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Check the free space on the exact drive or console storage where the game will be installed, then use the platform’s built-in cleanup tools or move files you want to keep. On Windows, start with Settings > System > Storage; on PS5, review Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps. The right steps depend on your platform, and there is no universal free-space buffer that applies to every game.
First, find out where the space is needed
On a Windows PC, open This PC in File Explorer and check the available space on the drive selected for the game. A PC may have more than one internal or external drive, and a launcher may let you choose a different destination. On a PS5, check the storage location the game will use; console storage, an installed M.2 SSD, and USB extended storage have different roles.
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Before deleting anything, pause or finish other large downloads and installs if they are competing for space. The amount of room needed can vary with the game, its installation process, updates, and platform reservations. The official guidance cited here does not establish one buffer amount that is safe for every installation.
Free space on a Windows 10 or 11 PC
Review Windows cleanup recommendations
- Open Settings > System > Storage.
- Open Cleanup recommendations and review categories such as temporary files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files, and unused apps.
- Inspect the proposed files and the displayed estimated savings. Select only items you recognize and intend to remove, then confirm cleanup.
Microsoft’s drive-space guidance describes these categories and the estimated space that selected items could free. That estimate is specific to your device, not a typical amount guaranteed for other PCs.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Use Storage Sense with care
In Settings > System > Storage, Storage Sense can automatically remove temporary files and Recycle Bin contents according to its settings. Microsoft describes it as a way to clear items you do not need, including temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin. Its default settings do not clear Downloads or cloud files, so do not assume enabling it will remove those. Review the configuration before using it; see Microsoft’s Storage Sense instructions.
If your Windows version or configuration does not offer Storage Sense, Microsoft also documents Disk Cleanup as a way to remove selected files. Be cautious with Previous Windows Installation(s): deleting that category removes the ability to roll back to the previous Windows version.
Rank #2
- Customize your drive’s RGB lighting with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to show off your style and make every play personal.
- Kick loading into overdrive with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and speeds up to 2,000MB/s. (Based on read speed. 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.)
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}
- Keep more of the latest and largest titles installed and ready to launch with capacities of up to 2TB. (1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.)
- Built with WD_BLACK toughness thanks to a shock-resistant structure, this durable drive can survive a drop of up to two-meters.
Move personal files instead of deleting them
To find large files you still want, check folders such as Videos, Music, Pictures, and Downloads, then sort by size. Move infrequently used personal files to another internal drive or an external drive. You can also choose another drive as the destination for future content when the relevant app or launcher allows it. If you delete files, empty the Recycle Bin afterward to reclaim the space.
Avoid manually removing unfamiliar Windows system folders or game files. Use Windows cleanup options for system files and the game launcher’s supported tools for installed games.
Rank #3
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Make room in a Steam library
If an installed Steam game is using space on the destination drive, moving it to another library can preserve the installation and may be preferable to uninstalling it. Steam’s supported game-move instructions explain the process. Back up the steamapps folder before moving a library, as Steam recommends.
Before uninstalling or moving a game, check how its saves are handled. Steam Cloud does not cover every third-party save location, and some games may store saves locally outside the synced data. Verify that important saves are backed up or synced before removing game files.
Rank #4
- High-speed Performance: Designed for casual gamers and everyday use, this external SSD with up to 1050MB/s accelerates large file transfers, media editing, and backup processes outperforming traditional hard drives
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP55 water and dust resistance. Plus, it's drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers
- High-Capacity Storage: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact 2TB SSD. It's perfect for students, everyday users, and anyone needing secure and reliable storage for their files
- Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive
Free space on a PS5
Delete or trim installed game data
- Open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Select a game or app you no longer need and remove it, or use Customize when the option appears to choose unneeded portions of a title.
- Review saved data separately under Saved Data and Game/App Settings; installed game files and save files are not the same thing.
PlayStation’s PS5 storage instructions cover deleting games and apps and handling saved data. For saves, PlayStation describes uploading PS5 saved data to cloud storage with a PlayStation Plus subscription and copying PS4 saved data to a USB drive. Check the saved-data options for your account and game before deleting anything you want to keep.
When PS5 storage expansion makes sense
If shortages keep recurring, a compatible internal M.2 SSD can store PS5 games that you can download, update, and play directly. Sony specifies a PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe drive with a Key M connector, capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB, and one of the supported 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 form factors. The drive can be up to 25 mm wide; Sony also sets length and thickness limits and recommends sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. Effective heat dissipation, such as a heatsink and heat-transfer sheet, is required. M.2 SATA drives are not supported.
Best Value
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
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Check Sony’s complete M.2 SSD requirements and installation instructions, including the full dimensions of the drive and any heatsink. Sony cautions that meeting the listed specifications does not guarantee every third-party device will work.
Do not confuse M.2 expansion with USB extended storage. PS5 games stored on a USB extended-storage drive must be copied back to console storage or M.2 storage before they can be played. A compatible M.2 drive is the option for playing PS5 games directly from expanded storage; USB can still be useful for archiving game files or for supported PS4 game use.
Quick Recap
Choose the option that fits the shortage
| Option | Best use | Trade-off or check |
|---|---|---|
| Windows built-in cleanup | Recover space quickly from selected cleanup categories. | Review selections; Storage Sense defaults do not clear Downloads or cloud files. Microsoft. |
| Move or delete personal files | Free space used by large files while keeping control over what goes. | Moving requires another storage location; empty the Recycle Bin after deletion. Microsoft. |
| Move or uninstall a Steam game | Make room taken by an existing game, potentially without downloading it again. | Back up the library folder and check for saves that are not synced. Steam. |
| Delete or selectively trim PS5 game data | Free console storage immediately. | Selective deletion is available only for some titles; handle saved data separately. PlayStation. |
| PS5 M.2 SSD | Address recurring shortages while keeping PS5 games playable from expanded storage. | Must satisfy Sony’s interface, capacity, form-factor, speed recommendation, and heat-dissipation requirements. PlayStation. |
| USB extended storage on PS5 | Archive or move game files; use extended storage for supported PS4 games. | PS5 games on USB must be copied back to console or M.2 storage before play. PlayStation. |
If space is still short
- Recheck free space on the actual install destination, not just the PC or console’s overall storage total.
- Look for another drive or library location the installer supports before deleting files.
- Use the platform’s documented cleanup or move options rather than deleting unfamiliar system folders or launcher-managed game files by hand.
- If the pressure is recurring, consider storage expansion that supports the games and platform you use; on PS5, USB storage and M.2 storage do not provide the same play-from-drive behavior.
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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