Start by checking storage on the device where you plan to install the game, then use that platform’s built-in tools to remove or move items you recognize. Windows, PS5 and Nintendo Switch handle storage differently, so a USB drive or deletion method that works for one may not work the same way on another.
Before you delete anything, check what is taking up space
Use the storage screen for the device that will receive the game. Review the current free-space figure and the largest installed games, apps or files before removing anything. Then check the game’s current store listing and the system’s download prompt for its space requirement; there is no universal extra-space buffer established for every large download.
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- Windows 10 or 11: Open File Explorer and select This PC to see free space on each drive. Open Settings and look under System > Storage for cleanup options, including Cleanup recommendations.
- PS5: Open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Nintendo Switch family: Open System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software.
The screens show different kinds of data and offer different ways to reclaim it. Don’t assume that a removable game, save file, or external drive behaves identically across platforms.
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Free space on a Windows PC
Review Windows’ cleanup suggestions
In Settings > System > Storage, review Cleanup recommendations and the space Windows reports for each category. Suggestions can include temporary files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files and unused apps. Storage Sense can also remove temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin. Review what Windows proposes before confirming removal; files you still need should not be treated as disposable just because they appear in a cleanup category. See Microsoft’s Windows drive-space guidance for details.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 you want to keep
Videos, Music, Pictures and Downloads folders can contain large files. In File Explorer, open these folders and sort by size to find candidates. Move wanted items to another drive or external storage rather than deleting them. If you delete files and want their space back, empty the Recycle Bin; deleting a file may not reclaim its storage while it remains there.
Free space on PS5
Delete a title or selected game data
Open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps and review the installed items. Delete only games or data you no longer need. For titles that offer a Customize option, Sony says you may be able to remove add-ons or completed portions while keeping the rest of the game. The options depend on the title. Sony’s PS5 storage instructions explain the available controls.
Rank #2
- 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
Choose external storage according to how you play
A USB extended-storage drive can help hold games, but it does not work as a playable location for every PS5 title. Sony says PS5 games stored on USB extended storage must be copied back to PS5 console storage before play. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. An installed M.2 SSD can be used to download, copy and launch PS5 and PS4 games, provided it meets Sony’s requirements. Check Sony’s PS5 storage and M.2 SSD support information before buying or installing hardware.
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Free space on Nintendo Switch
Archive an unplayed download to preserve its save data
In System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software, select software you are willing to remove and choose the archive option where available. Nintendo says archiving removes the downloaded software but preserves its save data and HOME Menu icon. Select that icon later to redownload the software. Nintendo’s instructions for managing or deleting downloadable software describe the process.
Rank #3
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- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Use microSD for downloadable software, not a USB hard drive
A microSD card can store downloadable software on supported Switch devices. Nintendo’s Data Management FAQ says external USB hard drives are not currently supported for Switch data management. Check the requirements for your Switch model and card before purchasing storage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which storage option makes sense?
| Platform and option | Best fit | Can the game play from it? |
|---|---|---|
| Windows: cleanup or move files to another drive | Recovering space by removing temporary data or relocating personal files | Depends on where the game is installed; check the launcher and game requirements. |
| PS5: USB extended storage | Offloading PS5 games or storing and playing PS4 games | PS5 games must be copied to console storage to play; PS4 games can play from USB extended storage. |
| PS5: compatible installed M.2 SSD | Adding playable game storage | Sony says PS5 and PS4 games can be downloaded, copied and launched from it, subject to requirements. |
| Nintendo Switch: microSD card | Adding space for downloadable software | Downloadable software can be stored on microSD; check device and card requirements. |
Before spending money, try the platform’s cleanup or archive options and move files you want to keep. If you need ongoing expansion, choose storage designed for your specific device: Switch supports microSD for downloadable software, while PS5 USB storage is not a substitute for an M.2 SSD when you want to launch PS5 games without copying them back.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Rank #4
- 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
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
If the download still will not start
- Check the free-space figure on the target drive or console storage screen again.
- Read the game’s current store listing and the system’s download message for the required space and destination.
- Remove or move another item you recognize, then check free space again before retrying.
- If you added external storage, confirm that the platform supports it for the intended use and that the game is installed in a location from which it can run.
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