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Start with your device’s storage manager, find what is taking up space, then remove or move only items you no longer need. The steps differ on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, and an external drive does not work the same way on every platform.
First, check which storage is full
Look at the free space on the drive or console where the game will be installed. Use the current game-store listing and any message shown by the system to confirm how much space is required; there is no universal extra-space buffer that applies to every download.
- Windows 10 or 11: Open File Explorer and select This PC to see available space on each drive. For cleanup ideas, go to Settings > System > Storage and open Cleanup recommendations.
- PS5: Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps to review installed titles and their space use. See Sony’s PS5 storage guide.
- Nintendo Switch family: Go to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software to review downloaded software. See Nintendo’s software-management instructions.
Free space on Windows 10 or 11
Review Windows cleanup suggestions
In Settings > System > Storage, open Cleanup recommendations. Review the categories and the displayed space savings before selecting files or apps to remove. Windows can surface temporary files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files, and unused apps. Storage Sense can also remove temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin.
Do not approve a category automatically: check what is selected and whether you still need it. Cloud-synced files may be available online, but make sure you understand their sync status before removing a local copy. Microsoft explains these options in Free up drive space in Windows.
#1 Best Overall
- Customize your drive’s RGB lighting with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to show off your style and make every play personal.
- Kick loading into overdrive with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and speeds up to 2,000MB/s. (Based on read speed. 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.)
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}
- Keep more of the latest and largest titles installed and ready to launch with capacities of up to 2TB. (1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.)
- Built with WD_BLACK toughness thanks to a shock-resistant structure, this durable drive can survive a drop of up to two-meters.
Move personal files you want to keep
Videos, Music, Pictures, and Downloads often contain large files. In File Explorer, open those folders, sort by size, and decide what can be moved to another drive. Moving a file preserves it; deleting it does not. If you delete files and want their space back immediately, empty the Recycle Bin.
Free space on PS5
Delete a title or selected game data
In Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, select items you no longer need and delete them. If a game offers Customize, Sony says you may be able to remove particular add-ons or completed portions while keeping the rest installed. Check the selection carefully before confirming.
Rank #2
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Choose external storage based on where you need to play
A USB extended-storage drive can hold PS5 games, but those games must be copied back to PS5 console storage before you can play them. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. An installed compatible M.2 SSD can be used to download, copy, and launch both PS5 and PS4 games. Check Sony’s current PS5 storage and M.2 SSD guidance for requirements and details.
Free space on Nintendo Switch
Archive a downloaded game you are not playing
Archiving removes downloaded software but preserves its save data and HOME Menu icon. Select the icon to redownload the software when you want it again. Nintendo describes this option as a way to free storage “without impacting save data.” Choose archive rather than delete when you want to keep the save and make the game easy to download again.
Rank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Use a microSD card for downloadable software
A microSD card can store downloadable software. Nintendo’s Data Management FAQ says external USB hard drives are not currently supported for Switch data management, so a generic USB drive is not the equivalent of Switch-compatible expansion.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which storage option fits your platform?
| Platform and option | What it is useful for | Must the game be copied back before play? |
|---|---|---|
| Windows: another drive | Move personal files or install a game on a drive with sufficient free space; check the game’s current requirements. | Not stated in the cited Windows guidance; behavior depends on the game and install location. |
| PS5: USB extended storage | Hold PS5 games or play PS4 games directly from the drive. | Yes for PS5 games; no for PS4 games. |
| PS5: compatible installed M.2 SSD | Download, copy, and launch PS5 and PS4 games. | No, for games stored on the M.2 SSD. |
| Nintendo Switch: microSD card | Store downloadable software. | Not stated in the cited Nintendo guidance. |
| Nintendo Switch: external USB hard drive | Not supported for Switch data management, according to Nintendo’s FAQ. | Not applicable. |
Before deleting or moving anything, check the game’s current store listing and the system’s download prompt. Requirements and hardware compatibility depend on the game and device, and the official guidance does not establish one spare-space figure for every large download.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Rank #4
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
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