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 reinstallOutdated 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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchiTechGuides is reader-supported.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
You can use a USB drive as extended storage on PS5 to keep PS4 games playable or archive PS5 games you are not currently playing. Use a SuperSpeed USB drive rated at 5 Gbps or faster, with a capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB, and connect it directly to a SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps port. After formatting it in Settings > Storage, PS4 games can run from the drive; PS5 games must be copied back to console storage or a compatible installed M.2 SSD before you can play them.
What does USB extended storage do on PS5?
USB extended storage is a PlayStation-formatted drive for game and app data. It gives you somewhere to keep games when the console’s built-in storage is full, but it is not a second playable PS5 SSD: it can run PS4 games, while PS5 games stored there are archives that must be copied back to playable storage.
Sony added USB extended storage for PS5 game archives in the first major PS5 system software update, in April 2021. PlayStation Blog’s Hideaki Nishino explained the distinction: “Because PS5 games are designed to take advantage of the console’s ultra high-speed SSD, PS5 titles can’t be played from USB extended storage.” Sony Support’s current guidance is equally direct: PS5 games “can’t be played directly from USB extended storage,” and must be copied back to console storage when you want to play them.
The feature is useful if your internet connection is slow or has a data cap, or if you want to keep a large library installed without filling the internal drive. Nishino said copying a PS5 game back from USB is faster than re-downloading it or copying it from a disc. The drive is still a copy-and-store option, not a way to download or update PS5 games in place: Sony says PS5 titles cannot be directly downloaded to USB extended storage.
Popular on Amazon
- 【90 Degree Full Function USB C Adapter】Supports the latest USB4 standard for up to 40Gbps of bandwidth, 8K video support, and up to 240W Fast charging; Support USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR) including 140W, 180W and 240W. Your productivity is easily doubled. *Warm Tip: For the best fit, please make sure the USB-C port is fully exposed; thick or bulky cases may affect compatibility.
- 【Reliable Quality】Made from high-quality, scratch-resistant aluminum alloy, delicate metal frame. get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation. Non-Slip Design for easier insertion and removal.
- 【Small and portable】Ultra thin size, ultra compact design, a petite physique that matches the minimalist design of your modern laptops. Coming with a slim figure that won't block the port next to the one it's plugged into.
- 【Compatibility】Widely work with most usb c, thunderbolt 4/3 devices. Compatibilit for ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Switch, MacBook Pro, Quest 3 VR headset, Surface Book 2, iPhone 18/17/16/15, Samsung Galaxy S23/S22/S21, Note 20/10, Google Pixel, ChromeBook, etc.
- 【Excellence Customer Support】If you experience any issues or cable failure, simply reach out to our dedicated customer service team. We provide a prompt response within 18 hours, providing you with the necessary technical support to resolve any concerns.
What USB drive and port does the PS5 require?
Sony’s current USB extended-storage requirements are a commercially available drive with SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps or later and a capacity of 250 GB to 8 TB. The drive must connect directly to a supported port; Sony says not all devices are guaranteed to work.
| Requirement | What to use |
|---|---|
| USB speed | SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps or faster, according to Sony Interactive Entertainment / PlayStation Support’s current specification (page accessed 2026). |
| Capacity | 250 GB minimum and 8 TB maximum, according to Sony Interactive Entertainment / PlayStation Support’s current specification (page accessed 2026). |
| Connection | A direct connection to a SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps Type-A or Type-C port. Do not use a USB hub. |
| Drive type | A compatible USB HDD, portable SSD, or large flash drive can work if it meets the speed and capacity requirements. Sony does not publish a certified USB-drive whitelist. |
Sony’s supported SuperSpeed connection classes include 5 Gbps (USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, or USB 3.2 Gen 1), 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, or USB 3.2 Gen 1×2), and 20 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2). Some multi-lane devices operate at a lower rate on PS5: Sony says USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 devices are used as single-lane 5 Gbps connections, and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 devices as single-lane 10 Gbps connections.
Both an HDD and an SSD can be useful. A portable SSD is generally the practical choice if you expect to copy archived PS5 games back often; an HDD is a lower-cost-per-terabyte option for a sizeable PS4 library that you plan to play directly from USB. A USB SSD in an enclosure remains USB extended storage: using an SSD does not make PS5 games playable from it.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Which PS5 USB port should I use?
The safest default is one of the two rear USB-A ports. PlayStation Support identifies both rear ports on the console families below as SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps. Avoid the slower front port, and leave the front SuperSpeed USB-C port available if your PS VR2 headset uses it.
| PS5 family | Front ports | Rear ports | Storage guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFI-1000: original PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition | One Hi-Speed USB-A (USB 2.0) and one SuperSpeed USB-C 10 Gbps | Two SuperSpeed USB-A 10 Gbps | Use a rear USB-A port by default. The front USB-A port is too slow for extended storage. |
| CFI-2000 / CFI-7000: PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro family | One Hi-Speed USB-C and one SuperSpeed USB-C 10 Gbps | Two SuperSpeed USB-A 10 Gbps | Use a rear USB-A port by default. The slower front port is USB-C on these models. |
All of these families have two ports at the rear that meet the 10 Gbps port requirement. If the front SuperSpeed USB-C port is occupied by PS VR2, connect the storage drive to a rear SuperSpeed USB-A port instead. The USB 2.0 / Hi-Speed port is not a substitute, even if the drive physically fits.
Also popular on Amazon
- 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.
How do I format a USB drive as extended storage on PS5?
Formatting erases everything on the drive. Back up any files you need before starting; Sony warns that data erased by formatting cannot be recovered. Keep the drive connected and do not turn off the console while formatting.
- Connect the drive directly to a SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps Type-A or Type-C port on the PS5.
- Open Settings > Storage.
- Select USB Extended Storage > Format as USB Extended Storage.
- If more than one USB drive is attached, choose Select Another USB Drive and select the intended drive.
- Confirm the format when prompted, then leave the drive connected until the process finishes.
A drive already formatted as USB extended storage for a PS4 or another PS5 does not need to be formatted again before use. By contrast, a regular FAT or exFAT flash drive used for captures is not ready to hold game installations; formatting it as extended storage erases its existing files and changes how the drive is used.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
After formatting, the volume is a PlayStation extended-storage volume rather than an ordinary Windows or macOS drive. Seagate Support says it must be reformatted before it can be used again on Windows or macOS. To return it to a general-purpose exFAT drive, see “How do I safely remove, erase, or reuse the drive?” below.
How do I move PS5 or PS4 games onto the drive?
You can move installed games and apps to USB from the Game Library. PS5 games moved there become archives; PS4 games can remain on USB and be launched from it.
- Open Game Library, highlight the installed game, and press the controller’s Options button.
- Select Move Games and Apps.
- If the console also has an M.2 SSD installed, open the Movable to USB Extended Storage tab to choose the relevant titles.
- Select the games or apps to move, then choose Move.
Wait for each move to finish before disconnecting the drive. If a large batch does not complete, try moving fewer titles at a time; Digital Trends reported this as a workaround for very large batch moves in its 2020 explainer. The current menu path above follows Sony’s live support guidance.
Also popular on Amazon
- 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.
How do I make PS4 games install to USB automatically?
Set USB extended storage as the PS4 game installation location in Settings > Installation Location, then choose USB extended storage for PS4 games. Newly installed PS4 titles can then go to the drive without moving them one by one afterward.
Sony states: “You can set your USB extended storage as the installation location for your PS4 games. You can play PS4 games directly from your USB extended storage.” If you also have an M.2 SSD, its installation location is configured separately in the same Installation Location area.
How do I play a PS5 game stored on USB?
Copy the game back to console storage or to a compatible installed M.2 SSD before launching it. A PS5 title on USB cannot be played directly from that drive, and it cannot be downloaded or updated there as an installed PS5 game.
- Open Game Library > Installed. Titles currently on USB extended storage appear in the installed-games list.
- Highlight the PS5 game, press Options, and select Copy.
- Choose console storage or the M.2 SSD as the destination, then leave the drive connected until the copy completes.
If an M.2 SSD is installed and meets Sony’s requirements, you can use it as the playable destination instead of the console’s built-in storage. Sony Support says games can be moved among console storage, USB extended storage, and the added M.2 SSD. PS4 titles do not need this copy-back step; they can run from USB.
USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD: which should I choose?
Choose USB extended storage to archive PS5 games or play PS4 games without opening the console. Choose an M.2 SSD if you want to download, update, and play PS5 games from added storage.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Also popular on Amazon
- Portable and powerful USB-C HUB: BENFEI USB Type-C HUB, with super-soft and knot-free silicone woven design cable, meets most mobile office needs. Compact, lightweight, stylish, and powerful portable USB C Hub equipped with 1 x HDMI port, 1 x 100W charging, and 3 x USB ports. 18-month warranty, 24-hour response, to ensure you feel at ease when using our product.
- Design centered on comfort and reliability: Thanks to BENFEI's end-to-end in-house cable production capability, in-house PCBA and assembly capability, using the industry's most advanced silicone woven design and process, 20cm cable in length, no knots, super-soft, the HUB is easy to use in all scenarios: laptop, tablet, stand etc. Super-soft, 25000+ life cycles, to meet your daily carrying and office needs.
- 100W Charging: Support up to 90W USB C pass-through charging via Type-C port to keep your laptop powered. 10W is reserved for other interface operations. No data and video function on the Type-C port.
- 4K HDMI Display: The HDMI port supports media display at resolutions up to 4K 30Hz, keeping every incredible moment detailed and ultra vivid. Please note that the C port of the Host device needs to support video output.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Transfer files and from your laptop at speeds up to 10 Gbps with USB A 3.2 port. Extra 2 USB A 2.0 ports are perfectly for your keyboards and mouse.
| Use case | USB extended storage | Internal M.2 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Play PS5 games from the added storage | No. Copy the game to console storage or M.2 before playing. | Yes, if the SSD meets Sony’s requirements and is installed in the expansion slot. |
| Download or update PS5 games in place | No; it is for storage of PS5 game data, not direct PS5 installs or updates. | Yes. |
| Play PS4 games | Yes. | Yes. |
| Installation | Connect to a supported USB port and format in Settings. | Open the expansion slot, install a heatsink-equipped compatible SSD, and use a #1 Phillips screwdriver. |
| Port use | Uses a SuperSpeed USB port; the front SuperSpeed USB-C port may be needed by PS VR2. | Uses the internal expansion slot rather than a USB port. |
| Typical cost trade-off | USB HDDs and SSDs are usually less expensive than PS5-spec Gen4 M.2 SSDs. | Usually costs more, but provides playable PS5 expansion storage. |
Sony’s current M.2 specification is PCI-Express Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe, Key M, with a capacity of 250 GB to 8 TB. Supported form factors are 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110. Sony recommends a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster. A heatsink or other cooling structure is required; M.2 SATA and Host Memory Buffer are not supported. The maximum thickness with a heatsink is 11.25 mm, including up to 8.0 mm above and 2.45 mm below the board. The full drive is formatted for PS5 use; you cannot reserve only a partition of it.
Sony does not guarantee every drive that meets the listed M.2 figures will work. Its warranty guidance says coverage should not be affected when a spec-compliant SSD is installed by following the instructions, but damage caused by an improper installation is not covered. Sony’s current capacity ceiling is 8 TB; older third-party guides that cite a 4 TB maximum are out of date.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What cannot be stored on USB extended storage?
Extended storage is for game and app data, not PS5 saves, screenshots, or video clips. Those have separate storage options, and a drive formatted for game storage cannot also serve as the ordinary FAT/exFAT media stick for captures.
| Content | USB extended storage | Other relevant option |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 game data | Yes, as an archive; copy it back to console storage or M.2 to play. | M.2 SSD: yes, playable. |
| PS4 game data | Yes, playable. | M.2 SSD: yes. |
| PS5 saved data | No. | Cloud storage with PlayStation Plus. |
| PS4 saved data | No. | A regular USB drive or cloud storage with PlayStation Plus. |
| Screenshots and video clips | No. | A regular USB drive can receive copies from the console; media cannot be copied from that stick back into console storage. |
To copy PS4 saves to an ordinary USB drive, use Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Upload or Delete from Console Storage > Copy to USB Drive. For PS5 saves, PlayStation Plus cloud storage is the option listed by Sony. Do not delete saved data to make room for a game installation; Sony treats saved data and game installations as separate storage categories.
A full console backup is another distinct workflow: it uses a FAT32- or exFAT-formatted drive, not a USB extended-storage volume. Engadget notes that trophies and M.2 storage are excluded from that backup and that restoring it is an all-or-nothing process after a reset.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Read before You Buy】 Note: This adapter is USB 2.0 version and cannot transmit HDM, VGA, or other video signals. Nevertheless, they are fully capable of charging devices,duplicating files, and can be seamlessly integrated with USB-C earphones, wireless network adapters, and SD card adapters.
- 【Easy to Use and Safe】Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, we've made these adapters sufficiently compact so that they can remain inserted in your device without noticeable protrusion or inconvenience. This means you don't have to constantly plug and unplug them, reducing the likelihood of wear and misalignment, and making them more convenient to carry around.
- 【Reliable Quality】Engineered for enhanced durability, durable aluminum alloy shell material,get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation,the male USB C and female USB connectors & the male USB and female USB C connectors are designed to be plugged and unplugged up to 20000 times. Provides data transfer, device charging, memory space expansion, and additional computer peripherals.
- 【Think more for you】Do you need to connect a USB-C-enabled device to an odd device that only has USB-A ports? Then these USB-A male to USB-C female adapters are made for you.Simply insert the adapter into the USB-A port on the device, and you can instantly connect your USB-C device to the device that originally didn't have the correct connection port.
- 【Trusted xiwxi Quality and Service】As a responsible brand seller, you will receive xiwxi's 12-month Quality assurance and lifetime friendly customer service, you're not just buying a product,you're investing in peace of mind with all-round quality and exceptional customer service.
How do I safely remove, erase, or reuse the drive?
Use the PS5’s safe-removal command before unplugging a connected drive while the console is on. Removing it during a read or write can cause data loss, corruption, or damage to the console or drive.
- Open Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage.
- Select Safely Remove from PS5.
- Wait for the console to confirm that the drive can be disconnected, then unplug it.
You can also disconnect the drive after the PS5’s power indicator is fully off. To delete games without changing the drive’s format, go to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage > Games and Apps > Delete Content, select the content, and choose Delete.
To stop using the disk as extended storage and erase its game data, open Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage > … (More) > Format as exFAT. That erases the drive and returns it to a general-purpose format. Back up anything you need first. On PS4, the corresponding safe-removal path is Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices > Stop.
Recommended Free Tools
Why won’t my PS5 recognize or format the USB drive?
Start with the connection, then check the drive’s capacity and existing format. A supported-looking drive can still fail: Sony says not all devices are guaranteed to work with PS5.
- Wrong port: Move the cable to a rear SuperSpeed USB-A port or another confirmed SuperSpeed 10 Gbps port. The original PS5’s front USB-A is USB 2.0; Slim and Pro models have a slower Hi-Speed USB-C port at the front.
- Slow cable or drive: The drive and connection need SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps or later. A USB 2.0 cable or port will not meet the requirement.
- Hub in the connection: Connect the drive directly to the console. Sony says a drive cannot be connected through a USB hub. Seagate also warns that desktop drives with built-in hubs are incompatible; it lists Backup Plus Hub, Backup Plus Hub for Mac, FireCuda Gaming Hub, FireCuda Gaming Dock, and Game Drive Hub for Xbox as incompatible with PS5.
- Capacity outside the range: Confirm that the drive is at least 250 GB and no larger than 8 TB. A 128 GB flash drive is below Sony’s minimum.
- Another extended-storage drive is active: PS5 can have multiple USB drives connected, but only one USB extended-storage drive can be used at a time. Safely remove the active one before switching.
- It is a media stick, not an extended-storage volume: An ordinary FAT/exFAT drive can store captures or certain PS4 save copies, but it must be formatted as USB extended storage to hold game installations.
If the format option is missing, verify that the console sees the drive through a SuperSpeed connection and that its capacity is in range. If a PS5 game appears unavailable or will not launch while stored on USB, that is expected behavior; copy it to console storage or M.2. If the console reports data errors after the drive was unplugged, reconnect it and allow the PS5 to check the drive; use safe removal thereafter. Do not reformat until you have accounted for any files you need, because formatting erases them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much storage does a PS5 have available for games?
Available internal space depends on the model. Popular Mechanics reported in 2026 that earlier PS5 models and the current Digital Edition have 667 GB usable from an 825 GB SSD, while the current Disc Edition has 842 GB usable from a 1 TB SSD; it described PS5 Pro as having twice the Disc Edition’s usable pool.
How large are PS5 games, and how many fit on a drive?
There is no official Sony average game-size figure. Popular Mechanics cited some AAA titles, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Gran Turismo 7, in the 100–120 GB range, so the number of games a drive holds depends heavily on the titles and their updates.
Does USB extended storage need a particular PS5 system software version?
Sony’s current USB support page does not state a minimum system-software version. The archive feature arrived in the first major PS5 update in April 2021, so keep the console’s system software current if the relevant storage menus are missing.
