Bethesda has released Skyrim Anniversary Edition update 1.7.99, bringing larger console mod storage, several Creation improvements, Creation Kit changes, and crash fixes.
For PC players with heavily modded installations, however, the update carries a familiar concern. Even though Bethesda says the patch should not affect load orders, updates can still create compatibility problems for SKSE plugins, scripts, and mods designed around a specific game version. The studio recommends backing up saves before updating.
Players who depend on a stable mod setup can also prevent Steam or GOG Galaxy from automatically replacing their current Skyrim installation.
Skyrim 1.7.99 increases console mod storage to 15 GB
One of the biggest changes affects PlayStation 5 and Xbox, where available mod storage has increased to 15 GB.
The update also improves the Creations interface, adds new sorting options, introduces Creation bundling, and makes several changes intended to bring Skyrim's system closer to the Creation implementations used in Fallout 4 and Starfield.
| Skyrim 1.7.99 change | Details |
|---|---|
| Console mod storage | Increased to 15 GB on PS5 and Xbox |
| Creations bundles | Added to the Creations menu |
| Store sorting | Most Popular category supported |
| WIP Creations | Can be viewed when bookmarked |
| Verified Creations | Some can support achievements or trophies |
| PlayStation Creation files | More file formats supported |
| Steam Deck | Virtual Keyboard crash fixed |
| Creation Kit | Multiple improvements and crash fixes |
Verified Creator releases can now be marked as achievement friendly on Xbox and trophy friendly on PlayStation.
There is an important limitation. Updated Creations using this feature require you to start a new game before achievement or trophy compatibility applies.
Why PC modded installations may be vulnerable
Skyrim has a long history of updates creating problems for mods that depend on specific executable versions or scripting behavior.
The Anniversary Edition transition in 2021 was a particularly disruptive example because changes affected many script based mods.
Update 1.7.99 is not being described as another change of that scale, and Bethesda specifically says load orders should remain intact.
Still, PC players using SKSE plugins or carefully maintained downgraded installations may prefer not to take the risk immediately.
An automatic update can replace files that a mod setup depends on, leaving individual plugins unusable until their creators release compatible versions.
That concern also applies to future Skyrim updates, not only version 1.7.99.
Steam players can freeze their current version
Steam players can prevent updates by making Skyrim's app manifest file read only.
The relevant file is appmanifest_489830.acf, located inside the steamapps folder of the Steam installation.
After finding the file, open its Properties window and enable the Read only option under the General tab.
Steam will then be unable to modify the manifest normally, which effectively keeps the installed Skyrim version unchanged.
This can be useful if your current mod list is stable and you want to wait until major plugins have been tested against the new patch.
GOG Galaxy provides a simpler update control
GOG Galaxy includes a built in way to disable automatic updates.
Open Skyrim in your library, select the More menu beside the Play or Update button, choose Manage installation, then Configure.
Under the Installation section, disable Automatically update to newest version.
Players using the GOG edition without GOG Galaxy do not need to worry about the client installing an update automatically.
Skyrim VR players can also ignore these precautions because the VR edition has only one current version and no further updates are expected.
The patch fixes several crashes and Creation problems
Update 1.7.99 includes fixes beyond the new mod features.
Bethesda has addressed a Steam Deck crash involving the Virtual Keyboard, a crash caused by selecting an empty Creations search result, and a crash related to transforming into a new race.
The Creation Kit receives additional fixes for Sound Descriptor dialogs, encounter zone analysis, mod reloads, archive handling, file capitalization, Cell View behavior, and several other development issues.
The main game also receives improvements for Creation pricing displays, load order behavior, missing marketplace content, large load order restoration, and overall Creations store efficiency.
For console players, Skyrim 1.7.99 is largely an expansion of the game's mod and Creation infrastructure.
For PC players with complex mod lists, the safer approach may be to back up saves and verify compatibility before allowing the update, especially if the current installation is already working exactly as intended.
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