Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →On your PS5, open PlayStation Store, choose a free game, select the available download option, and follow the prompts. The game installs automatically after its download, according to Sony’s PS5 setup guide. If the download needs more room, check Settings > Storage before deleting or moving anything.
Download and install a free PS5 game
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Open PlayStation Store on the console and find the free game you want. Store wording and available actions can vary by title and account region, so follow the option shown on the game’s page.
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Select the available download or get option, then confirm and complete the on-screen prompts.
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Let the download finish. The game installs automatically; you can check its progress in the console’s downloads or notifications area.
#1 Best Overall
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN- 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.
You can also start a download remotely using the PlayStation App. Pair the console with the app and sign in to the same account. For Sony’s remote-download setup, the console must have Stay Connected to the Internet enabled and be in rest mode. See PlayStation App features and support.
Check storage and make room
On the console, open Settings > Storage to see how much space is available and what is using it. To remove an installed game or application, follow Sony’s path: Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
Deleting a game or application removes its installed data from the console, not your access to the purchase or download. Sony says you can download deleted titles again from your game library. If you would rather not delete a game, move it to supported storage as described below. Sony’s PS5 storage guide explains the available storage locations.
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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
The PlayStation App can display available console and USB storage and delete selected games to free space. It does not support moving or copying games.
Choose where to keep games
| Storage location | Can PS5 games launch from it? | What it is useful for | Hardware or setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Console storage | Yes | Built-in storage for downloads and playable games. | Built into the console. |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | Yes | Download, store, and play PS5 games from the expansion drive. | Requires a compatible drive installed in the console. |
| USB extended storage | No. A PS5 game must be copied back to console storage or M.2 SSD storage before play. | Play PS4 games directly, or keep PS5 game data archived to free console space. | Requires a compatible external USB drive configured as extended storage. |
These options are not interchangeable: USB extended storage is convenient for PS4 games and for keeping PS5 installs without deleting them, but it cannot launch PS5 games. Sony’s storage guide sets out the differences.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to add an M.2 SSD
An M.2 SSD is an optional internal expansion for someone who wants more space for PS5 games that can remain playable without being copied back and forth. Sony’s current compatibility guidance lists these requirements and recommendations:
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).
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, Key M.
- Capacity: 250 GB–8 TB.
- Sequential read speed: 5,500 MB/s or faster is recommended.
- Size and fit: The drive must use a supported length and width, and total thickness must not exceed 11.25 mm.
- Heat dissipation: A heat-dissipation structure, such as a heatsink and heat-transfer sheet, is required.
Meeting the listed specifications does not guarantee that every drive will work, and game performance may differ from the console’s internal SSD. Check your console model, the drive dimensions, and heatsink clearance against Sony’s current M.2 compatibility and installation instructions before buying.
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Installing a drive is a separate hardware task, not part of downloading a game. Sony’s procedure calls for a well-lit work area and a #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver; cover-removal steps vary by console model group. The drive must be formatted for first use, which erases data on it. Follow Sony’s instructions, including its warning to remove static electricity before handling the drive.
Do not confuse game storage with saved data
Moving a game installation does not mean its save files are backed up to the same drive. Sony’s storage guidance says USB extended storage can hold PS4 and PS5 game data, but it does not serve as storage for PS5 saved data. Sony identifies cloud storage for saved data subject to PlayStation Plus, and USB transfer for PS4 saved data. Do not rely on a standard USB extended-storage drive as a backup for PS5 saves.
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