You can free PS5 storage without deleting your progress: game installations and saved data are managed separately. The safest options are to move games to storage that suits how you play, or remove selected game files when a title offers that choice. Avoid using the save-data menu unless you intend to manage saves.
Check what is using space first
On the home screen, open Settings > Storage. Review the categories to see whether games and apps, media, or saved data are taking up the room. Identify the large items before choosing an action; deleting an installed game is different from deleting its saved data.
Choose where to put games you want to keep
There are two different storage options for game installations: USB extended storage is useful for archiving games, while a compatible M.2 SSD adds space from which PS5 games can be played. Neither is a place to back up PS5 saves.
| Option | What it stores | Can you play a PS5 game from it? | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB extended storage | PS5 and PS4 game data | No. Copy the PS5 game back to console or M.2 storage first. PS4 games can be played from it. | Good for archiving, but PS5 games need to be moved back before play. |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | PS5 and PS4 game data | Yes | Adds playable storage, but requires a compatible drive, suitable cooling and installation. |
Move games to USB extended storage
Use this option for games you are not playing now but would rather keep than download again. PlayStation’s USB extended storage guidance says the drive must support SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps or later and have a capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB; not every device is guaranteed to work. Formatting a drive as extended storage erases data already on it, so copy off any files you need before formatting.
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- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB[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.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
- Open Game Library and highlight the game or app.
- Press the controller’s Options button and choose Move Games and Apps.
- Select the items to move and confirm the move.
PS5 games on USB extended storage cannot launch from that drive. PlayStation says to move their game data back to console storage or M.2 SSD storage to play them. PS4 games can run from USB extended storage.
Add a compatible M.2 SSD for games you want to play
An installed M.2 SSD can hold games that remain playable from the added storage. This is a hardware upgrade, not a quick menu-only fix: the drive must meet PlayStation’s current compatibility and cooling requirements for your console model, and installation includes fitting and formatting it. Check PlayStation’s M.2 SSD installation instructions before choosing or installing a drive.
Rank #2
- Unleash Upgraded power - Employing PCIe Gen4x4 High Speed Interface, SIX X7400 nvme m.2 ssd confer it UP to 7350MB/s read speeds. With faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth and throughput.
- Work and Play - Whether you pursue science or culture, X7400 m.2 ssd 1TB accentuates ferocious performance for heavy computing and immersive gameplay. Get up to 40% fast performance for heavy-duty applications in data analytics, content creation, gaming and more.
- Match ur Next-level M.2 SSD - Compatibility ready for laptop, desktop or PS5 storage expansion, X7400 internal 1TB ssd is easy to install to extend lifecycle and storage. Speed up your bootups, file transfers, and game loads for tech-savvy users or hardcore gamer.
- Purpose Built - SIX X7400 m.2 nvme ssd ps5 is built for achieving immersive gameplay, experiencing uninterrupted gameplay and incredibly short load times. Breathe in. Focus. Breathe out, X7400 lightning-fast loading are ready for your final boss.
- 5 Years Limited Warranty & What u Get - Your X7400 nvme m.2 ssd is safeguarded for 5 years by SIX Limited Warranty Service. To improve your installation experience, X7400 provide all you need for installation(such as screw, screwdrivers, heatsink and so on).
Remove selected game files when a title allows it
Some games let you remove portions of their installation, such as unused add-ons or sections you have completed, while keeping other parts installed. Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, select the game data and review the available controls. If Customize appears beside a title, use it to inspect the portions available for removal and select only what you mean to delete. The option is not available for every game.
Deleting an installed game or app is not the same as deleting a save. PlayStation says deleted games and apps can be downloaded again from the library; that does not guarantee that every save is backed up or recoverable, so keep save management separate.
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Rank #3
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- 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.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
Keep saved data separate from game installations
To upload or delete saved data on the console, open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings, select Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4), then choose Upload or Delete from Console Storage. Do not select a save for deletion unless you have verified a backup or deliberately want to remove that progress.
PlayStation’s storage management guide lists PlayStation Plus cloud storage for PS5 and PS4 saves; cloud storage requires PlayStation Plus. It also documents copying PS4 saves to a regular FAT or exFAT USB drive. That is a separate use from formatting a drive as USB extended storage. The guide does not list that regular USB-drive save-copy method for PS5 saves.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Cheetah-like explosive speed: The 2tb PS5 Storage Expansion boasts the racing performance of a cheetah, mainly used to accelerate program processing. With the explosive acceleration of 7350MB/s, it achieves a powerful speed and eliminates compatibility issues. Additionally, this 2tb nvme m.2 ssd supports real-time saving during 3D rendering and enables fast 4K game loading. The ps5 ssd with heatsink is also compatible with the PS5 game console, making it easy and worry-free to install and play.
- Stable and outstanding performance: The ps5 internal storage expansion ssd features HMB + dynamic SLC cache, achieving a synergy between software and hardware. The 2tb ps5 hard drive ssd has a read/write speed of up to 7350/6600MB/s, providing ultimate burst power for efficient, stable, and smooth loading - an excellent choice for professionals.
- Multi-layer heat dissipation structure design: The 2tb nvme m.2 ssd adopts unique dual-surface heat dissipation technology. Its innovative multi-layer internal design effectively increases the heat dissipation area compared to the standard single-layer heat sink. This structural advantage ensures excellent heat transfer and rapid heat dissipation. Additionally, it is equipped with a metal heat dissipation shell. The multi-layer structure heat dissipation design guarantees a stable and long-lasting operation at ultra-high speeds.
- PCIe 4.0 interface compatibility: The 2tb ps5 memory storage SSD can achieve the maximum speed only through PCIe 4.0. For external hard drive enclosures, USB usually limits the speed.
- Versatile applications for demanding users: Designed for gamers, video editors, and AI creators who require blazing-fast storage speeds for intensive workloads including 3D rendering, 4K gaming, and content creation tasks.
Rank #4
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
| Storage type | Use for saves? | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | PS5 and PS4 saves | Requires PlayStation Plus; it manages saved data, not installed game space. |
| Regular FAT or exFAT USB drive | PlayStation documents it for PS4 saves and screenshots/video clips | Not the same as USB extended storage. The storage guide says media copied to USB cannot be copied back to console storage. |
| USB extended storage | No; use it for game data | Do not treat it as a PS5 save backup. |
| M.2 SSD | No; use it for game data | Adds playable game storage, not saved-data backup. |
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