Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To make more room on a PS5, open Settings > Storage and check what is taking up space. Then delete games you can redownload, move PS5 games you are not playing to USB extended storage, or add a compatible M.2 SSD if you want to launch PS5 games from expanded storage. Saves and screenshots have separate storage rules, so manage them separately from game installs.
Check what is using PS5 storage
- From the home screen, open Settings > Storage.
- Review the space used by games, media, and saved data to identify what is taking up room.
- To review installed titles, open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
Sony documents these storage categories and menu paths in its PS5 storage-management guidance. Menu wording can vary with system software and region, so follow the labels shown on your console.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose how to make room
| Option | Can PS5 games launch from there? | What to know | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete and redownload | No; the game must be installed again before playing. | Purchased games and apps remain available to download again from your game library, according to Sony. | Players who rotate through games and can download a removed title when they want it again. |
| USB extended storage | PS5 games cannot launch directly from it. PS4 games can. | Use it to archive PS5 games, then copy them back to console or M.2 storage to play. Sony also supports USB extended storage as the installation location for PS4 games. | Players who want to keep finished PS5 games without reinstalling them, or play PS4 games from external storage. |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | Yes. | Compatible M.2 storage can hold, receive downloads of, and launch PS5 and PS4 games. The drive must meet Sony’s requirements. | Players who want added capacity for games they can play without copying them back from USB. |
Delete games you can download again
Deleting an installed game frees its installation space without removing your access to a purchased game: Sony says deleted games and apps can be downloaded again from the library. This is a practical no-hardware option if you are comfortable downloading the game again before your next play session.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Use Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps to find installed games and apps to remove. Check the selected items before confirming deletion, and distinguish installed game data from saved data and captures; they are managed separately.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Use USB storage as a PS5 game archive
PS5 games can be moved to USB extended storage, but they cannot be played directly from it. When you want to play one again, copy it back to console storage or an M.2 SSD. PS4 games, by contrast, can be played from USB extended storage. Sony explains this distinction in its USB extended-storage support page.
Move a PS5 game to USB
- Open Game Library and highlight the game.
- Press the controller’s Options button and choose Move Games and Apps.
- Select the game or items to move, then choose Move.
To play an archived PS5 game, move or copy it from USB extended storage back to console storage or M.2 storage. USB storage is useful for keeping a large library nearby, but it does not remove the copy-back step for PS5 titles.
Format carefully
Formatting a drive as USB extended storage erases the data on it, and Sony warns erased data cannot be recovered. Back up or remove any important files before formatting the drive for PS5 use.
Recommended Free Tools
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
Add an M.2 SSD for games you can launch
A compatible M.2 SSD is the internal expansion option in this guide that lets you download, store, and launch PS5 games without first copying them back from USB. Sony’s storage-solutions page advertises expansion of up to 8 TB with a compatible M.2 solid state drive; this is Sony’s product-support statement, not an independent test or a guarantee that every drive or console configuration supports that capacity.
Before buying a drive, check Sony’s current detailed M.2 requirements for capacity, speed, and physical dimensions, and verify the exact model against them. The cited guidance does not establish a specific compatible model, current price, or installation-tool requirement, so those should not be assumed.
Choose where new downloads go
- Open Settings > Storage > Installation Location.
- Select an available target for PlayStation Store downloads, such as M.2 storage if it is installed and available.
Sony documents this path in its M.2 SSD instructions. Its USB guidance documents setting USB extended storage as the installation location for PS4 games. Check the options displayed on your console, because available targets and menu labels may differ.
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).
Keep game installs, saves, and captures distinct
Moving or deleting an installed game is not the same as managing its saved data or screenshots and video clips. Sony’s storage guidance lists different locations and rules for these categories: PS5 game saves are listed for cloud storage; PS4 saves are listed for cloud or USB; screenshots and video clips are listed for USB. Sony ties cloud storage to PlayStation Plus. Check the storage category before removing anything you want to keep.
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 errorsSony’s storage-management table provides the category-specific details. Do not assume that deleting an installation also backs up, transfers, or removes a save or capture.
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.
