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How to Free Up PS5 Storage Before Installing a Large Game

See what's using PS5 storage, then decide whether to delete a game, archive it on USB, or add a compatible M.2 SSD.
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Start at Settings > Storage to see what is using space. For the quickest no-purchase fix, delete a game or app you can reinstall later; to keep PS5 game data without using console storage, move it to USB extended storage, but copy it back before playing. A compatible internal M.2 SSD is the option that lets you store and launch PS5 games without that extra step.

Check what is using space

  1. From the PS5 home screen, open Settings > Storage.
  2. Check the available capacity and the categories using storage, such as games and apps, media, and saved data.
  3. Open Console Storage > Games and Apps to review installed titles and choose what to remove or move.

Check the specific game’s installation size and any update or download requirements shown by the console or store; there is no dependable single amount of free space that fits every large game.

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Free space quickly by deleting a game or app

Select a game or app you do not need installed right now, then choose Delete. Deleting a purchased game or app removes its installation, not your access to the purchase: you can download it again from your Game Library, subject to the account and access conditions for that content. Reinstalling later requires a download or, for a disc game, installation from the disc.

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Do not assume deleting an installation also backs up or restores locally stored progress. Treat saved data separately and check its backup or sync status before changing it.

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WD_BLACK 1TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0010BNC-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 4TB[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.

Move games instead of deleting them

If you have a supported storage destination connected or installed, move a game to preserve its game data while freeing console storage:

  1. Open Game Library and highlight the game.
  2. Press the Options button and choose Move Games and Apps.
  3. Select an available destination, then choose Move.

The destinations available depend on the storage attached to your console. The key difference is whether the game can launch from that destination.

Rank #2
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  • Unleash Upgraded power - Employing PCIe Gen4x4 High Speed Interface, SIX X7400 nvme m.2 ssd confer it UP to 7350MB/s read speeds. With faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth and throughput.
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  • Match ur Next-level M.2 SSD - Compatibility ready for laptop, desktop or PS5 storage expansion, X7400 internal 1TB ssd is easy to install to extend lifecycle and storage. Speed up your bootups, file transfers, and game loads for tech-savvy users or hardcore gamer.
  • Purpose Built - SIX X7400 m.2 nvme ssd ps5 is built for achieving immersive gameplay, experiencing uninterrupted gameplay and incredibly short load times. Breathe in. Focus. Breathe out, X7400 lightning-fast loading are ready for your final boss.
  • 5 Years Limited Warranty & What u Get - Your X7400 nvme m.2 ssd is safeguarded for 5 years by SIX Limited Warranty Service. To improve your installation experience, X7400 provide all you need for installation(such as screw, screwdrivers, heatsink and so on).

Choose between USB storage and an internal M.2 SSD

Option What it can do Main trade-off
Delete a game or app Frees console storage; purchased content can be downloaded again from your Game Library. You must download or install the game again when you want it back.
USB extended storage Stores PS5 game data and lets you play PS4 games directly from the drive. PS5 games must be copied to console storage or M.2 storage before you can play them.
Internal M.2 SSD Stores, downloads, and launches PS5 and PS4 games. Requires a compatible drive with the right interface, dimensions, and cooling.
Cloud storage or USB data transfer Handles supported saved data or media, depending on the platform and transfer path. It does not store installed games; PlayStation Plus is required for cloud storage.

Use USB extended storage as an archive

USB extended storage is useful for games you want to keep without occupying console storage. A PS5 game stored there cannot be played directly: copy it back to console or M.2 storage first. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage.

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Sony’s USB requirements specify a SuperSpeed USB drive rated at 5 Gbps or later, with a capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB. Not every device is guaranteed to work. Connect the drive directly rather than through a USB hub, and note that only one USB extended-storage drive can be connected at a time.

Rank #3
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.

Choose M.2 if you want PS5 games ready to launch

A compatible internal M.2 SSD can store, download, and launch PS5 and PS4 games. Sony specifies a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe drive, capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB, and a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s is recommended. The supported form factors are 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110; maximum width is 25 mm, supported lengths are 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm, and maximum total thickness is 11.25 mm, subject to Sony’s above- and below-board allowances. The drive must have effective heat dissipation, such as a heatsink and heat-transfer sheet. See Sony’s M.2 SSD requirements and installation guidance before buying or installing one.

Check the exact PS5 model and the assembled dimensions of the SSD plus heatsink against the console requirements. Sony’s PlayStation Direct listing identifies the 8 TB WD_BLACK SN850P NVMe SSD as officially licensed for PS5 and describes its heatsink as designed for the PS5 M.2 slot. That listing is an example of a compatible product, not a value or availability comparison.

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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Keep saved data and captures separate from game installations

Saved data is not the same as an installed game. Cloud storage can hold supported saves, but not game installations, and the cloud-storage option requires PlayStation Plus. PlayStation’s storage guidance also distinguishes supported PS4 save-data transfers and capture or media handling; use the applicable USB transfer/export path or PlayStation App option where available. Moving saves or captures may help with those categories, but it will not necessarily free much space if games and apps are the main storage users.

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For the official steps on checking storage and deleting content, see PlayStation’s PS5 storage management guide. For USB drive rules and supported use, see PlayStation’s USB extended-storage guidance.

Best Value
Bestoss 2TB PCIe4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD with Heatsink, PS5 Storage, 7350MB/s
  • Cheetah-like explosive speed: The 2tb PS5 Storage Expansion boasts the racing performance of a cheetah, mainly used to accelerate program processing. With the explosive acceleration of 7350MB/s, it achieves a powerful speed and eliminates compatibility issues. Additionally, this 2tb nvme m.2 ssd supports real-time saving during 3D rendering and enables fast 4K game loading. The ps5 ssd with heatsink is also compatible with the PS5 game console, making it easy and worry-free to install and play.
  • Stable and outstanding performance: The ps5 internal storage expansion ssd features HMB + dynamic SLC cache, achieving a synergy between software and hardware. The 2tb ps5 hard drive ssd has a read/write speed of up to 7350/6600MB/s, providing ultimate burst power for efficient, stable, and smooth loading - an excellent choice for professionals.
  • Multi-layer heat dissipation structure design: The 2tb nvme m.2 ssd adopts unique dual-surface heat dissipation technology. Its innovative multi-layer internal design effectively increases the heat dissipation area compared to the standard single-layer heat sink. This structural advantage ensures excellent heat transfer and rapid heat dissipation. Additionally, it is equipped with a metal heat dissipation shell. The multi-layer structure heat dissipation design guarantees a stable and long-lasting operation at ultra-high speeds.
  • PCIe 4.0 interface compatibility: The 2tb ps5 memory storage SSD can achieve the maximum speed only through PCIe 4.0. For external hard drive enclosures, USB usually limits the speed.
  • Versatile applications for demanding users: Designed for gamers, video editors, and AI creators who require blazing-fast storage speeds for intensive workloads including 3D rendering, 4K gaming, and content creation tasks.

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.

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