ESS file icon

ESS File Extension

The Elder Scrolls Saved Game
  • Developer
    Bethesda Softworks
  • Category
  • Popularity
    3 (4 votes)

What is ESS file?

ESS is a file extension commonly associated with The Elder Scrolls Saved Game files. The Elder Scrolls Saved Game format was developed by Bethesda Softworks. ESS file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. Files with ESS extension are categorized as Game Files files. The Game Files subset comprises 1509 various file formats. The most popular software that supports ESS files is The Elder Scrolls.

Programs which support ESS file extension

The following listing features ESS-compatible programs. ESS files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Programs that support ESS file

How to open file with ESS extension?

Problems with accessing ESS may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with ESS files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with ESS files.

Step 1. Download and install The Elder Scrolls

Install software to open ESS file The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ESS files installed on the system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download The Elder Scrolls and install it on your device. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading The Elder Scrolls installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of The Elder Scrolls

Update software that support file extension ESSIf the problems with opening ESS files still occur even after installing The Elder Scrolls, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of The Elder Scrolls is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of The Elder Scrolls installed, it may not support ESS format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using The Elder Scrolls.

Step 3. Assign The Elder Scrolls to ESS files

If you have the latest version of The Elder Scrolls installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage ESS on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Associate software with ESS file on Windows

Change the default application in Windows

  • Right-click the ESS file and choose Open with option
  • Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
  • The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where The Elder Scrolls is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open ESS files and clicking OK.
Associate software with ESS file on Mac

Change the default application in Mac OS

  • By clicking right mouse button on the selected ESS file open the file menu and choose Information
  • Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
  • Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
  • If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with ESS extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the ESS file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the ESS file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

Check ESS file for viruses
1. The ESS may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the ESS is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the ESS file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the ESS file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic ESS file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with ESS extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run The Elder Scrolls

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with ESS extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with The Elder Scrolls Saved Game file. It may be the case that the ESS files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the ESS file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on ESS file.

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