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PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can free PS5 storage without deleting game saves: remove or move installed games and apps, and manage save data separately. Start at Settings > Storage, then target games or unused add-ons under Games and Apps—not the saved-data menus. If you plan to delete a save, first confirm that it has been uploaded to PlayStation Plus cloud storage or, for a PS4 save, copied to USB.
What to remove—and what to leave alone
PS5 treats installed games and apps separately from saved data. Deleting a game from Games and Apps removes its installation; deleting a save from Saved Data and Game/App Settings removes your progress data. If your goal is only to make room, use the game and app controls.
Sony says purchased games and apps can be downloaded again from your game library after deletion: PlayStation Support: Delete games and apps on your PS5.
Check what is taking up space
- From the PS5 home screen, open Settings > Storage.
- Review the storage categories and identify large games, apps, or add-ons you no longer need installed.
- For ordinary cleanup, open Console Storage > Games and Apps. Do not open the saved-data controls unless you intend to manage saves.
Delete a game or unused game content
- Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Select a game or app, then choose Delete to remove its installation.
- If Customize appears for a game, use it to select removable portions such as unused add-ons or content you have already completed.
Removing the installation does not delete the save when you use the Games and Apps menu. You can reinstall a purchased title from your game library when you want to play it again.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Compare your storage options
| Option | What it does | Important limitation | Useful when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete games or apps | Reclaims console storage; purchased titles remain available to download again | You must download and install the title again to play it | You do not need a game installed right now |
| USB extended storage | Stores PS5 games and can install and run PS4 games | PS5 games cannot be played directly from the drive; copy them back to console or M.2 storage to play | You want to archive PS5 games or play PS4 games from external storage |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | Provides internal expanded storage for PS5 and PS4 game data | The drive must meet Sony’s specifications and installation requirements | You want a larger installed game library |
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | Stores or syncs PS5 and PS4 saved data | Requires PlayStation Plus; capacity and PS4 file-count limits apply | You want to protect or transfer saves |
| FAT or exFAT USB drive | Can hold copied PS4 saves and captures | Sony’s guide does not list USB copying for PS5 saves | You want a local copy of a PS4 save |
Move games instead of deleting them
USB extended storage: archive PS5 games, play PS4 games
You can move PS5 games to USB extended storage to free console space, but you cannot launch them directly from that drive. Copy a PS5 game back to console storage or an M.2 SSD when you want to play. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. See Sony’s USB extended-storage instructions for setup and safe removal.
To disconnect the drive while the PS5 is on, use Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage > Safely Remove from PS5. Follow the console’s safe-removal process rather than unplugging the drive while it is in use.
M.2 SSD: expand internal game storage
A compatible M.2 SSD can store PS5 and PS4 game data as expanded internal storage. Not every M.2 drive is supported: check Sony’s current requirements and installation instructions for your console before choosing or installing one. Start with Sony’s M.2 SSD installation guide.
Rank #2
- 【Officially Licensed SSD 】This external SSD uses specially-selected materials and has passed our exclusive quality inspection to work with PS5 / PS4.
- 【Eliminate PS5(R) Storage Shortages】You can expand the free space on your system by saving PS5(R) game data and PS4(R) game titles onto this product.
- 【Reduce Loading Times on PS4(R)】 Reduce game loading times for more enjoyable gameplay experiences.
- 【Compact Stick Type】The cable-free and compact USB stick design enables easy connection with your game console without taking up space.
- 【Accessories】 Setup Guide / Warranty Statement
Protect saved data before deleting any saves
If you only delete a game through Games and Apps, you do not need to delete its save. If you do intend to remove saved data, make a backup first and verify that the upload or copy completed.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
PS5 saves: use PlayStation Plus cloud storage
Sony documents cloud storage for PS5 saves, including automatic sync and manual upload and download controls. PlayStation Plus is required. Sony lists a limit of up to 100 GB of PS5 saved data; the support page does not state a publication year for this limit. See PlayStation Plus cloud storage for current controls and details.
PS4 saves: cloud storage or a USB copy
PS4 saves can be copied to PlayStation Plus cloud storage or to a FAT or exFAT USB drive. To copy a save to USB:
Rank #3
- BEST VALUE SSD – Compact and reliable SSD to meet your on-the-go demand. Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs. Save space and loading time on your console by storing your game data on Buffalo SSDs.
- IDEAL ON-THE-GO ACCESSORY - Quickly copy your large data. If you are a professional in need of fast and secure storage, the Buffalo SSD is ready for on-the-go backup for photos, videos, docs, and more.
- FAST SPEEDS AND MULTI-TASKING - Faster speed than HDD enables you to connect the device to PC and do large intensive tasks simultaneously.
- COMPACT, DURABLE, & RELIABLE – Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection. Compact form factor to carry your data in your pocket. No matter if it’s for work or fun, you can easily use your Buffalo SSD on-the-go.
- USB 3.2 CONNECTIVITY & 3-YEAR WARRANTY – Supports USB-C / USB-A. Easily connect the Buffalo SSD to your PC and other mobile devices. THREE-YEAR WARRANTY for registered devices (two years if unregistered).
- Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Upload or Delete from Console Storage > Copy to USB Drive.
- Choose a game, select the save files, then choose Copy.
- Confirm the files are on the USB drive before deleting any local save.
Sony lists up to 100 GB of PS4 saved data in PlayStation Plus cloud storage and a limit of 1,000 PS4 save files; the support page does not state a publication year for these limits. The USB-copy instructions are for PS4 saves, not PS5 saves.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If a game install still says there is not enough space
Sony’s guidance for error CE-107872-5 says an installation may need approximately twice the free space required. This is approximate troubleshooting guidance, not a guaranteed formula for every game. If an install fails despite apparently sufficient free space, consider using extended storage or changing the install destination where available. See Sony’s CE-107872-5 support page.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
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.
