If you’re a gaming enthusiast, chances are you’ve already gotten your hands on the highly anticipated PlayStation 5. With its powerful hardware and stunning graphics, it’s no wonder that the PS5 has become the talk of the town. However, as with any gaming console, storage can quickly become an issue, especially with the increasing file sizes of modern games.

Fortunately, the PS5 offers the option to install or move games to an external hard drive to free up space on the console’s built-in storage. This feature is a lifesaver for those who like to keep multiple games installed at once. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing or moving PS5 games to an external hard drive.

Why Use an External Hard Drive for PS5 Games?

Before diving into the instructions, let’s first understand the benefits of using an external hard drive for PS5 games. The primary advantage of using an external hard drive is to free up space on the PS5’s internal storage. With game file sizes ranging from 50GB to over 100GB, it’s easy to see how quickly the PS5’s 825GB storage can fill up.

Additionally, an external hard drive allows for more flexibility in managing your games. You can easily transfer games between the external hard drive and the internal storage without having to re-download them, saving both time and internet bandwidth. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who have limited internet connections or data caps.

Moreover, if you have a large collection of games, using an external hard drive can save you from the hassle of constantly uninstalling and reinstalling games to make room for new ones. You can simply switch between games by transferring them from the external hard drive to the PS5’s internal storage.

Overall, using an external hard drive for your PS5 games offers convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

How to Install or Move PS5 Games to an External Hard Drive

Now that we’ve established the advantages of using an external hard drive for your PS5 games, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to install or move games to an external hard drive.

Step 1: Choosing the Right External Hard Drive

The first step in this process is to select the right external hard drive for your PS5. The PS5 supports external USB drives with a minimum capacity of 250GB and a maximum capacity of 8TB. It’s recommended to use a USB 3.0 or higher drive for optimal performance. While any external hard drive should work with the PS5, it’s best to choose one from a reputable brand to ensure reliability and compatibility.

Some popular options for external hard drives that are compatible with the PS5 include the Samsung T7 Portable SSD, Western Digital My Passport, and Seagate Expansion Portable Hard Drive.

Step 2: Preparing the External Hard Drive for PS5

Once you have selected and purchased your external hard drive, the next step is to format it for the PS5. This process will erase all data on the drive, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.

To format the external hard drive, connect it to your PS5 via one of the USB ports on the back of the console. Then, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your PS5 and go to Settings from the home screen.
2. In the settings menu, go to Storage > Extended Storage.
3. Select Format as Extended Storage and follow the prompts to format the external hard drive.
4. Once the formatting is complete, the external hard drive will be ready to use with the PS5.

Step 3: Installing or Moving PS5 Games to the External Hard Drive

With your external hard drive formatted and ready, you can now install or move games from the PS5’s internal storage to the external hard drive.

To install a game directly to the external hard drive, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Library on your PS5.
2. Select the game you want to install on the external hard drive.
3. Press the Options button on the controller, and select Move to Extended Storage.
4. Follow the prompts to confirm the installation.

To move an already installed game from the PS5’s internal storage to the external hard drive, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Storage menu in the Settings.
2. Select Extended Storage and choose Move Games and Apps.
3. Select the games you want to move to the external hard drive and follow the prompts to complete the process.

Note that not all games are eligible for moving to the external hard drive. Some games may require specific files to be stored on the internal storage for optimal performance. If you’re unable to move a particular game, it means that it’s not supported for external storage.

Step 4: Playing Games From the External Hard Drive

Once your games are installed or moved to the external hard drive, you can easily play them without having to transfer them back to the internal storage. Simply connect the external hard drive to one of the USB ports on the PS5, and the games will appear in your library. You can then launch and play them as you would with any other game on the PS5.

Step 5: Removing the External Hard Drive

If you need to disconnect the external hard drive from your PS5, make sure to do so safely. Before unplugging the drive, go to the Storage menu in Settings and select Extended Storage. Then, select Stop Using This Extended Storage and follow the prompts to safely remove the external hard drive.

If you disconnect the drive without following this process, there’s a risk of data corruption or loss. So always remember to stop using the extended storage before unplugging the external hard drive from your PS5.

Step 6: Reconnecting the External Hard Drive

When you’re ready to use the external hard drive again, simply connect it to the USB port on the PS5. It should automatically be recognized and appear in your library as before.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While installing or moving games to an external hard drive is relatively simple, you may encounter some common issues along the way. Here are some troubleshooting tips for a hassle-free experience:

“The Game Cannot Be Moved to Extended Storage” Error

If you receive this error message while trying to move a game to the external hard drive, it means that the game is not eligible for external storage. As mentioned earlier, some games require specific files to be stored on the internal storage for optimal performance. In such cases, you can try freeing up space on the internal storage by deleting other games or applications.

Slow Performance on External Hard Drive

If you notice slower load times or performance on games installed on the external hard drive, it could be due to the type or speed of the drive. Make sure to use a USB 3.0 or higher drive for optimal performance. If you’re still experiencing slow performance, try connecting the drive to a different USB port on the PS5.

Conclusion

Using an external hard drive for your PS5 games is a great way to manage storage and keep your favorite games at hand. With the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily install or move games to an external hard drive. Just make sure to choose a high-quality drive and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any issues.

We hope this article has helped you in understanding how to install or move PS5 games to an external hard drive. Happy gaming!