Installation & Setup
Get xEdit properly installed and configured for Fallout 4 modding. Proper setup is crucial for stable operation and full functionality.
Read First: STEP Installation Guide
Before proceeding, please read the STEP xEdit Guide sections on "Installation" and "Configuration". This provides detailed technical setup information that complements this guide.
System Requirements
Ensure your system meets these requirements for optimal xEdit performance:
Minimum Requirements
- Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit)
- 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
- 500MB free disk space
- Fallout 4 installed and updated
Recommended Setup
- Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- 16GB+ RAM for large load orders
- SSD storage for faster loading
- Mod Organizer 2 for best integration
Download and Installation
Follow these steps to properly install xEdit:
1. Download xEdit
Get the latest version from Nexus Mods or the official website. Always use the latest version for best compatibility.
2. Choose Installation Location
Extract xEdit to a dedicated folder outside of Program Files (e.g., C:\xEdit\ or D:\Tools\xEdit\). This avoids Windows permission issues.
3. Extract All Files
Extract the entire archive to your chosen folder. Ensure all files are present, including the executable, DLLs, and documentation.
4. Verify Installation
Check that you have FO4Edit.exe, FO4EditQuickAutoClean.exe, and the Edit Scripts folder in your installation directory.
Initial Configuration
Configure xEdit for your specific setup:
Run as Administrator
Always run xEdit as administrator to ensure full file access and prevent permission errors. Right-click on FO4Edit.exe and select "Run as administrator".
Set Game Paths
- Launch FO4Edit.exe
- Go to Tools → Options
- Set your Fallout 4 installation path
- Set your Fallout 4 Data folder path
- Click OK to save
Mod Manager Integration
- Configure your mod manager (MO2/Vortex) to launch xEdit
- Set xEdit as the default editor for .esp/.esm files
- Enable proper file association in your mod manager
- Test launching xEdit from your mod manager
Mod Organizer 2 Integration
For the best xEdit experience, integrate it with Mod Organizer 2:
1. Add xEdit to MO2
In MO2, go to Tools → Executables and add a new executable. Set the path to your FO4Edit.exe and name it "xEdit".
2. Configure Arguments
Add these arguments to the executable: -D:"[MO2 Mods Path]" -I:"[MO2 Downloads Path]"
3. Set as Default Editor
In MO2 settings, set xEdit as the default editor for .esp and .esm files. This allows double-clicking plugins to open them in xEdit.
4. Test Integration
Launch xEdit from MO2 and verify it can see your mods and load order correctly.
File Associations
Set up proper file associations for seamless workflow:
Plugin Files
- Associate .esp files with xEdit
- Associate .esm files with xEdit
- Enable "Always use this app" when prompted
Configuration Files
- Associate .ini files with a text editor
- Set up .txt files for documentation
- Configure .log files for troubleshooting
Installation Verification
Verify your installation is working correctly:
Verification Checklist
- ✓ xEdit launches without errors
- ✓ Can see Fallout 4.esm in the file list
- ✓ Can see your mods in the load order
- ✓ Can open and view records
- ✓ Mod manager integration works
- ✓ File associations are set correctly
Common Installation Issues
If you encounter problems during installation:
Permission Errors
Run xEdit as administrator and ensure it's not installed in Program Files. Check Windows UAC settings.
Path Not Found
Verify your Fallout 4 installation path in xEdit options. Ensure the game is properly installed and updated.
Mod Manager Issues
Check your mod manager's executable configuration. Ensure arguments are set correctly for your setup.
Crashes on Launch
Update your graphics drivers, check for conflicting software, and ensure you have the latest version of xEdit.
Next Steps
Once xEdit is properly installed and configured, learn about its interface: