ScriptHookV2 is a mod loader that stays on your system even after you stop using it

ScriptHookV2 is a tool that loads custom scripts into Grand Theft Auto V. Unlike mods you install through a mod manager, ScriptHookV2 modifies your game files directly and leaves traces behind when you uninstall it. Removing it completely requires more than just deleting the mod folder — you need to restore your original game files and clean up leftover components.

The reason this matters: if you leave ScriptHookV2 installed, it can interfere with game updates, cause crashes, or trigger anti-cheat detection if you play online. Some players also want a clean slate before switching to a different mod setup.

Key Takeaways

  • ScriptHookV2 modifies core GTA V files directly, so uninstalling the mod folder alone does not fully remove it.
  • You need to verify your game files through Steam or the Rockstar Launcher to restore the original versions that ScriptHookV2 changed.
  • Delete the ScriptHookV2 folder from your GTA V directory, then run the file verification process to replace modified files.
  • After removal, restart your computer and launch the game once to confirm everything works without the mod loader.

Step 1: Locate and delete the ScriptHookV2 folder

Open File Explorer and navigate to your GTA V installation directory. On most systems, this is C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto V or C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Grand Theft Auto V if you use Steam. Look for a folder named ScriptHookV2 or sometimes just scripts.

Right-click the folder and select Delete. If you see a permission error, close GTA V completely, close the Rockstar Launcher or Steam, and try again. Windows sometimes locks files while the game or launcher is running in the background.

Step 2: Verify your game files through your launcher

If you own GTA V through Steam: open Steam, right-click Grand Theft Auto V in your library, select Properties, go to the Local Files tab, and click Verify Integrity of Game Files. Steam will scan your installation and replace any files that ScriptHookV2 modified with the originals from its servers. This process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed.

If you own GTA V through the Rockstar Launcher: open the launcher, find GTA V in your library, click the three-dot menu, select Verify, and let it run. The Rockstar Launcher performs the same check as Steam.

Do not interrupt this process. If it stops or fails, restart your computer and try again.

Step 3: Remove any remaining mod files

After verification completes, check your GTA V folder again for leftover files. Look for folders named plugins, scripts, or mods. Delete any you find. Also check your Documents folder — some mod loaders create a folder at Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA V with configuration files. Delete that folder if it exists.

On some systems, ScriptHookV2 also leaves files in AppData. Press Windows Key + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter. Look for any GTA-related folders and delete them if you are certain they are mod-related and not part of your game save data.

Step 4: Restart and test the game

Restart your computer completely. This clears any cached files or processes that might still reference ScriptHookV2. After restart, launch GTA V through your normal launcher (Steam or Rockstar Launcher). Let it load fully and play for a few minutes to confirm it runs without crashes or errors.

If the game crashes on startup, your verification may have been interrupted. Repeat Step 2 and make sure the process completes without stopping.

What to do if you want to use a different mod setup

Once you have removed ScriptHookV2 completely, you can install a different mod loader if you want. Popular alternatives include FIVEM (which runs on separate servers and does not touch your single-player files) or RedM (for roleplay servers). These do not conflict with ScriptHookV2 removal because they use different installation methods.

If you plan to play GTA Online, do not install any mod loader. Rockstar's anti-cheat system detects modified game files, and using mods in online mode can result in a permanent ban from GTA Online.

Troubleshooting common problems

If GTA V still crashes after removing ScriptHookV2 and verifying files, the problem may not be the mod loader. Try launching the game in Safe Mode: right-click the game in Steam, select Properties, go to Launch Options, and type -safemode. If it runs in Safe Mode, a graphics driver or Windows update may be the issue, not ScriptHookV2.

If you see an error message about missing .dll files when you launch the game, your verification did not complete successfully. Uninstall GTA V entirely (through Steam or Rockstar Launcher), restart your computer, and reinstall it fresh. This is slower but guarantees a clean installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will removing ScriptHookV2 delete my game saves?

No. Your save files are stored separately from the mod loader files. They are usually in Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA V or in a cloud folder if you use Steam Cloud. Removing ScriptHookV2 does not touch them.

Do I need to uninstall and reinstall the entire game?

Not usually. Verifying your game files through Steam or Rockstar Launcher replaces the modified files without a full reinstall. A full reinstall is only necessary if verification fails or keeps crashing.

Can I remove ScriptHookV2 while GTA V is running?

No. Close the game and the launcher completely before deleting any mod files. Windows locks files while they are in use, and you will get a permission error if you try to delete them while the game is open.

What if I only want to disable ScriptHookV2 instead of removing it?

Renaming the ScriptHookV2 folder to something like ScriptHookV2_disabled will prevent it from loading without deleting it. However, this does not restore your original game files, so you should still run the verification step to be safe.

Is it safe to play GTA Online after removing ScriptHookV2?

Yes, as long as you have verified your game files and confirmed that no mod files remain. Rockstar's anti-cheat checks for modified files at launch, so a clean installation will pass the check.