Recommended Free Tools
You can reclaim space without losing your PlayStation games. On a PS5, open Settings > Storage and move installed games to a USB extended-storage drive or a compatible M.2 SSD. On a PS4, use USB extended storage or replace the internal hard drive. Keep saved data in PlayStation Plus cloud storage when available, and copy supported PS4 saves and captures to a regular USB drive.
The important distinction is between installed game data, saved data and captures. Each has different storage rules, and moving a PS5 game to USB does not make it playable there. The steps below let you add room while preserving your installations, progress and media.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Start with the right storage screen
Before deleting anything, check what is consuming space and decide which type of data you need to preserve.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- On PS5, go to Settings > Storage.
- On PS4, open the storage screen, then use Settings > Application Saved Data Management for save files.
- Sort or inspect the categories for games and apps, captures, media and saved data.
- Move large game installations first. They are usually the easiest space recovery because the purchase entitlement remains in your library even if an application is later deleted.
- Back up saves before deleting, restoring a backup or disconnecting an external drive.
Do not unplug a USB drive while the console is reading or writing it. Use the console’s safe-removal command every time.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What each storage destination can hold
PlayStation treats game installations, saved data and captures as separate data types. The following matrix reflects Sony’s documented destinations rather than a claim that every file can be moved anywhere.
| Data | PS5 console storage | PS5 USB extended storage | PS5 M.2 SSD | PS4 USB extended storage | Regular USB drive | PlayStation Plus cloud |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 game data | Yes | Yes, for storage only | Yes | Not applicable | Not stated | Not applicable |
| PS4 game data | Yes | Yes; playable from USB on PS5 | Yes on PS5 | Yes; playable from USB on PS4 | Not stated | Not applicable |
| PS5 saved data | Yes | Not stated as a destination | Not stated as a destination | Not applicable | Not stated | Yes, where your PlayStation Plus plan supports cloud saves |
| PS4 saved data | Console-dependent | Not stated as a save destination | Not stated as a save destination | Console-dependent | Yes | Yes, where supported |
| PS4 captures | Console storage | Not stated as a capture archive | Not stated as a capture archive | Console storage | Yes, when copied through the console | Not stated |
“Not stated” means Sony’s guidance does not identify that destination for the data type; it is not permission to assume compatibility. In practice, use extended storage for installations, cloud storage for supported saves and a normal USB drive for PS4 saves and captures.
Move PS5 games to USB extended storage
A commercially available USB drive can be formatted by the PS5 as USB extended storage. This is the simplest way to keep a large PS5 installation without occupying the console’s internal space.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What USB extended storage does on PS5
PS5 games can be stored on USB extended storage, but they cannot run directly from it. Sony’s instruction is explicit: PS5 games can’t be played directly from USB extended storage, so make sure to copy PS5 game data back to your console storage when you want to play the game again.
PS4 games are different: a PS4 title can run directly from USB extended storage and can be installed there.
That means USB is best for a library of games you want to keep installed but do not play every day. When you select a stored PS5 title, allow time to copy it back to console storage before launching it.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Format and move an installed game
- Connect the USB drive to the PS5 and follow the on-screen prompt to format it as USB extended storage if it is not already formatted for the console. Formatting erases the drive’s existing contents, so copy anything important elsewhere first.
- Open Settings > Storage and confirm that the drive appears under USB extended storage.
- From the PS5 Game Library, highlight the installed game without launching it.
- Press the Options button on the controller.
- Choose Move Games and Apps, select the game, and confirm the move.
- Wait for the transfer to finish before starting another storage operation or disconnecting the drive.
You can also set the console’s installation preference so supported PS4 games go to USB extended storage. Keep PS5 titles on console or M.2 storage when you expect to play them immediately.
Copy a PS5 game back when you want to play
- Open the PS5 game library or storage management view and select the PS5 title on USB extended storage.
- Choose the command to move or copy it to console storage.
- Wait for the transfer to complete, then launch the game from console or M.2 storage.
The move does not revoke your license or delete your purchase. It changes where the installed game data resides.
Safely remove the PS5 drive
- Go to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage.
- Select Safely Remove from PS5.
- Wait for the confirmation before unplugging the cable.
Removing a drive without this command can interrupt file operations and may require the console to repair or reformat the drive.
Use an M.2 SSD when PS5 games must stay ready to play
An M.2 SSD is the PS5 expansion route for keeping PS5 installations on fast, internal-style storage. Sony’s storage matrix supports both PS5 and PS4 game data on an M.2 SSD, so it can hold the newer generation’s games without the USB copy-back step.
Check compatibility before buying
M.2 drives are not interchangeable. Sony’s current compatibility requirements cover the supported interface, physical size, performance characteristics and heatsink arrangement. Those requirements can change with console software and hardware revisions, so check the current PlayStation Support M.2 requirements for your PS5 model before purchasing. A drive that physically fits but lacks the required specification should not be installed.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Install and use the expansion
- Back up important saved data and shut down the PS5 completely; do not work on a console in Rest Mode.
- Install a compatible M.2 SSD with the required heat-dissipation solution, following Sony’s current hardware instructions for your console revision.
- Start the PS5 and allow it to format the new drive when prompted. Formatting erases the SSD.
- Return to Settings > Storage to verify the M.2 SSD appears as a storage location.
- Move existing games through the storage-management controls, or choose the M.2 SSD as the destination when installing compatible titles.
Because an M.2 SSD is treated as an additional high-speed game location, it is the better fit if you rotate through several PS5 games and do not want to copy each one from USB before playing.
Free space on PS4 without removing your library
Sony identifies two capacity-preserving choices for PS4 owners: download games to USB extended storage or upgrade the PS4’s internal HDD. The first requires no console disassembly; the second replaces the internal drive and involves a backup and restore process.
Option 1: PS4 USB extended storage
- Connect a compatible USB drive to the PS4.
- Format it as extended storage when the console offers the option. Formatting removes existing files from the drive.
- Open the storage settings and select the USB extended-storage device as the installation location for new games and applications, where the console offers that choice.
- Move installed games from the console’s storage-management screen to the extended drive.
- Leave the drive connected when you want to play titles stored there. PS4 games can run directly from PS4 extended storage.
This approach preserves the original installation while reserving the internal drive for games you play most often, system data and other content.
Option 2: Replace or upgrade the internal PS4 HDD
An internal HDD upgrade gives the PS4 more built-in capacity, but it is a hardware migration rather than a simple move. Before opening the console, make a full backup to a FAT32- or exFAT-formatted USB drive with at least twice the storage space of the PS4 backup file. Keep the backup drive connected and protected until the replacement is working.
- Back up the PS4 using the system’s backup option and verify that the backup completes.
- Shut down the PS4 fully, unplug it and follow the hardware instructions for your exact PS4 model to remove the original HDD.
- Install a compatible replacement HDD and reinstall the system software as required by Sony’s procedure.
- Restore the backup after the console recognizes the new drive.
- Recheck applications, saved data and settings before deleting the old backup.
Restoring a PS4 backup erases data currently saved on the PS4. Treat backup and restore as a migration and protection method, not as a way to play games from the backup file itself.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Protect saved data before moving or deleting games
Moving an installation does not automatically move your progress. Saved data has its own management controls and should be protected before a cleanup.
PlayStation Plus cloud storage
PS5 and PS4 saved data can use PlayStation Plus cloud storage where the subscription and game support make it available. Enable automatic upload if your account and console settings offer it, or upload saves manually before making major changes. Cloud storage is especially useful when you delete an application and later download it again from the game library.
Regular USB storage for PS4 saves
PS4 saved data can also be copied to a normal USB drive. On PS4, open Settings > Application Saved Data Management, then choose the system-storage, online-storage or USB-storage option that matches the direction of the copy. Keep the USB drive labeled and do not overwrite the only copy of a valuable save.
Captures and media
Screenshots and video clips can consume space independently of games. PS4 captures can be copied to a regular USB drive through the console. After verifying the files on another device, remove old captures from the console. The documented storage matrix does not identify cloud storage as a general capture archive, so do not assume a PlayStation Plus save backup includes your clips.
A safe cleanup order
Use this sequence when the console reports that storage is nearly full.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Open the storage screen and identify the largest categories.
- Copy or upload important PS4 saves and captures before changing installations.
- Move infrequently played PS5 games to USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD. Use USB when you accept the copy-back step; use M.2 when you want PS5 games immediately playable.
- Move PS4 games to USB extended storage, where they remain playable without returning to the internal drive.
- Transfer PS4 captures and supported saves to a regular USB drive, or upload saves to PlayStation Plus cloud storage where available.
- Only then consider deleting an application. Deleting the application does not remove its purchase entitlement; you can download it again from the Game Library.
- Safely remove every external drive through the console menu before unplugging it.
Choose the method that fits your play pattern
| Your priority | Best-supported approach | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Keep PS5 games without buying or installing internal expansion | PS5 USB extended storage | Store the games externally, then copy them back to console storage before playing. |
| Play PS5 games directly from added capacity | Compatible PS5 M.2 SSD | Check Sony’s current interface, size, performance and heatsink requirements before installation. |
| Play PS4 games from an external drive | USB extended storage | PS4 games can run directly from the extended drive on PS4 and PS5. |
| Add permanent built-in capacity to a PS4 | Internal HDD upgrade | Requires a full backup, hardware replacement and restore; restoring erases current console data. |
| Preserve progress while changing installations | PlayStation Plus cloud storage, where available | Upload or verify saves separately from game data. |
| Archive PS4 screenshots and clips | Regular USB drive | Copy the captures, verify them elsewhere and then remove the console copies. |
Troubleshooting common storage problems
The PS5 says a PS5 game cannot start from USB
That is expected behavior, not a failed transfer. Move the game from USB extended storage back to console storage or an installed M.2 SSD, then launch it again.
The drive is not available as extended storage
Check the cable and port, reconnect the drive directly to the console and look under the storage settings. If the console offers to format it, remember that formatting destroys existing contents. Do not proceed until anything important on the drive has been copied elsewhere.
A move appears stuck
Do not unplug the drive or force a shutdown while the progress indicator is active. Allow the operation to finish, then restart the console only if it reports an error. Repeated failures can indicate a cable, drive or file-system problem; preserve any readable data before reformatting.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →A save is missing after reinstalling a game
Game installation and saved data are separate. Check the console’s saved-data management screen and the PlayStation Plus cloud for the correct account. On PS4, check the USB storage option if you previously copied saves there. Do not restore an old full-console backup until you understand what it will overwrite.
A PS4 backup will not restore
Confirm that the USB drive is FAT32 or exFAT and that it has at least twice the storage space of the backup file, as Sony requires. Restoration erases data currently on the PS4, so copy any newer saves or captures off the console first.
What not to do
- Do not assume a regular USB drive can run PS5 games; PS5 games must be copied to console or M.2 storage to play.
- Do not format a drive before checking for files you still need.
- Do not unplug extended storage without selecting Safely Remove from PS5 or the equivalent console command.
- Do not treat a full backup as playable game storage; it is for protection and migration.
- Do not delete the only copy of a save or capture until a cloud or USB copy has been verified.
- Do not buy an M.2 SSD solely because its physical dimensions look right; confirm the current Sony requirements for your PS5.
With the data separated correctly, you can clear substantial working space while keeping your games, licenses and progress. USB extended storage is the low-effort archive, an M.2 SSD is the PS5 option for games that remain ready to launch, and a PS4 HDD upgrade is the more involved permanent expansion.
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.
