Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Open Settings > Storage first. On a PS5, move installed games to a USB extended-storage drive or a compatible M.2 SSD. On a PS4, use USB extended storage or replace the internal hard drive. Keep save files in PlayStation Plus cloud storage when available, and move supported PS4 saves and captures to a regular USB drive. This preserves your purchases and, in most cases, your installations.
Choose the right storage method for your console
The best option depends on the console generation and whether you need to play a title without moving it back. A USB extended-storage drive is the simplest plug-in solution. An M.2 SSD is the PS5 option for keeping PS5 games on fast, directly playable storage. A PS4 internal-drive upgrade requires more hardware work but replaces the console’s original capacity.
| Option | Console | What it stores | Can you play directly from it? | Installation effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB extended storage | PS5 and PS4 | PS5 and PS4 game installations | PS5 games: no. PS4 games: yes. | Connect, format, then move or install games |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | PS5 | PS5 and PS4 game installations | Yes, after the SSD is installed and formatted | Install an expansion SSD that meets Sony’s current interface, size and heatsink requirements |
| Internal HDD upgrade | PS4 | Games and system data on the replacement drive | Yes | Open the console, replace the drive and restore or reinstall system data |
| Regular USB drive | PS4 data supported by Sony’s matrix | PS4 saved data and captures | Not a game-installation drive | Format as required and copy data through the relevant settings screen |
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | PS5 and PS4 | Saved data | Not applicable | Requires an eligible PlayStation Plus subscription and synchronization |
Game installations, saved data and captures are separate categories. Moving a game does not automatically move its saves, and copying captures does not create a playable game backup.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Match the drive to the job
Think of storage as several different jobs rather than one interchangeable bucket. Extended storage is managed and formatted by the console for game applications. A regular USB drive is useful for supported PS4 saves and captures. PlayStation Plus cloud storage protects saves online. An M.2 SSD is installed inside a PS5 expansion bay and is intended for game data that remains available to launch. Using the wrong format or destination can erase files or leave a title unavailable until it is moved again.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
If you mainly play PS4 games, USB extended storage can both hold and run those games. If your library is mostly PS5 titles, USB is still useful as an archive, but a compatible M.2 SSD avoids repeated copy-back operations. PS4 owners who want a single larger internal library can consider replacing the internal HDD instead of managing an external game location.
See what is consuming space before changing anything
- On PS5, open Settings > Storage. Review console storage by games and apps, saved data, and the media categories shown on your system.
- On PS4, open the storage screen and the application-data screens to inspect games, applications, captures and saved data.
- Sort or inspect the largest entries first. Record games you want to keep installed, games you can move, and captures or media you can copy elsewhere.
- Check that your saves are synchronized to PlayStation Plus cloud storage, or copy supported PS4 saves to a regular USB drive, before deleting an application or restoring a backup.
Before starting a transfer, make a simple inventory: which games must remain immediately playable, which can be archived, and which media files can leave the console. Confirm that the destination drive is connected directly, has enough free space for the selected content, and does not contain files you still need. Extended-storage formatting erases the drive, so a drive with photos or documents should be copied elsewhere first.
Moving an installation is preferable when the goal is to keep the game available without a lengthy re-download. If expansion is not available, deleting a game application is reversible: Sony says deleted games and applications can be downloaded again from your game library. The purchase entitlement remains associated with your account; the local installation is what is removed.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Move PS5 games to USB extended storage
Prepare and format the drive
Use a commercially available USB drive that the PS5 accepts for extended storage. Connect it directly to the console, then choose the on-screen option to format it as USB extended storage. Formatting erases the drive, so copy any files you need from it first. A drive used as extended storage is managed by the console and is not the same as a general-purpose USB drive for captures or backups.
Do not treat the formatting prompt as a routine confirmation. Once formatted for extended storage, the drive’s ordinary files are no longer available in their previous form. If you need the drive for regular USB transfers later, move its contents elsewhere before formatting and reformat it for that separate use only after the game archive is no longer needed.
Move an installed game
- Open Game Library and highlight the game.
- Press the controller’s Options button.
- Select Move Games and Apps.
- Select the game or add-on you want to relocate, choose the USB extended-storage destination, and confirm.
- Wait for the copy to finish before disconnecting the drive or putting the console into a state that interrupts storage access.
The PS5 can retain PS5 and PS4 game data on USB extended storage. However, Sony’s rule is explicit: “PS5 games can’t be played directly from USB extended storage, so make sure to copy PS5 game data back to your console storage when you want to play the game again.” When a PS5 title is needed, select it in the library and move or copy it back to console storage. PS4 games can run directly from the USB extended-storage drive, so they do not need that copy-back step.
This makes USB extended storage especially useful for games you play occasionally. You keep the installation and avoid downloading it again, but you should allow time to copy a PS5 title back before launching it. Add-ons and other game data selected in the move screen should be handled with the same care; verify the destination after the transfer completes.
Install PS4 games to the USB drive
After the drive is formatted, use the PS5 storage settings to choose where supported PS4 games are installed. This is useful when the internal console storage is nearly full: PS4 titles can remain on the external drive and launch from there, while the internal space is reserved for PS5 games and system data.
When moving a mixed library, identify the PS4 and PS5 versions separately. A PS4 version can remain playable from USB, while the PS5 version follows the copy-back rule unless it is placed on an M.2 SSD or the console’s internal storage.
Disconnect it safely
Before unplugging the drive, go to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage > Safely Remove from PS5. Removing the cable while the console is reading or writing can interrupt transfers and make the drive unavailable until it is repaired or reformatted.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use the safe-removal command even when no transfer appears to be active. Reconnect the drive and let the console check it if it was unplugged accidentally. If a corruption warning appears, follow the console’s repair instructions and do not format immediately if the drive contains the only copy of an installation you want to preserve.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsUse an M.2 SSD when PS5 games must stay playable
A compatible M.2 SSD is the PS5 expansion path that behaves like additional internal-style storage. Sony’s storage matrix supports both PS5 and PS4 game data on M.2 SSD storage, so games moved there do not have the USB extended-storage copy-back limitation.
Check compatibility before buying
Compatibility requirements can change. Check Sony’s current M.2 guidance for the supported interface, physical dimensions, capacity range and heatsink rules for your PS5 model. An SSD that fits physically but misses the required performance or cooling specification may not be accepted or may run unreliably. Do not assume that any M.2 drive is suitable.
Check the complete specification, not just the advertised capacity. The interface, physical size, required heatsink configuration and Sony’s performance requirements all matter. A drive that is too tall with its heatsink, or that does not meet the console’s supported specification, can prevent the cover from fitting or fail the format check. Recheck Sony’s current instructions before purchasing because these requirements are the authority for supported hardware.
Install and format the expansion
- Turn the console off completely and follow the current Sony installation procedure for accessing the M.2 expansion bay.
- Install the SSD and its required heatsink configuration exactly as specified for the drive and console.
- Restart the PS5. When prompted, format the new storage as M.2 SSD storage; formatting removes existing data on that SSD.
- Open Settings > Storage and move PS5 or PS4 games to the M.2 destination.
Because the M.2 drive is treated as supported console storage, a PS5 game placed there can be launched without first copying it back to the original internal drive. Keep the SSD’s compatibility documentation and the console’s installation instructions available if you later need to remove or replace it.
Plan the installation as a hardware task, not a quick USB swap. Shut the PS5 down fully, avoid opening it while powered, and follow the model-specific access procedure. If the SSD already contains data, copy that data elsewhere before formatting. Afterward, confirm the new destination in Settings > Storage and move one title before reorganizing the rest of the library.
Free space on a PS4 without deleting games
Use USB extended storage
Sony identifies USB extended storage as a way to download new games without deleting existing games from PS4 console storage. Connect a compatible USB drive, format it as extended storage through the PS4’s USB-storage settings, and choose it as the destination for applications when the console offers the install-location setting. Existing applications can be moved from the system-storage application list to the extended-storage drive.
Unlike the PS5 rule for PS5 games, PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. That makes this the least disruptive capacity upgrade for a PS4 owner who wants to keep a large library installed and playable.
Keep the extended-storage drive connected when you want those applications available. If it is disconnected, the console may show the games as unavailable until the same drive is reconnected. Use the PS4’s removal command before unplugging it so the file system is closed cleanly.
Upgrade the internal PS4 HDD
An internal HDD upgrade replaces the console’s original storage rather than adding a second game location. It requires opening the PS4 and following the model-specific drive-replacement and system-software procedure. This is appropriate when you want one larger internal library and are comfortable with hardware work, but it carries more installation and migration risk than a USB drive.
Rank #3
- 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.
An internal replacement changes the console’s system-storage arrangement, so do not begin without a verified backup and the correct system-software procedure for your model. The upgrade is more involved than formatting an external drive, but it removes the need to manage a separate game drive once migration is complete.
Back up before an internal change
For a full PS4 backup, Sony requires a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT with at least twice the storage space of the PS4 backup file. The required free space is based on the backup file’s size, not simply the amount of free space currently shown on the console. A restore erases data saved on the PS4, so use backup and restore for protection or migration—not as a way to run games from the backup file.
- Connect the correctly formatted USB drive.
- Use the PS4 backup function to create a complete backup before replacing or resetting the internal drive.
- After the hardware change and system setup, use the restore function to return the backed-up data.
- Expect the restore process to erase data currently saved on the PS4; verify the backup before confirming.
Do not confuse a full backup with a game archive that can be launched. The backup is a recovery and migration tool. After restoration, applications may need to be present on the replacement storage, while saved data and settings come back from the backup according to Sony’s restore process.
Protect saves and move captures separately
Saved data
On PS4, saved-data controls are under Settings > Application Saved Data Management. The available choices distinguish system storage, online storage and USB storage. Use PlayStation Plus cloud storage for PS5 and PS4 saves where your subscription and console support it. For PS4 saves, a regular USB drive is also an available destination in Sony’s data-location matrix.
Cloud synchronization and game movement solve different problems. A save file records progress; it does not include the installed game, and moving an installation does not substitute for a save backup.
Before deleting or restoring anything, synchronize the newest progress rather than assuming an older cloud copy is current. If you use a regular USB drive for PS4 saves, confirm that the copy completes and keep that drive separate from any drive you format as extended storage.
Captures and media
Captures can consume space quickly, especially when many screenshots or video clips accumulate. Review the media category in the storage screen and copy supported PS4 captures to a regular USB drive. Do not format that drive as extended storage if you intend to use it as a normal file-transfer drive; those are different storage roles.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The official matrix specifically lists regular USB support for PS4 saved data and captures. It does not establish the same regular-USB capture workflow for PS5, so use the PS5’s available media-export options rather than assuming a PS4 procedure applies.
Export media before removing a game if the clips document progress or settings you may need later. After copying, open a few files on another device when possible so you know the transfer produced usable copies before deleting the console originals.
A safe cleanup order
- Inspect: Open the console’s storage screen and identify the largest games, applications, captures and media.
- Back up progress: Synchronize saves to PlayStation Plus cloud storage when available, or copy supported PS4 saves to USB.
- Move installations: Put PS5 games on an M.2 SSD or move them to USB for storage; put PS4 games on USB extended storage if you want to play them there.
- Export captures: Copy supported PS4 captures and other media to a regular USB drive.
- Delete only leftovers: Remove unwanted captures, media or applications after verifying that the retained copy or save exists.
- Eject safely: Use the console’s safe-removal command before unplugging any extended-storage drive.
This order separates reversible moves from destructive actions. A move keeps the installation, an export keeps a media copy, and a synchronized save protects progress. Deletion should be the final step, after checking the library and the destination drive.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Common problems and the correct response
A PS5 game on USB will not start
This is expected behavior, not necessarily a failed drive. PS5 games stored on USB extended storage must be copied back to console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD before they can be played. PS4 games are the exception and can run from USB extended storage.
The console asks to format a drive
Formatting is required when a drive is being prepared as extended storage, and it erases existing contents. Stop if the drive contains files you have not copied elsewhere. A regular USB drive for PS4 saves or captures should not be reformatted as extended storage unless you no longer need its ordinary files.
A move appears to have removed a game
Check Game Library and the storage destinations shown in Settings > Storage. A move changes the installation’s location; it does not remove the purchase entitlement. If the local installation was deleted instead, download the title again from the library.
A restore would erase current data
That warning is intentional. PS4 restore replaces the data on the console with the backup’s contents. Cancel if the backup is incomplete or if you have newer saves that are not synchronized or copied separately.
The external drive was unplugged accidentally
Reconnect it to the same console and allow the system to check it. If the console reports corruption, follow its repair instructions and avoid formatting until you have confirmed that no recoverable data remains. Always use Safely Remove from PS5 on PS5, or the corresponding PS4 removal command, before disconnecting in normal use.
Recommended Free Tools
The drive works for saves but not for games
Check whether it is a regular USB drive or an extended-storage drive. A regular drive is listed for supported PS4 saves and captures; it is not a game-installation location. A drive formatted as extended storage is intended for applications and is not a general-purpose media-transfer device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which approach fits your goal?
- You need the quickest, least invasive fix: Use USB extended storage. Keep PS4 games there for direct play; treat PS5 games there as archived installations that must be copied back.
- You want PS5 games permanently ready to launch: Install a compatible M.2 SSD after checking Sony’s current requirements.
- You own a PS4 and want one larger internal library: Consider an internal HDD upgrade, but create and verify a FAT32- or exFAT-formatted full backup first.
- Your storage is mostly screenshots and clips: Export supported PS4 captures to a regular USB drive before touching game installations.
- You are unsure what can be removed: Back up saves, move the game first, and delete only after confirming the destination and library entitlement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move PS5 games to an external hard drive and keep playing them?
You can store PS5 game data on USB extended storage, but PS5 games cannot launch directly from that drive. Copy the game back to console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD when you want to play it. PS4 games can launch directly from USB extended storage.
Will deleting a game remove my purchase?
No. Deleting the local application removes the installation, not the account’s purchase entitlement. You can download deleted games and applications again from your game library, although moving the installation first avoids that download.
Do saves move automatically when I move a game?
No. Installed game data and saved data are separate categories. Synchronize saves to PlayStation Plus cloud storage when available, or copy supported PS4 saves to a regular USB drive through Settings > Application Saved Data Management.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Can one USB drive be used for extended storage and captures?
These are different storage roles. Formatting a drive as extended storage erases its existing contents and makes it console-managed for games. Use a regular USB drive for supported PS4 saves and captures instead of reformatting a drive that contains ordinary files you need.
Best Value
- 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.
Is an M.2 SSD required for PS5 expansion?
No. USB extended storage is the simplest expansion and can archive PS5 games, while PS4 games can run from it. Choose an M.2 SSD when you want PS5 games to remain directly playable from added storage, and verify Sony’s current interface, dimensions, capacity, performance and heatsink requirements first.
What should I do before replacing a PS4 internal drive?
Create and verify a full PS4 backup on a FAT32- or exFAT-formatted USB drive with at least twice the backup file’s storage space. Restoration erases data currently on the PS4, so copy or synchronize any newer saves separately before confirming a restore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest first step when PS4 or PS5 storage is full?
Open Settings > Storage, identify the largest games and media, synchronize saves, and move installations before deleting anything.
Can PS5 games run from USB extended storage?
No. They can be stored there, but must be copied to console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD to play. PS4 games can run directly from USB extended storage.
What is the difference between extended storage and a regular USB drive?
Extended storage is formatted and managed for game installations. A regular USB drive is used for supported PS4 saves and captures; formatting it as extended storage erases ordinary files.
Does moving a game delete its save file?
No, but game installations and saved data are separate. Back up saves to PlayStation Plus cloud storage or supported PS4 USB storage independently.
What must I check before buying a PS5 M.2 SSD?
Check Sony’s current requirements for interface, physical dimensions, capacity, performance and heatsink configuration for your PS5 model.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteHow much USB space is needed for a PS4 full backup?
Sony requires a FAT32- or exFAT-formatted drive with at least twice the storage space of the PS4 backup file.
The Bottom Line
Start at Settings > Storage. Move PS5 games to USB extended storage when you only need an archive, or to a compatible M.2 SSD when they must remain playable. Put PS4 games on USB extended storage for direct play, or upgrade the internal HDD for one larger library. Protect saves separately, export supported captures to a regular USB drive, and always use the console’s safe-removal command before unplugging storage.
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.
