Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesA PS5 system software update changes the console’s operating software; a game update changes one specific game or app. You check and manage them in different places, and their automatic-update settings are separate. For normal updates, use the console’s internet connection—Sony’s USB method is a manual system-software troubleshooting option, not a requirement for game updates.
How the two PS5 update types differ
| Question | System software update | Game or app update |
|---|---|---|
| What changes? | The PS5 console’s system software. Some applications or content may be unavailable until the console is updated. Sony’s system software instructions | The selected game or app. Sony says a game or app automatically updates to the newest version available when you start it. Sony’s game and app update instructions |
| Where do I check? | See the installed version at Settings > System > System Software > Console Information. Update controls are under System Software Update and Settings. Sony’s console information guidance | Highlight the game or app, press the options button, and select Check for Update. Sony’s game and app update instructions |
| Can it update automatically? | Yes. Sony provides automatic download and installation settings. Rest-mode updating requires an internet connection. Sony’s automatic update settings | Yes. Auto-Download and Auto-Install are separate settings; a game or app also updates when started if a newer version is available. Sony’s automatic update settings |
| Is a USB drive needed? | Not for a normal update over the internet. Sony documents USB updating as a manual computer-based option, including for troubleshooting. Sony’s system software instructions | No USB method is specified for checking or updating a game or app through the console. Sony’s game and app update instructions |
How to check and update PS5 system software
- To see the installed version, open Settings > System > System Software > Console Information. Sony says “Up to date” appears when the latest version is installed. Sony’s console information guidance
- To check for an update, open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings, then select Update System Software if an update is available. Sony’s system software instructions
How to update a game or app on PS5
- Highlight the game or app on the PS5 home screen.
- Press the options button on the controller and select Check for Update.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions. Sony also says a game or app automatically updates to the newest version available when started. Sony’s game and app update instructions
Set automatic updates separately
System software and game/app updates have different settings menus. Choose the relevant controls for each type:
- System software: Open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings and enable automatic download and installation as desired. Sony’s automatic update settings
- Games and apps: Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates. Turn on Auto-Download or Auto-Install in Rest Mode as appropriate. Sony’s automatic update settings
- Rest Mode: Keep the console connected to the internet for updates in Rest Mode. For games and apps, Auto-Download without Auto-Install lets the console download an update while deferring installation, so you do not have to close a suspended game immediately. Sony’s automatic update settings
What to do if an update fails
System software update problems
If a system software download gets stuck, Sony advises restarting the download and trying again. If that does not work, Sony’s instructions cover updating through Safe Mode or downloading the update file on a PC or Mac and copying it to a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Use Sony’s official file and folder naming instructions; do not use update files from another source or methods outside Sony’s instructions. Do not turn off the console during installation, because interrupting it can damage the console. Sony’s system software instructions Sony’s Safe Mode instructions
Game or app update problems
Sony’s first checks include testing the internet connection and restarting the console. Its troubleshooting guidance also advises confirming that system software is current; further options include reinstalling the game or app or using Safe Mode options as directed by Sony. Sony’s game and app update instructions
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