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PlayStation 5

How to Fix a PS5 System Software Update That’s Stuck or Failing

Retry the stuck update first. If it keeps failing, troubleshoot the connection or use Safe Mode and Sony’s official USB update file; reinstalling erases PS5 data.

By VGSources Team 4 min read
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If a PS5 system software update is stuck, first retry it from Downloads/Uploads. If that fails, restart the console and check its network connection; use Safe Mode for a console that cannot reach the home screen or for repeated failures. A manual USB update is another option. Reinstalling system software is different: it deletes console data, so reserve it for a last resort.

Retry the update before changing anything

  1. Press the PS button to open the Control Center, then select Downloads/Uploads.
  2. Highlight the system software update and choose View Error Info to see any displayed error code.
  3. Select Try Again.

PlayStation Support recommends moving to its PC/Mac manual update instructions if the update fails multiple times. See Sony’s PS5 system software update guide.

If the PS5 reaches the home screen, retry online

  1. Restart the console.
  2. Open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and check for an update.
  3. If the update still fails, improve the connection before retrying. Use a wired connection if possible. For Wi-Fi, move the console closer to the router and reduce obstructions.
  4. Turn off the router and modem for at least five minutes, then restart them and retry the update.

These network steps are among Sony’s recommendations for error WS-116522-7; they are not a universal fix for every code. Consult the page for the exact code if one appears: PlayStation Support: WS-116522-7.

Choose online or USB update

Method Use it when What you need Data-loss risk
Online update The PS5 reaches the home screen and can connect to the internet. A working internet connection. These instructions update system software; they do not call for resetting the console.
Manual USB update Online attempts fail repeatedly, or you need to update through Safe Mode. A PC or Mac with internet access and a USB drive formatted FAT32 or exFAT. These instructions update system software; do not choose a reset or reinstallation option by mistake.

Sony’s update guide does not require a particular USB brand or speed class. A USB drive is only needed for the manual route; do not buy one if an online retry resolves the problem.

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Update from Safe Mode

Use Safe Mode if the PS5 cannot reach its home screen or repeated online update attempts fail. Connect the controller to the console with a USB cable before selecting an option.

  1. Turn off the PS5 completely.
  2. Press and hold the power button again. Release it after the second beep, about seven seconds after the first.
  3. Connect the controller with a USB cable and press the PS button.
  4. Select Update System Software. Choose the online option or, if you prepared a USB drive, follow the USB steps below.

Sony’s update instructions and Safe Mode guide describe the available update routes.

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Manually update using a USB drive

Prepare the drive and update file

  1. On a PC or Mac connected to the internet, format a USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT.
  2. Create a folder named PS5 on the drive, then create a folder named UPDATE inside it.
  3. Download the current update file from Sony’s official PS5 system software page. Sony specifies about 1.1 GB of free space for the update file.
  4. Save the file in the UPDATE folder with the exact filename PS5UPDATE.PUP. The full path should be PS5/UPDATE/PS5UPDATE.PUP.

Use only the update file Sony provides. The separate reinstallation file is not interchangeable with the regular update file.

Install it from Safe Mode

  1. Connect the USB drive to the PS5 and start the console in Safe Mode using the steps above.
  2. Select Update System Software > Update from USB Storage Device > OK.

If the console does not recognize the file, verify that the drive is FAT32 or exFAT, the folder names are uppercase as shown, and the filename is exactly PS5UPDATE.PUP. Confirm that the file is in the PS5/UPDATE folder, not elsewhere on the drive.

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Understand Safe Mode options before selecting one

Safe Mode includes repairs and resets with different consequences. Select the exact option you intend; do not choose a reset simply because an update failed.

Safe Mode option Effect on console data
Repair Console Storage Does not erase data.
Restore Default Settings Resets settings but does not delete games, apps, captures, or saved data.
Reset PS5 Deletes user data.
Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) Deletes all data and removes the system software.

For Sony’s descriptions of these options, see its Safe Mode reference.

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Reinstall system software only as a last resort

Reinstallation is not a normal update: Sony says it deletes all data on the PS5 and describes it as a factory or hard reset. Back up what you can before proceeding. Reinstallation uses a separate file from the regular update and the Safe Mode option Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software). Follow Sony’s reinstallation instructions carefully; do not select this option as a routine retry.

Check the exact error code and get help if needed

Record the full error code and open Sony’s page for that code. For example, PlayStation Support describes WS-116522-7 as: “The latest version of system software is not recognized and the update failed.” Its suggested steps differ by method—online, USB, or game disc—so use the matching instructions rather than applying one fix to every error.

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Sony’s PS5 error-code index includes update-related messages. If the console remains stuck in Safe Mode or Sony’s update or reinstallation process fails, use the PlayStation Repairs diagnostic tool.

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