Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Start at Settings > Storage to see what is taking up space. For the quickest no-cost fix, delete a game you can download again later—but manage its saved data separately. If you want to keep games installed, use USB extended storage for PS4 games or PS5 game archives; to play PS5 games directly from added storage, use a compatible M.2 SSD.
Check what is using storage before deleting anything
On either console, open Settings > Storage and review the categories and installed games. Choose a game or application you are willing to remove or move. Sony says purchased games and applications can be downloaded again from your Library, so deleting an installation does not mean you must buy it again. See Sony’s PS5 storage-management guide and PS4 storage-management guide.
Game installations and saved data are separate. Removing a game application is not the same action as deleting its save. Before deleting saved data, check where it is stored and whether it has synced or been backed up. Sony’s PS5 storage guide lists PS5 saved data in cloud storage and PS4 saved data in cloud or USB storage; the PS4 guide also handles saved-data management separately from application deletion.
Choose where the game should live
| Option | Can play a PS5 game from there? | Can play a PS4 game from there? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete the installed game | No; download and install it again first. | No; download and install it again first. | Freeing space without buying storage when you can download the game later. |
| USB extended storage | No; move it back to console storage or an M.2 SSD to play. | Yes, on PS4 and PS5. | Playing PS4 games or archiving PS5 games. |
| Compatible PS5 M.2 SSD | Yes. | Yes. | Keeping games installed and playable from added PS5 storage. |
| PS4 internal HDD upgrade | Not applicable to PS4 hardware. | Yes, once the game is installed. | Increasing capacity on a PS4; select a drive only after confirming the exact console model. |
Use USB extended storage for PS4 games or PS5 archives
PS4 games can be played from USB extended storage on both PS4 and PS5. On PS5, this makes an external drive a useful place for PS4 games, leaving console storage available for PS5 titles. A PS5 game can also be stored on USB extended storage, but it cannot launch from there: move or copy it to console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD before playing. Sony explains these options in its PS5 preparation guide and PS4 extended-storage guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Check the drive requirements and protect its contents
- For PS5, Sony specifies a USB 3.0-or-later drive with 250 GB minimum and 8 TB maximum. Not every device is guaranteed to work; do not connect the drive through a USB hub.
- For PS4, Sony specifies SuperSpeed USB at 5 Gbps or later, 250 GB minimum and 8 TB maximum, and system software version 4.50 or later. Only one extended-storage device can be active at a time, and proper operation is not guaranteed with every external HDD model.
- Formatting a USB drive as extended storage deletes the data already on it. Back up its contents first, and use the console’s safe-removal flow before disconnecting it.
Add an M.2 SSD if you want PS5 games playable from added storage
A compatible M.2 SSD is the option for keeping PS5 games on added storage and launching them from there. Check Sony’s current M.2 SSD installation and compatibility guide before buying: it specifies supported interface, dimensions, capacity, speed and cooling requirements. M.2 SATA drives are unsupported, and the drive must have a suitable heat-dissipation mechanism that fits the console. Do not assume that meeting a headline speed alone guarantees behavior identical to the console’s internal storage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.For PS4, consider an internal HDD upgrade only after checking the model
If you prefer not to remove games or rely on an external drive, Sony lists upgrading the PS4 internal HDD as an option. The appropriate replacement depends on the exact PS4 model; confirm compatibility and follow Sony’s replacement procedure for that console before selecting a drive. The guidance cited here does not establish one replacement drive that fits every PS4 revision.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #2
- Ultra-fast Data Transfers: Works with USB 3.0 technology, this USB hard drive is much faster than - but still compatible with - USB 2.0 backup drive, allowing for super fast transfer speed at up to 5 Gbps
- Ultra Slim and Sturdy Design: Merely 0.6 inch thick. Sturdy plastic anti-scratch model delivers remarkable strength,durability and reliability
- Multi- Compatibility: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS (10.6.5 and above), Linux, Android, Chromebook, PC, Laptop, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, TV and so on
- Plug and Play: The drive has been formatted. It's ready to use without software installation needed. You can save and backup any files, movies, music, photos, games and more
- Upgraded Version USB Cable: The drive with 2in1 Micro-USB 3.0 Cable, The multifunction USB cable can match different connect port and stabilize the transmission speed
A practical order of operations
- Open Settings > Storage and identify what is using space.
- Decide whether the title is a PS5 or PS4 game and whether you need it playable now, merely installed, or can download it again later.
- For a no-cost fix, delete an installed game you can redownload. Leave saved data alone unless you have checked its storage location and sync or backup status.
- For a PS4 game, move it to USB extended storage if you want to keep playing it. For a PS5 game you are not playing now, USB can hold an archive, but it must be moved back before launch.
- If you need PS5 games to remain playable from added storage, verify an M.2 SSD against Sony’s current compatibility and installation requirements. On PS4, verify the exact model before an internal HDD replacement.
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