: Steam: %USERPROFILE%DocumentsMy GamesSkyrim Special EditionSaves
GOG: %USERPROFILE%DocumentsMy GamesSkyrim Special Edition GOGSaves | Linux / Steam Play: Steam Play: <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/489830/pfx/. The expected file/folder pattern is *.ess
*.skse (when created by SKSE). Close the game, let the active launcher finish writing and synchronizing, then make a complete offline copy rather than transferring a file that may still be open.
Preserve storefront and profile identity
Documented storefronts: Steam, GOG Galaxy, Epic Games Launcher, Microsoft Store / Xbox app. Steam and GOG use differently named Documents folders. Microsoft Store packaging differs and should not be treated as the same path simply because the game title is identical. A transfer between two PCs is simplest when both systems use the same storefront/account/profile context. If the destination uses a different store or container, treat that as a migration problem rather than an ordinary restore.
Move the complete save boundary
For an unmodded setup, back up the complete Saves folder. For SKSE/modded play, preserve matching .ess and .skse files plus a record of the mod list/load order. Put the copied data on the destination only after confirming the destination save path. If the game creates a new empty save first, keep that new folder as another backup so you can compare structures and revert.
Handle cloud sync deliberately
Steam Cloud, GOG Galaxy, Epic/Xbox cloud support, and optional OneDrive Documents backup can all affect which copy is restored. Decide whether the local transferred copy or cloud copy should be authoritative before launching the game. If possible, preserve both. After the transferred save loads correctly, make a fresh in-game save and let the launcher synchronize normally.
Check compatibility before blaming the transfer
Base saves use .ess. Modded installations using SKSE can create a paired .skse cosave with the same base name. Treat paired files as one restore set when the mod stack depends on them. Compatibility note: Original Skyrim saves can sometimes be used by Special Edition, but modded saves may fail when required plugins are missing or incompatible. If the destination does not see the transferred progress, When a save fails after moving PCs, check the mod/plugin environment before assuming the .ess itself is corrupt. OneDrive can also redirect or synchronize the Documents folder unexpectedly. Verify game edition/version, store, profile IDs, redirected folders, and mod/DLC dependencies before editing the save itself.
Verification context: Steam/GOG save paths, original-to-Special-Edition compatibility note, cloud support, and Steam Play behavior were reviewed against current PCGamingWiki coverage.