Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Yes—if you upgraded from a physical PS4 disc, you still need that disc to play the digital PS5 version. PlayStation requires the original disc to be inserted every time you start the upgraded game; the disc remains the ownership check even though the PS5 game files are downloaded. A digital PS4 purchase is different: when an eligible digital upgrade is downloaded, PlayStation says you can play without inserting a disc. Your console model, the way you bought the PS4 game, the game’s current upgrade offer and the disc’s region all matter.
Do you still need the PS4 disc after a PS5 upgrade?
If the upgrade started with a PS4 game disc, keep the disc. Insert it into the PS5 before every play session, including after the PS5 version has been installed. PlayStation’s official upgrade instructions state that “you need to keep the disc inserted each time to play the game.” The downloaded PS5 version does not turn a disc-based purchase into a standalone digital license. PlayStation’s upgrade instructions describe the disc as the continuing entitlement check.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you bought the PS4 game digitally, the rule is different. After an eligible digital PS4 game has been upgraded and the PS5 version has downloaded, PlayStation’s instructions do not require a disc. The digital license is checked through your account instead.
Which situation applies to your PS5?
| PS4 game ownership | PS5 console | What you need to play the upgraded version |
|---|---|---|
| Physical PS4 disc | PS5 with a disc drive | Keep the original PS4 disc inserted every time you play. |
| Physical PS4 disc | PS5 Digital Edition | It cannot read the disc, so this disc-based upgrade and disc-based play are unavailable. |
| Digital PS4 purchase | PS5 with a disc drive | Download the eligible PS5 version; no disc is required. |
| Digital PS4 purchase | PS5 Digital Edition | Download the eligible PS5 version; no disc is required. |
The key distinction is not whether the game is now labelled “PS5.” It is how the PS4 copy was purchased and whether the console can validate that purchase. A disc-drive PS5 can use a PS4 game disc; a PS5 Digital Edition cannot use physical PS4 discs at all. PlayStation’s backward-compatibility guidance confirms the Digital Edition restriction.
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.
Why does the disc remain necessary after downloading the PS5 game?
The upgrade downloads a digital PS5 game package, but the physical purchase is still represented by the disc. In practical terms, the disc is the proof that the console is entitled to launch that upgraded copy. Installation and entitlement are separate: the files can be on the SSD while the disc is still required at launch.
That is why removing the disc after installation does not create a permanently unlocked digital copy. If the disc is outside the console, the PS5 cannot perform the continuing check required for the disc-based upgrade. The official wording is about every time you play, not merely the first installation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThis also means the disc must remain usable. A damaged, missing or incompatible disc is not replaced by the downloaded PS5 files. Treat the physical copy as part of the access requirement, not as disposable installation media.
Can a PS5 Digital Edition use a PS4 disc upgrade?
No. The PS5 Digital Edition has no disc drive, so it cannot read a physical PS4 game disc for backward-compatible play or for a disc-based PS5 upgrade. The restriction is hardware-based rather than a setting that can be enabled later.
If your PS4 copy is physical and your only PS5 is a Digital Edition, the downloaded PS5 files do not solve the problem. You need access to a PS5 model with a disc drive to use that disc. PlayStation’s support information establishes the disc-drive requirement, but it does not say that every PS5 model can accept an add-on drive or that a particular current model is suitable; check the specifications of the exact console you own.
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.
By contrast, an eligible digital PS4 purchase can be upgraded on either PS5 console type. The Digital Edition limitation applies to physical media, not to digital licenses.
How do I check whether a PS4 game has a PS5 upgrade?
Upgrade eligibility is title-specific. Offers may be free, paid or available only for a limited time, and an internet connection is required to claim or download an upgrade. Do not assume that owning the PS4 version automatically includes a PS5 version.
- Sign in to the account that owns the game. A digital purchase must be on that account. For a disc, use the account and console on which you intend to claim the offer.
- Open the game’s PS5 game hub or store page. Look for an upgrade notice or an option to view the PS5 version. The exact wording and price vary by title.
- Read the offer conditions before accepting. Confirm whether it is free, paid, promotional or time-limited. A temporary offer can expire even though you still own the PS4 game.
- Start the download of the PS5 version. Allow the console to complete the download and any required update while connected to the internet.
- Keep the original disc if the PS4 copy was physical. Insert it whenever you launch the upgraded game. Digital owners can launch after the download without a disc, according to PlayStation’s instructions.
If no upgrade option appears, that does not necessarily mean the game is incompatible with PS5. It may have no separate PS5 upgrade, the offer may have ended, the account or disc region may not match, or the title may provide only backward-compatible PS4 play. Check the game’s current store and support information rather than relying on a general list.
Does the PS4 disc’s region matter?
Yes. PlayStation says the disc used for an upgrade must be from the same country or region as the PlayStation account. A mismatch can prevent the upgrade offer from appearing or stop the entitlement from being validated, even when the game title and console appear correct.
Before troubleshooting downloads, compare the disc’s market with the country or region configured for your PlayStation account. Imported copies are the most common reason a seemingly eligible physical game does not show the expected offer. Do not treat a matching language, cover design or game name as proof that the account and disc regions match.
Recommended Free Tools
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.
What should you do if the upgraded game will not start?
Work through the checks in this order so you can separate a disc problem from an offer or account problem.
- Confirm the console has a disc drive. A PS5 Digital Edition cannot validate a physical PS4 game.
- Insert the original PS4 disc. Use the same disc that qualified for the upgrade, not a different copy of the game.
- Check the account and region. The account should be the one used for the upgrade, and the disc must be from the same country or region as that account.
- Verify that the PS5 version was actually downloaded. A PS4 installation or a partially completed download is not the same as the digital PS5 version.
- Review the current offer. Some upgrades are paid or time-limited, so an earlier promotion may no longer be available.
- Reconnect to the internet and revisit the game hub. PlayStation requires an internet connection for the upgrade process, and the console may need to refresh the offer or license information.
If the console recognises the disc but still shows no upgrade, the issue is more likely eligibility, region or offer status than the fact that the game is installed. If the console cannot read the disc at all, inspect the disc and drive separately; downloading the PS5 version does not bypass a physical-media requirement.
Are PS5 upgrades always free?
No. PlayStation says an upgrade offer can be free, paid or time-limited, depending on the game and its terms. The price and availability are not universal, so check the individual game hub or store page immediately before upgrading.
A free upgrade is still a disc-based entitlement when it began with a physical PS4 copy. “Free” describes the upgrade charge; it does not mean the disc can be discarded. Likewise, paying an upgrade fee does not necessarily convert a disc purchase into an account-only digital license—the disc requirement remains for disc-based offers unless the game’s own terms say otherwise.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Does PS5 compatibility mean every PS4 game has a PS5 upgrade?
No. Compatibility and an upgrade are different concepts. A PS4 game can run on PS5 through backward compatibility without having a separate PS5 edition or an upgrade offer.
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.
PlayStation stated in its November 9, 2020 PS5 FAQ that more than 99% of the 4,000-plus PS4 games were compatible with PS5. That was a launch-era figure, not a current count, and it was never a promise that every compatible game would receive a PS5 upgrade. The original FAQ should therefore be read as historical context rather than as a complete, current upgrade list.
For a specific title, look for the PS5 version and its offer conditions. Do not infer upgrade eligibility from the compatibility percentage alone.
What happens if you lend, sell or store the PS4 disc?
The disc-based PS5 upgrade remains tied to that physical copy for play access. If the disc is lent to someone else, stored away or sold, you should expect to lose the ability to launch the upgraded version while it is unavailable to your console.
The downloaded game data can remain installed, but installation is not the same as authorization. Keep the qualifying disc with the console whenever you plan to play, and do not dispose of it on the assumption that the upgrade created an independent digital entitlement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the simplest rule to remember?
Match the requirement to the original purchase:
- Disc purchase: disc-drive PS5 plus the original PS4 disc inserted for every play session.
- Digital purchase: an eligible offer, the owning account and the downloaded PS5 version; no disc is needed.
- Digital Edition with a disc game: the physical upgrade cannot be used because the console cannot read the disc.
Also check the title’s current offer, internet requirement and region match. Those conditions can change independently of the PS5 hardware.
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.
FAQ
Can I use a different copy of the same PS4 game as the entitlement disc?
The official instructions refer to the disc used for the upgrade. Use that qualifying copy rather than assuming another regional or differently issued disc will validate the installed PS5 version.
Does paying for an upgrade remove the physical-disc requirement?
Not automatically. The upgrade price and the ownership method are separate issues; a paid offer that starts from a disc can still require the disc at every launch.
What if the PS4 disc is from another country?
PlayStation requires the disc’s country or region to match the PlayStation account for the upgrade. If they do not match, check the region before reinstalling the game or troubleshooting the console.
Is the 2020 “more than 99%” figure a guarantee for my game?
No. It was a dated, launch-era compatibility statement covering more than 4,000 PS4 games. It does not establish that a particular title has a current PS5 upgrade, that its offer is still available or that the upgrade is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different copy of the same PS4 game as the entitlement disc?
The official instructions refer to the disc used for the upgrade. Use that qualifying copy rather than assuming another regional or differently issued disc will validate the installed PS5 version.
Does paying for an upgrade remove the physical-disc requirement?
Not automatically. The upgrade price and the ownership method are separate issues; a paid offer that starts from a disc can still require the disc at every launch.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What if the PS4 disc is from another country?
PlayStation requires the disc’s country or region to match the PlayStation account for the upgrade. If they do not match, check the region before reinstalling the game or troubleshooting the console.
Is the 2020 “more than 99%” figure a guarantee for my game?
No. It was a dated, launch-era compatibility statement covering more than 4,000 PS4 games. It does not establish that a particular title has a current PS5 upgrade, that its offer is still available or that the upgrade is free.
