Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesStart at Settings > Storage before deleting anything: find out whether games and apps, captures, or saved data are using the space. For a quick, no-cost fix, remove an installed game you can download again later. If you want to keep more games installed, choose storage based on the game’s generation: USB extended storage can play PS4 games, but PS5 games stored on USB must be copied back before you can play them. A compatible M.2 SSD can store and run PS5 games.
Check what is taking up space first
On either console, open Settings > Storage and inspect the categories before removing files. Identify large games or applications you are willing to move or reinstall; do not assume that saved data is part of the game installation.
Sony says deleted games and applications can be downloaded again from your Library. That makes deleting an installed game a practical free option if you can download it later. The game will not be playable again until it has been re-downloaded and installed. See Sony’s PS5 storage-management guide and PS4 storage-management guide.
Protect saved progress when removing a game
Game installations and saved data are managed separately. Before deleting saved data, check where that save is stored and whether it has synced or been backed up. Do not treat deleting an application as the same action as deleting its save.
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- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
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Sony’s PS5 storage table lists PS5 saved data in cloud storage and PS4 saved data in cloud storage or on USB. The PS4 storage guide likewise separates saved-data management from application deletion. Check the relevant console’s storage and saved-data settings before removing a save you want to keep.
Choose storage by game generation
| Option | Can you play a PS5 game from it? | Can you play a PS4 game from it? | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete the installed game | No; download and install it again first. | No; download and install it again first. | Freeing space when you can reinstall later. |
| USB extended storage | No; copy the game to console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD first. | Yes. | Playing PS4 games, or archiving PS5 games. |
| Compatible PS5 M.2 SSD | Yes. | Yes. | Keeping games installed and playable from added PS5 storage. |
| PS4 internal HDD upgrade | Not applicable to PS4 hardware. | Yes, once the game is installed. | Increasing a PS4 console’s capacity; select a drive for the exact model. |
Use USB extended storage for PS4 games or PS5 game archives
Playing PS4 games from USB
PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage on both PS4 and PS5. If you play PS4 games on a PS5, this is a useful place to keep them while reserving console storage for games that need it. Sony’s setup details are in its PS4 USB extended-storage guide and PS5 preparation guide.
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- 【Eliminate PS5(R) Storage Shortages】You can expand the free space on your system by saving PS5(R) game data and PS4(R) game titles onto this product.
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Storing PS5 games on USB
A PS5 can store PS5 game data on USB extended storage, but it cannot launch a PS5 game from that drive. To play the game, copy it back to console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD. USB therefore works as an archive when you want to avoid downloading a large game again, not as the playable destination for a PS5 title.
Check compatibility and protect files
- For PS5 extended storage, Sony specifies a USB 3.0-or-later drive with at least 250 GB and no more than 8 TB. Not every device works, and Sony says not to connect the drive through a USB hub.
- For PS4 extended storage, Sony specifies 250 GB to 8 TB, SuperSpeed USB at 5 Gbps or later, and system software 4.50 or later. Only one extended-storage device can be active at a time; proper operation is not guaranteed for every external HDD model.
- Formatting a drive for extended storage deletes its existing contents. Back up files you want to keep, and use the console’s safe-removal flow before disconnecting the drive.
Requirements are listed in Sony’s PS5 USB-drive preparation guidance and PS4 USB extended-storage guidance.
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Add playable storage for PS5 games with an M.2 SSD
If you want a PS5 game to remain installed and playable from added storage, use a compatible M.2 SSD rather than USB extended storage. Sony’s M.2 SSD installation guide calls for a supported M.2 device with a heat-dissipation mechanism. M.2 SATA drives are not supported, and the drive’s dimensions and cooling structure must fit the console’s requirements.
Check Sony’s current compatibility and installation requirements before buying or fitting a drive; do not assume that a headline speed alone guarantees the same behavior as the console’s built-in storage. Follow the guide for your PS5 model and install the drive only if it meets the stated specifications.
Consider an internal HDD upgrade for a PS4
Sony lists replacing or upgrading the internal HDD as an option for adding PS4 capacity. The appropriate replacement depends on the exact PS4 model, so confirm the model and drive fit, then follow Sony’s replacement procedure. The support information cited here does not establish one replacement drive for every PS4 revision.
Quick Recap
A practical order of operations
- Open Settings > Storage and identify what is using the space.
- Decide whether you need to play the game from the added drive or only keep it available for later. For a PS4 game, USB extended storage can serve as a playable location; for a PS5 game, USB is an archive, while a compatible M.2 SSD is playable storage.
- If you are comfortable downloading a game again, delete its application rather than purchasing hardware. Find it later in your Library and reinstall it when needed.
- Before removing any saved data, verify its location and sync or backup status separately from the application.
- Before formatting or unplugging a USB drive, back up its existing files and use the console’s safe-removal process.
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