Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Freeing storage on a PS5 or PS4 before downloading a large PlayStation Plus game is usually straightforward: check Settings > Storage, remove or move games you are not playing, and protect saved data before deleting anything. Deleting an installed game does not remove your purchase from your library, while USB extended storage and (on PS5) a compatible M.2 SSD let you keep more installations available.
The exact space required is different for every game and can change with updates, language packs and other installation data. Check the individual game’s PlayStation Store page or download screen for its current requirement rather than relying on a universal “large game” figure.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What should I do first?
Start with the console’s storage screen and note both the free space and the categories using it. Then decide whether you want to delete an installation, archive it externally, or expand playable storage. Before removing anything, make sure your saves are synchronized or copied elsewhere.
- Open Settings > Storage.
- Check the available capacity and open the category listing your games and applications.
- Look at the new PS Plus game’s store or download screen to confirm its current required space.
- Protect saved data, then choose the least disruptive way to recover enough room.
PlayStation’s PS5 storage guide and PS4 storage guide use the same basic principle: manage the local installation separately from saved data and your digital-game entitlement.
Popular on Amazon
- 【90 Degree Full Function USB C Adapter】Supports the latest USB4 standard for up to 40Gbps of bandwidth, 8K video support, and up to 240W Fast charging; Support USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR) including 140W, 180W and 240W. Your productivity is easily doubled. *Warm Tip: For the best fit, please make sure the USB-C port is fully exposed; thick or bulky cases may affect compatibility.
- 【Reliable Quality】Made from high-quality, scratch-resistant aluminum alloy, delicate metal frame. get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation. Non-Slip Design for easier insertion and removal.
- 【Small and portable】Ultra thin size, ultra compact design, a petite physique that matches the minimalist design of your modern laptops. Coming with a slim figure that won't block the port next to the one it's plugged into.
- 【Compatibility】Widely work with most usb c, thunderbolt 4/3 devices. Compatibilit for ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Switch, MacBook Pro, Quest 3 VR headset, Surface Book 2, iPhone 18/17/16/15, Samsung Galaxy S23/S22/S21, Note 20/10, Google Pixel, ChromeBook, etc.
- 【Excellence Customer Support】If you experience any issues or cable failure, simply reach out to our dedicated customer service team. We provide a prompt response within 18 hours, providing you with the necessary technical support to resolve any concerns.
Do not assume that the game’s advertised download size is the same as the space you need at the moment you install it. Updates, language packs and other installation data can affect the current requirement. The download or store screen for that particular title is the best place to check before deciding how much to clear.
It can also help to decide whether you want the new game installed on the console’s internal storage, on a PS5 M.2 SSD, or on USB extended storage. The answer changes what you should move or delete: PS5 games on USB are stored for later copying, while PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How do I free space on a PS5?
On PS5, delete unused games, applications and add-ons from Console Storage > Games and Apps, or move infrequently played titles to USB extended storage or an installed M.2 SSD.
Delete a game, application or add-on
- Open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Select one or more games or applications you no longer need locally.
- Choose Delete and confirm.
If Customize appears, use it to remove separable add-ons or completed portions instead of deleting the whole installation. This can recover space while leaving the main game installed, although the options vary by title.
Deleting the local installation does not erase a purchase from your account. PlayStation says: “Don’t worry, you won’t lose access to any deleted games or applications — you can re-download your purchases from your game library whenever you like.” See the official storage instructions and PlayStation’s library guidance when you are ready to download it again.
That makes deletion a reasonable choice for a game you are not playing now, especially if you do not want to buy another drive. It does mean downloading the game again when you return to it, and you may need to download its updates or add-ons as well. Deleting it is about the local installation, not about cancelling access to an eligible game in your library.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Move PS5 games instead of deleting them
Choose Move Games and Apps in the PS5 storage tools when you want to keep an installation without occupying internal console storage. You can move infrequently played games to a compatible USB extended-storage drive, or to an installed M.2 SSD.
USB is best treated as an archive for PS5 games. PlayStation states that PS5 games cannot be played directly from USB extended storage; copy the game back to console storage or an M.2 SSD before launching it. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. The distinction is explained in PlayStation’s USB extended-storage support page.
For a game you play only occasionally, USB can preserve the installation so you do not have to redownload it. But it is not the same as adding a playable PS5-game location: when you want to launch that title, you must copy it back first. If your priority is keeping PS5 games installed and ready to play, an M.2 SSD is the more suitable expansion option.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Can I put PS5 games on an external hard drive?
Yes, provided the drive meets PS5’s USB extended-storage requirements, but a PS5 game stored there must be copied back before it can be played. A PS4 game on the same type of storage can run directly from the drive.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11PS5 USB extended-storage requirements
- Interface: SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps or later.
- Capacity: at least 250GB and no more than 8TB.
- Connection: connect the drive directly to the PS5; USB hubs are not supported for this use.
- Simultaneous use: only one USB extended-storage drive can be used at a time.
Formatting a drive as USB extended storage erases data already on it, so back up anything important first. Use the PS5’s safe-remove command before disconnecting the drive. The full requirements and handling instructions are in PlayStation’s storage-solutions guide and USB extended-storage guide.
When USB storage is the right choice
Choose USB when you want a relatively simple way to archive several PS5 installations, or when you play PS4 games and want to run them without moving them back to the console. It is less convenient for a PS5 title you expect to launch frequently, because every session after archiving requires a copy operation.
Before buying, check the product’s stated capacity and USB speed against the requirements above. A drive that falls outside the supported capacity range or does not meet the speed requirement is not an appropriate choice for this use. Also factor in the formatting step: any files already on the drive need to be backed up somewhere else before the console formats it.
Do not disconnect the drive casually while it is in use. The console’s safe-remove command is the appropriate way to disconnect it; PlayStation advises this to help avoid data problems. A direct connection also matters: a USB hub is not supported for PS5 extended storage, and only one such drive can be used at a time.
Is an M.2 SSD better than USB storage for PS5 games?
An installed, compatible M.2 SSD is the better fit when PS5 games should remain installed and playable without being copied back. PlayStation supports M.2 SSD expansion of up to 8TB; the added drive can store, download, manage and play PS5 and PS4 games.
M.2 compatibility is not universal. Check the current PlayStation M.2 requirements for supported dimensions, performance, cooling and system-software requirements before buying. An M.2 SSD also requires physically installing the drive in the PS5, so it is a larger commitment than plugging in USB storage.
Think of the choice in terms of how you use the library, not just the amount of capacity. USB extended storage is useful for retaining games that can be copied back later and for playing PS4 titles directly. An M.2 SSD adds internal storage where compatible PS5 and PS4 games can remain installed and playable. Its maximum supported capacity is 8TB, but the particular drive still needs to meet PlayStation’s current compatibility, cooling, size and performance requirements.
There is no universal price in PlayStation’s guidance, and drive costs vary by product and listing. Compare compatible models and their live prices before buying rather than assuming that one storage type always costs less. Deleting and redownloading an eligible game remains a free option if you would rather not purchase storage hardware.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Option | Space recovered now | Can the game remain playable without copying? | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete and redownload | All space used by the local installation | No local installation; redownload when needed | Games you are not currently playing |
| USB extended storage | Moves the installation off console storage | PS5 games: no; PS4 games: yes | Archiving PS5 games or playing PS4 games from the drive |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | Adds internal storage capacity | Yes, for compatible PS5 and PS4 games | A larger playable library on PS5 |
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | Does not free game-installation space | Not applicable | Protecting and synchronizing saved data |
How do I free space on a PS4?
On PS4, delete an installed game or application from the content launcher or Library, or move installations to USB extended storage. PS4 games can be stored and played directly from a compatible external USB drive.
- Highlight the game or application in the content launcher or open your Library.
- Press the OPTIONS button.
- Select Delete and confirm.
The local copy is removed, but a purchased game remains available to redownload from your Library. If you want to keep existing games installed, choose USB extended storage for the new installation or upgrade the PS4’s internal hard disk. PlayStation’s PS4 storage instructions cover these choices.
To use an external drive for PS4 games, connect it to the console and format it as extended storage when prompted. Formatting erases the drive, so copy personal files elsewhere first. Keep the drive connected when launching games installed on it, and use the console’s safe-remove option before unplugging.
If the goal is simply to install one new PS Plus game, deleting an installation you no longer play is the most direct route and does not require new hardware. If you want your current games to stay installed, extended storage can take the new installation or existing ones off the console’s internal drive. An internal HDD upgrade is another option for someone seeking more internal PS4 capacity, but it involves changing the console’s drive rather than plugging in an external one.
As on PS5, keep saved data separate in your thinking: the delete command described here removes the game or application installation. Use the saved-data management controls to copy or manage progress, and make sure any important saves are backed up before performing separate save-data deletion.
Will deleting a game delete my saves?
Deleting the game application and deleting saved data are separate actions. The steps above remove the installation; your progress remains only if its save files are still on the console, in PlayStation Plus online storage, or in a separate USB backup.
Cloud storage is useful for protecting progress and moving saved data between consoles, but it is not a place to store installed game files. It will not make room for the PS Plus game’s installation. If you are unsure whether a save has uploaded, check or upload the saved data before deleting anything else; do not treat the existence of a PlayStation Plus subscription as proof that a particular save has synchronized.
Protect PS5 saves with PlayStation Plus cloud storage
- Open Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Enable Stay Connected to the Internet.
- Turn on Auto-Sync Saved Data for PS5 games or Auto-Upload for PS4 games.
- To upload manually, open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings and choose the relevant saved-data option.
Cloud storage holds saved data, not installed game files. PlayStation’s current limits are 100GB for PS5 saved data and 100GB for PS4 saved data, with up to 1,000 PS4 save files; details are in the PlayStation Plus cloud-storage guide.
The upload settings differ according to the save type: turn on Auto-Sync Saved Data for PS5 games or Auto-Upload for PS4 games. You can also upload manually from Saved Data and Game/App Settings. Keeping the PS5 connected to the internet in Rest Mode is part of the automatic-upload setup described by PlayStation.
Also popular on Amazon
- Portable and powerful USB-C HUB: BENFEI USB Type-C HUB, with super-soft and knot-free silicone woven design cable, meets most mobile office needs. Compact, lightweight, stylish, and powerful portable USB C Hub equipped with 1 x HDMI port, 1 x 100W charging, and 3 x USB ports. 18-month warranty, 24-hour response, to ensure you feel at ease when using our product.
- Design centered on comfort and reliability: Thanks to BENFEI's end-to-end in-house cable production capability, in-house PCBA and assembly capability, using the industry's most advanced silicone woven design and process, 20cm cable in length, no knots, super-soft, the HUB is easy to use in all scenarios: laptop, tablet, stand etc. Super-soft, 25000+ life cycles, to meet your daily carrying and office needs.
- 100W Charging: Support up to 90W USB C pass-through charging via Type-C port to keep your laptop powered. 10W is reserved for other interface operations. No data and video function on the Type-C port.
- 4K HDMI Display: The HDMI port supports media display at resolutions up to 4K 30Hz, keeping every incredible moment detailed and ultra vivid. Please note that the C port of the Host device needs to support video output.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Transfer files and from your laptop at speeds up to 10 Gbps with USB A 3.2 port. Extra 2 USB A 2.0 ports are perfectly for your keyboards and mouse.
Back up PS4 saves to USB
On PS4, open Settings > Application Saved Data Management. Use the copy-to-USB option to preserve saves on a USB device, or manage them through PlayStation Plus online storage. Do this before deleting a game if the progress is important and you have not confirmed a recent cloud upload.
PS4 therefore gives you two save-protection routes covered here: copy saves to USB storage, or manage them using PlayStation Plus online storage. Neither is the same as moving the game installation. A backup of progress does not free space for a game unless you separately delete or move the installation.
Which storage method should I choose?
Use the decision below after checking the game’s current download requirement and your save backup.
- Need space immediately and will not play the old game soon? Delete it. This is free and fastest; purchased games can be downloaded again from the Library.
- Want to keep a PS5 game without redownloading it? Move it to USB extended storage, accepting that it must be copied back before play.
- Want PS5 games to stay installed and playable? Install a compatible M.2 SSD, after checking the current requirements and capacity limits.
- Mostly play PS4 games? USB extended storage can both store and run them directly, making it a practical way to preserve console space.
- Worried about progress? Upload or copy saved data first. Cloud storage protects saves but does not make room for game installations.
These choices trade immediate capacity, playability, purchase cost, capacity and save-data protection differently. There is no single best option: deletion suits an occasional title, USB suits archiving or PS4 play, and M.2 suits a permanently larger PS5 game library.
A quick way to decide is to ask two questions: do you need the old game to remain installed, and do you need to play it directly from the storage location? If you do not need it installed, deletion is the simplest free choice. If you want it retained but can wait for a copy operation before playing a PS5 game, USB works as an archive. If you want PS5 games to stay installed and playable, consider a compatible M.2 SSD. If the game is a PS4 title, USB can be both storage and a direct play location.
Save protection is a separate decision from installation storage. Backing up a save does not move the game, and moving a game does not automatically serve as a save backup. Choose the storage method for the installation, then confirm the save-data option independently.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if the PS Plus game still will not install?
First compare the free-space number in Settings > Storage with the requirement shown on the game’s store or download screen. If the requirement is larger than expected, account for updates, language packs and separable installation data; the title’s own download screen is the authoritative figure.
Recommended Free Tools
- Remove another unused game, application or add-on from the storage list.
- On PS5, check whether Customize lets you remove a completed portion or unused add-on rather than the whole game.
- Move an infrequently played title to USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD.
- On PS4, select a different installation location if USB extended storage is connected and formatted.
- Retry the download after confirming the console is online and the target storage has enough free capacity.
If you moved a PS5 game to USB and it is unavailable to launch, that is expected behavior: copy it back to console storage or the M.2 SSD first. If a USB drive is not recognized, verify the direct connection, the SuperSpeed USB requirement and the 250GB–8TB capacity range; hubs are not supported for PS5 extended storage.
For a stubborn space shortage, return to the storage category list rather than deleting saved data at random. Look for another game, application, add-on or separable portion that can be removed. On PS5, Customize may offer a way to remove an unused part of a title while retaining the rest; if it does not appear, that title may not offer the same separation options. On PS4, consider whether an external extended-storage location is available for the installation.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Read before You Buy】 Note: This adapter is USB 2.0 version and cannot transmit HDM, VGA, or other video signals. Nevertheless, they are fully capable of charging devices,duplicating files, and can be seamlessly integrated with USB-C earphones, wireless network adapters, and SD card adapters.
- 【Easy to Use and Safe】Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, we've made these adapters sufficiently compact so that they can remain inserted in your device without noticeable protrusion or inconvenience. This means you don't have to constantly plug and unplug them, reducing the likelihood of wear and misalignment, and making them more convenient to carry around.
- 【Reliable Quality】Engineered for enhanced durability, durable aluminum alloy shell material,get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation,the male USB C and female USB connectors & the male USB and female USB C connectors are designed to be plugged and unplugged up to 20000 times. Provides data transfer, device charging, memory space expansion, and additional computer peripherals.
- 【Think more for you】Do you need to connect a USB-C-enabled device to an odd device that only has USB-A ports? Then these USB-A male to USB-C female adapters are made for you.Simply insert the adapter into the USB-A port on the device, and you can instantly connect your USB-C device to the device that originally didn't have the correct connection port.
- 【Trusted xiwxi Quality and Service】As a responsible brand seller, you will receive xiwxi's 12-month Quality assurance and lifetime friendly customer service, you're not just buying a product,you're investing in peace of mind with all-round quality and exceptional customer service.
If you choose an external drive, remember the platform distinction: a PS4 game can be played directly from USB extended storage, but a PS5 game must be copied back to console storage or an M.2 SSD before you can play it. That behavior is not an installation failure.
How can I avoid filling the drive again?
Review Settings > Storage before starting another large download, and periodically sort the games list by what you no longer play. Keep active PS5 titles on console or M.2 storage, archive infrequently played PS5 titles to USB, and reserve USB space for PS4 games you want to launch directly.
When removing content, distinguish among the game application, add-ons, completed portions and saved data. Delete only the category you intend to remove, and keep a recent cloud or USB save backup. Before disconnecting any external drive, use the console’s safe-remove command to reduce the risk of data corruption.
It is also worth checking the download requirement again when you are ready to install, because a title’s current space needs can reflect updates, language packs and installation data. There is no one-size-fits-all storage target for every PS Plus game. Checking the individual game’s store or download screen avoids clearing too little—or removing more content than you need to.
How we selected these recommendations
The recommendations follow Sony’s documented storage behavior: what each option removes or adds, whether a PS5 or PS4 game can be played directly from it, the stated USB and M.2 capacity limits, and the separate handling of saved data. Prices are omitted because the official guidance does not provide a fixed current price and drive listings change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a PS Plus game cancel my access to it?
Deleting the local installation removes files from the console, not the item from your game library. If the game is still available to your account, you can select it in the Library and download it again; the console may need to download updates and add-ons again as well.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11How much free space does a large PS Plus download actually need?
There is no universal size or reserve figure for every title. The requirement can vary with updates, language packs and installation data, so use the game’s current PlayStation Store listing or download screen as the authoritative number.
Can one USB extended-storage drive be shared between PS5 and PS4?
The drive must be formatted as extended storage by a console, which erases existing data. Before moving it between systems, back up important files and use each console’s safe-remove command; game availability and playability still follow the PS5/PS4 rules for that storage type.
Why can I see a PS5 game on my USB drive but not start it?
PS5 games archived on USB extended storage cannot run directly. Use the PS5 storage menu to copy the game back to console storage or an installed compatible M.2 SSD; PS4 games are the exception and can run directly from USB extended storage.
Can I install a PS5 game on USB extended storage and play it from there?
No. USB extended storage can hold PS5 game data, but the game must be copied to console storage or an installed M.2 SSD before it can be played. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe Bottom Line
Bottom line: Check the game’s current download requirement, then open Settings > Storage and remove an unused installation or move it to storage suited to how you play. USB extended storage can archive PS5 games and run PS4 games; a compatible PS5 M.2 SSD keeps PS5 games installed and playable. Back up or sync saves separately before deleting anything.
