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.
Where The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition stores PC saves
The researched save-location boundary is 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 known file or folder pattern is *.ess
*.skse (when created by SKSE). This is the practical starting point because launcher, profile, and storefront context can change which copy is active even when two folders look similar.
Storefront and profile differences
Documented launchers or 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. When looking for a missing save, identify the executable/storefront you actually launched and the user/profile that created the progress before copying anything between directories.
Cloud synchronization
Steam Cloud, GOG Galaxy, Epic/Xbox cloud support, and optional OneDrive Documents backup can all affect which copy is restored. A cloud service should be treated as another copy of the save, not as proof that the local folder is disposable. Before a manual restore, let synchronization finish, make an offline backup, and avoid starting the game while files are being replaced.
What the files represent
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. The current filename/folder evidence is *.ess
*.skse (when created by SKSE). File-extension context: .ess, .skse A location guide does not claim that every file in the directory is safe to edit or that files from another storefront are automatically interchangeable.
If the save is not where expected
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. Also check redirected Documents folders, Steam Play prefixes, account IDs, and launcher-specific containers where applicable. Preserve every candidate copy before testing a restore so troubleshooting does not destroy the only surviving version.
Verification context: Steam/GOG save paths, original-to-Special-Edition compatibility note, cloud support, and Steam Play behavior were reviewed against current PCGamingWiki coverage.