Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Warning: Reinstalling PS4 system software deletes all data on the console. Sony says, “Reinstalling the system software on your PS4 console will delete all of the data on your PS4 console.” If you intend to proceed, prepare a FAT32- or exFAT-formatted USB drive with Sony’s official reinstallation file, then choose the reinstall option in Safe Mode.
Prepare the USB drive and reinstallation file
- On a PC or Mac, format a USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT, as specified by Sony’s PS4 system software instructions.
- At the root of the USB drive, create a folder named
PS4. Inside it, create another folder namedUPDATE. - Download the official PS4 reinstallation file from Sony’s system software page. Save it in the
PS4/UPDATEfolder with this exact filename:PS4UPDATE.PUP.
The resulting path should be PS4/UPDATE/PS4UPDATE.PUP. Use Sony’s reinstallation file, not a routine update file; the two serve different purposes.
Run the reinstallation from Safe Mode
- Connect the prepared USB drive to the PS4.
- Turn the console off. Press and hold the power button, then release it after you hear the second beep.
- In Safe Mode, select Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) and follow the on-screen prompts.
Do not choose the reinstall option unless you intend to reinstall the system software and accept the data loss. Sony also provides a separate update route, including Update System Software and Update from USB Storage Device. Those are update options, not the reinstall choice prompted by this message. See Sony’s system software instructions and Safe Mode overview.
If the PS4 does not recognize the file
- Check the spelling and capitalization of both folder names and the filename:
PS4,UPDATE, andPS4UPDATE.PUP. - Confirm that the file is inside
PS4/UPDATE, not at the drive’s top level or in an extra nested folder. - Verify that the USB drive is formatted as FAT32 or exFAT.
- Redownload the official reinstallation file from Sony in case the copy is incomplete or corrupted, then place it in the correct folder again. Sony lists these checks in its PS4 system software update error guidance.
If the console still will not detect the file after those checks, contact PlayStation Support for further diagnosis. The prompt alone does not establish that the internal hard drive has failed. Sony’s HDD replacement instructions describe reinstalling system software after a drive replacement, but that does not mean every failed USB reinstall is caused by the drive.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Package Offer]: 1 Pack USB Flash Drive 8GB Available in black.
- [Plug and Play]: No need to install any software, Just plug in and use it. The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- [Compatibilty and Interface]: Supports Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS. Compatible with USB 2.0 and below. High speed USB 2.0, LED Indicator - Transfer status at a glance.
- [Suitable for All Uses and Data]: Suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies, software, and other files.
- [Warranty Policy]: 12-month warranty, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy, it will be guaranteed for free.
Rank #4
- Large Data Storage Capacity: Flash Drive with 128GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer
- Easy to use: The thumb drive is plug and play without any software installation; Supports Windows 7/8/10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports; Storage is fast, safe and stable
- Wide Compatibility: USB flash drive support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device; It is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working
- Retractable Desgin: The usb drive's retractable design can effectively protect the USB interface; The capless design can avoid losing of cap; Weight: 7g, Size: 2.6 × 0.8 × 0.4 inch. Portable to take your digital world anywhere
- What You Get: 1 x 128GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, All of usb drives have been rigorously tested and formatted before leaving the factory; The default format of the USB stick is exFAT
Rank #3
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
Rank #2
- Transfer speeds up to 10x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); up to 130MB/s read speed; USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0
- Secure file encryption and password protection(2)
#1 Best Overall
- Included: (1) 16GB USB Flash Drive Firmware Update - Version: 14.00 (Latest)
- Resolve software issues: Fix freezing, crashing, or other problems with a factory reset and firmware update.
- Upgrading from an older version: Get the latest features and security patches with a simple update.
- Authenticity Guaranteed: We source all updates directly from official releases, ensuring you get the real deal.
- Quality Assurance: Each flash drive is inspected & tested before it reaches your hands, guaranteeing its reliability and performance.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
