Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides 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
Before downloading a large PlayStation Plus game, check Settings > Storage on your PS5 and compare the free space with the game’s current PlayStation Store listing. If you need room, delete or selectively remove content, archive PS5 games on USB extended storage, or add a compatible internal M.2 SSD. PlayStation Plus cloud storage holds saved data—not game installations—so it will not make room for a download.
Check how much space the game needs and how much you have
Start with the console’s actual free-space figure rather than estimating from the size of another game. On PS5, open Settings > Storage. Sony says this screen shows storage used by games, media, and saved data, along with the available capacity. The figures help identify what is taking space, but they do not establish how much room a particular game will need.
Open the game’s current PlayStation Store listing and check its download-size information, then compare it with the console’s available space. The amount required can vary by game and may change with updates or other game-specific content. No universal extra-space allowance is established here, so do not assume the listed download size is a guaranteed measure of every installation or update requirement. Catalog membership and availability can also change; confirm that the game is currently available to you through your subscription before planning around it.
If available space is sufficient, start the download. If it is not, decide whether to remove data you can restore later, move games you are not playing, or add storage for games you want to launch without copying them back and forth.
#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.
It helps to think in terms of two separate questions: how much room is free right now, and where you want a game to live after this download. A quick deletion may solve a one-time shortage, while a USB drive can hold games you are keeping but not playing. If you want several PS5 games available to launch without first transferring them, look into M.2 expansion instead. Check the Store listing and the console again before starting, rather than relying on an old estimate or a figure from another title.
Choose the right way to free or add space
| Option | Best use | Can a PS5 game launch directly from it? | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete games or apps | Free space without buying hardware | No; the game must be downloaded again | Restoring it takes a download and time. Deleted purchases remain available for redownload from the game library, subject to having the relevant entitlement. |
| Selective deletion within a game | Remove eligible add-ons or finished parts while keeping other content | Often, for the remaining game content | Only some games and content offer this option. |
| USB extended storage | Park PS5 games you are not currently playing, or play PS4 games from the drive | No for PS5 games; yes for PS4 games | Copy PS5 game data back to console storage or M.2 storage to play it. |
| Internal M.2 SSD | Add storage for PS5 games you want to download and play directly | Yes, when the drive is compatible | Requires a suitable drive, correct fit, and effective heat dissipation. |
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | Sync or transfer saved data | Not applicable: it does not store game installations | It cannot free the space needed for a game download. |
For a one-time shortage, deleting or archiving a game is usually the simplest route. If you routinely run short of room and want several PS5 games available to launch, M.2 expansion is the storage option designed for direct play. USB extended storage is useful when you are willing to copy archived PS5 games back before playing them.
In practical terms, deletion trades local convenience for a later download; USB archiving trades immediate play for a copy-back step; M.2 expansion trades money and installation effort for additional directly playable storage. There is no single best choice for everyone. Consider whether you expect to replay the title soon, whether your internet connection makes redownloading inconvenient, and whether you want to buy and install hardware. The PS5’s storage screen is the place to verify whether the chosen step actually freed enough room.
Free console storage by deleting or trimming game content
Delete a game or app
- Open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Select the game or app you no longer need on the console.
- Choose Delete and confirm.
- Return to Settings > Storage to check the updated available space before starting the large download.
Deletion removes the local installation; it does not mean a purchased game is permanently lost. Sony says deleted purchases remain available to download again from the game library. A game obtained through a subscription is a different entitlement: make sure you still have access to it when you want to redownload it. Reinstalling also requires a network connection and may take time, so choose a title you can afford to have offline or unavailable until it is restored.
Before deleting, consider whether you have another way to keep the game available. If you have compatible USB extended storage, you may prefer to move a PS5 title there rather than remove it and download it again later. If you do delete it, keep in mind that restoring it means another download, and subscription access should not be assumed to last regardless of your entitlement. This is why checking your library and current access before planning a future reinstall can prevent an unpleasant surprise.
Remove only selected content when the game supports it
Some games let you remove selected add-ons or parts instead of deleting the entire installation. In Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, select the relevant title and look for Customize. If that control appears, review the listed content and remove only items you no longer need. The remaining game may stay playable, but the option and the removable components depend on the title; do not expect every game to offer selective deletion.
Use the choices shown for that particular game as the guide: selective removal is not a general way to strip any chosen files out of any installation. If Customize is absent, the console is not offering that route for the title there. You can still free space by deleting the game or moving it to an appropriate drive.
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 errorsRank #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.
Archive PS5 games on USB extended storage
A USB extended-storage drive is for moving games you want to keep without occupying the console’s internal storage. It can hold PS5 game data, but PS5 games cannot be played directly from that drive. Sony’s PlayStation Support guidance says to copy PS5 game data back to console storage or M.2 SSD storage when you want to play again. PS4 games, by contrast, can be played directly from USB extended storage.
Sony’s USB guidance reviewed on October 13, 2026 specifies a SuperSpeed USB connection of 5 Gbps or later, 250 GB minimum capacity, and 8 TB maximum capacity. Sony cautions that not every device is guaranteed to work even if it meets the listed requirements. Connect the drive directly to the PS5 rather than through a USB hub. Formatting it as extended storage erases its existing contents, so back up anything important first. Use the PS5 settings to safely remove the drive rather than unplugging it while it is in use.
To make room with an existing extended-storage drive, move a PS5 game you are not playing to the drive using the console’s storage controls. Keep in mind that this is an archive step, not a way to make that PS5 game launch directly from USB. When you want it again, copy it back to console storage or M.2 storage. This can still be more convenient than downloading the entire game again, but the transfer takes time.
USB is therefore most useful when you want to retain a local copy of a PS5 game without keeping it ready to launch. It can be a practical middle ground if you have a compatible drive already, but it is not interchangeable with an M.2 SSD: the latter can store and launch compatible PS5 games directly. For PS4 titles, the distinction is different because they can run from USB extended storage. Choose the drive based on the games and the play pattern, not just on the phrase “external hard drive.”
Before formatting a drive, make sure anything already on it is backed up somewhere else. Formatting removes existing contents, and USB compatibility is not guaranteed for every device. Do not connect it through a hub, and follow the console’s safe-removal process when you are done. These precautions matter whether the drive is intended as a temporary archive or a regular place to keep games.
Add an M.2 SSD for games you want to play directly
A compatible internal M.2 SSD can be used to download, store, and launch PS5 games. It is the appropriate expansion choice if the goal is to keep additional PS5 games ready to play rather than archive them on USB. Compatibility is specific: an M.2 label by itself does not mean a drive will fit or work in a PS5.
Check these specifications before buying
Sony’s M.2 support guidance reviewed on October 13, 2026 gives the following requirements and recommendations:
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.
| Specification | Sony’s stated guidance |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe with an M Key; M.2 SATA drives are unsupported. |
| Capacity | 250 GB to 8 TB. |
| Supported form factors | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110. |
| Maximum width | 25 mm. |
| Supported lengths | 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm. |
| Maximum thickness | 11.25 mm, including the cooling structure. |
| Sequential read speed | 5,500 MB/s or faster is recommended. |
| Cooling | An effective cooling structure, such as a heatsink and heat-transfer sheet, is required. |
Check the exact manufacturer specifications for the drive and its cooling structure, including the combined dimensions. A drive can meet the interface and capacity requirements yet exceed the available space once a heatsink is attached. Search for a PS5-compatible M.2 NVMe SSD with heatsink, then verify its exact details against Sony’s current requirements before buying. Sony cautions that compatibility and performance are not guaranteed for every drive that meets the listed criteria. Some games may also perform differently from the console’s internal SSD, even when an M.2 drive exceeds the recommended read speed.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
In particular, do not treat the recommended sequential read speed as a guarantee that every game will perform exactly like it does on the internal SSD. Nor is an advertised M.2 capacity enough to establish fit: the interface, key, form factor, width, length, and thickness with its cooling structure all matter. Compare the actual product specifications, including the heatsink if it is sold separately, with Sony’s dimensions before paying.
Install and use it carefully
Follow the installation instructions for your particular PS5 model and Sony’s current M.2 guidance. The information here establishes drive specifications, not a model-specific installation sequence, so consult the official instructions for opening the console and securing the drive. Do not force a drive or heatsink into place if its dimensions do not fit. After installation, follow the console’s prompts to format the drive; formatting erases data on the M.2 SSD.
An M.2 SSD is a hardware purchase, and the specifications above are compatibility guidance—not a price comparison or endorsement of a particular retail model. Check the current listing and Sony support information before purchasing because products and requirements may change.
There is no verified price or stock information here, so compare current retailer listings yourself and avoid choosing solely by capacity or a product’s “PS5” label. A suitable listing should clearly state the NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 interface, dimensions, capacity, read speed, and cooling setup. If any of those details are missing or unclear, check the manufacturer’s specifications before buying.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC 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 & 11Keep saved data separate from game installations
PlayStation Plus cloud storage is for saved data: the progress and settings associated with games. It can help sync or transfer saves, but it does not move installed game files off the PS5 and does not create installation space. To free room for a download, use console storage controls or move game data to an appropriate drive instead.
Sony’s cloud-storage guidance reviewed on October 13, 2026 states that members can store up to 100 GB of PS5 saved data and 100 GB of PS4 saved data, with a 1,000-file limit for PS4 saves. Cloud synchronization depends on the relevant internet connection and auto-sync settings for Rest Mode. These limits describe saved data, not the size or number of game installations you can store.
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
That distinction is useful if “storage” sounds like one shared pool. Installed games and their data belong on console storage, a compatible M.2 SSD, or USB extended storage. Cloud storage concerns saves, not the game files needed to install or launch a title. Syncing saves can help preserve or transfer progress, but it cannot substitute for clearing installation space.
Start or manage a download remotely with the PlayStation App
The PlayStation App can start remote downloads and show or delete games on console storage and USB extended storage. Sony documents remote downloads when the app is paired with the console and the PS5 is in Rest Mode with Stay Connected to the Internet enabled. In some configurations, a remote download can go to an M.2 SSD selected as the default install location.
Recommended Free Tools
The app can help you start a download after you have cleared space, or delete selected games remotely. It does not move or copy games between drives, so use the console if you need to archive a PS5 game on USB or transfer one back to internal or M.2 storage. If a remote download does not start, check that the console is paired, online in Rest Mode, and configured to stay connected to the internet.
Think of the app as a remote control for starting or clearing a download, not as a transfer manager. If your storage plan depends on shifting an existing game from console storage to USB, or restoring an archived game, perform that operation on the console. Remote download convenience also depends on the console’s Rest Mode internet setting, so it is worth checking that configuration before relying on a download to begin while you are away.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do when the download still will not start
- Available space looks too low: Recheck Settings > Storage after deleting or moving content, and compare it with the game’s current Store listing. Do not rely on the size of a different game as a substitute.
- You expected cloud storage to make room: Cloud storage contains saves, not game installations. Remove or move game data using one of the console-storage options instead.
- The game is on USB but will not launch: That is expected for PS5 games. Copy the data to console storage or M.2 storage before playing; PS4 games can launch directly from USB extended storage.
- You cannot remove only one part of a game: Select the title under Games and Apps and check for Customize. If it is not available, that title does not expose the selective-deletion option there.
- A USB drive is not accepted: Verify the speed and capacity against Sony’s requirements, connect it directly rather than through a hub, and check whether it needs to be formatted. Formatting erases existing contents.
- An M.2 drive does not fit or is not recognized: Recheck interface, supported form factor, width, length, total thickness with cooling, and the drive’s installation. A drive that merely says M.2 is not necessarily compatible.
- A remote app download does not begin: Confirm pairing and the console’s Rest Mode internet setting. If the goal is moving an existing game, do that on the console; the app does not copy or move games.
If space remains tight after a change, look again at the console’s storage categories rather than repeating the same step blindly. The game or app list can help identify additional candidates to delete or move. Then recheck the free-space figure and compare it with the title’s current Store information before retrying. The Store figure is useful for planning, but game-specific installation and update needs can vary.
A practical order of operations
- Confirm the game is currently available to your account and inspect its PlayStation Store listing for current size information.
- Check free space in Settings > Storage.
- Delete a game or app you can restore later, or use Customize if the game offers selective removal.
- If you want to retain a PS5 game without playing it now, archive it to compatible USB extended storage and plan to copy it back before launching it.
- If you repeatedly need more space for games ready to play, consider a compatible M.2 SSD and verify its full specifications and cooling dimensions against Sony’s current guidance.
- Recheck free space, then start the download on the console or use the PlayStation App if remote download conditions are met.
For a straightforward one-off download, follow the list from top to bottom: verify entitlement and size, check actual free capacity, make one deliberate storage change, then check again. Choose a longer-term storage purchase only if the recurring need justifies it. USB is for an archive workflow with a copy-back step for PS5 games; M.2 is for compatible PS5 games that you want to keep directly playable. Saves in PlayStation Plus cloud storage are separate from both.
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 →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check how much free space my PS5 has?
Open Settings > Storage. The console shows storage used by games, media, and saved data, as well as available capacity. Compare that figure with the game’s current PlayStation Store listing.
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.
Can I play PS5 games directly from an external USB drive?
No. USB extended storage can hold PS5 game data as an archive, but copy that data back to console storage or M.2 storage before playing. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage.
Does PlayStation Plus cloud storage save installed games?
No. Cloud storage is for saved data, such as game progress and settings; it does not store game installations or free space for a download. Sony’s current guidance reviewed October 13, 2026 lists up to 100 GB each for PS5 and PS4 saves, plus a 1,000-file limit for PS4 saves.
Can I delete part of a PS5 game instead of the whole game?
Some games offer selective removal. In Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, select the title and look for Customize. If it is not available, that game does not offer the option there.
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 →What kind of M.2 SSD works in a PS5?
Sony specifies PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe with an M Key, 250 GB to 8 TB capacity, supported form factors and dimensions, and an effective cooling structure. A sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster is recommended; M.2 SATA drives are unsupported. Check the full drive and heatsink dimensions against Sony’s current specifications.
Can the PlayStation App move a game between storage drives?
No. The app can start remote downloads and show or delete games on console and USB extended storage, but it cannot move or copy games. Use the PS5 console to transfer game data between drives.
The Bottom Line
Check Settings > Storage and the game’s current Store listing before downloading. Delete or selectively remove content for a quick fix, use USB extended storage to archive PS5 games you are not playing, or choose a properly specified M.2 SSD if you want more PS5 games ready to launch. PlayStation Plus cloud storage keeps saves, not game installations.
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.
