Animated Window Lighting System and Chimneys - AWLS
🟠 Updated over a year ago⚠️ Install Order · 3 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 1.6% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #2 of 58 Visuals and Graphics mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
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What is AWLS?
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Welcome to the most comprehensive and compatible window lighting system ever devised for TES:IV.
AWLS is an illuminated window system that has three goals:
1) Add illuminated windows to all vanilla building meshes in such a way that also allows all mods using vanilla buildings to also have illuminated windows without the need of patches.
2) Allow the player to choose to have the lights on 24/7, at night only, or also during rainy weather. The player can pick what option is best for him or her by using one or none of the three included plugins (plugins require OBSE v14 or higher).
3) Add smoke effects to all chimneys if desired.
Please download and read the comprehensive Readme as it covers many things not listed on this page!
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About
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AWLS can be considered an evolution from Texian's original Window Lighting System. AWLS uses a very similar method but takes advantage of newer and better methods for illumination.
A little history on illumination mods: Illumination Within by Slap & ModMan was the first mod that attempted to illuminate building windows at night. It did this by making the window textures appear illuminated and then added actual light sources hovering in front of each window. This created a realistic and very pretty illumination. However, the downside was twofold: first, a significant performance hit since light sources are very demanding; second, no mod added buildings would have illuminated windows unless a patch was made.
So Texian made his mod solve both issues, and AWLS goes even further with more features. It should be noted that Illumination Within is still considered to be the most attractive window illumination method. With that in mind, it is possible to use both AWLS and Illumination Within together. Read the Using AWLS + Illumination Within section.
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Installation
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AWLS is a very complicated mod with over 200 install options and folders! Therefore, it is recommended that you use a mod manager program. Use Mod Organizer 2,Wrye Bash or Vortex to install this mod. Oblivion Mod Manager and TES Mod Manager are not supported.
Before AWLS: Install Mods which AWLS Patches
For both install me
AWLS is a visual overhaul for Skyrim that replaces the static Window Lighting System with animated window meshes, adds a tool to animate custom building windows, and includes chimney smoke effects. With 11,342 endorsements and nearly 700k downloads, it's a popular choice for players seeking more lively towns and cities.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Huge community trust with 11,342 endorsements and 696k downloads
- Breathes life into cities with animated windows and chimney smoke
- Tool lets you customize which buildings get animated windows
⚠️ Cons
- Requires the original Window Lighting System as a base, so you need to install that first
- Animated meshes may impact performance on lower-end rigs
For Skyrim players who want their cities to feel alive with glowing windows and chimney smoke. Perfect for immersion-focused modlists. Skip if you prefer static lighting or have a weak PC.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Make sure to install the original Window Lighting System first, then overwrite with AWLS
- Use a mod manager like Vortex or MO2 to handle file conflicts easily
- Check the mod's posts section for load order advice if you're unsure
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Oblivion Mods
- Author
- XMarksTheSpot-Brumbek-Ismelda
- Version
- 5.6.3
- Downloads
- 696,767
- Endorsements
- 11,342
- Category
- Visuals and Graphics
- Created
- 9/4/2008
- Updated
- 4/13/2025
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