Free Up Space! A Comprehensive Guide to Moving Games from System to Extended Storage on Your PS4

So, you’re running out of space on your PlayStation 4? Don’t panic! Moving games from your PS4’s internal system storage to an external hard drive (extended storage) is a straightforward process. Here’s the quick and dirty: go to Settings > Storage. Select System Storage, then Applications. Press the Options button on your controller, and choose Move to Extended Storage. Select the games you want to move, and then click Move. Voila! Let’s delve into a more detailed explanation and answer some frequently asked questions.

Understanding Your PS4 Storage Options

Before we dive into the how-to, it’s important to understand your PS4’s storage landscape. Your PS4 comes with internal storage, which is where your operating system, game data, and applications are stored. However, this internal storage can quickly fill up, especially with the ever-increasing size of modern games.

This is where extended storage comes in. By connecting an external hard drive to your PS4, you can significantly expand your storage capacity, allowing you to install more games and DLC without constantly deleting your favorites. Think of it as adding an extra room to your gaming house – more space for all your digital treasures!

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Games to Extended Storage

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to move games from your PS4’s system storage to extended storage:

1. Prepare your external hard drive: First, ensure your external hard drive meets the necessary requirements. It should be a USB 3.0 drive with a storage capacity between 250GB and 8TB. Connect the external hard drive to one of the USB ports on your PS4.

2. Format the external hard drive: If this is the first time you’re using the external hard drive with your PS4, you’ll need to format it as extended storage. Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices. Select your external hard drive, and then choose Format as Extended Storage. Remember that formatting will erase all data on the drive, so back up any important files beforehand.

3. Navigate to Storage Settings: From the PS4’s main menu, go to Settings. Scroll down and select Storage.

4. Select System Storage: In the Storage menu, you’ll see a breakdown of your system storage and extended storage. Select System Storage.

5. Choose Applications: Within System Storage, select Applications. This will display a list of all the games and applications installed on your internal hard drive.

6. Initiate the Move Process: Press the Options button on your controller. A pop-up menu will appear. Select Move to Extended Storage.

7. Select Games to Move: You’ll now see a list of your games with checkboxes next to them. Select the games you want to move to the external hard drive. You can select multiple games at once.

8. Execute the Move: Once you’ve selected the games, click the Move button in the bottom right corner of the screen.

9. Wait for the Transfer: The PS4 will now begin transferring the selected games to the external hard drive. The transfer time will depend on the size of the games and the speed of your external hard drive. You can continue using your PS4 while the transfer is in progress, but performance might be slightly affected.

10. Verify the Transfer: Once the transfer is complete, you can verify that the games have been moved by checking the Extended Storage section in the Storage menu. The moved games should now appear there.

Managing Your Storage Moving Forward

Now that you know how to move games, here are some tips for managing your storage effectively:

• Set Extended Storage as the Default Install Location: To avoid constantly moving games manually, you can set your extended storage as the default install location for new games. Go to Settings > Storage. Press the Options button on your controller and select Application Install Location. Choose Extended Storage.
• Regularly Check Your Storage Space: Keep an eye on your storage space to avoid running out of room unexpectedly. The Storage menu provides a clear breakdown of your available space on both the system storage and extended storage.
• Consider Upgrading Your Internal Hard Drive: If you’re comfortable with hardware upgrades, you can replace your PS4’s internal hard drive with a larger one. This will give you even more storage space without relying solely on external storage.
• Delete Games You No Longer Play: Be honest with yourself – are you really going to replay that game you haven’t touched in years? Deleting games you no longer play is the simplest way to free up storage space.
• Organize Your Games: Consider using folders or categories to organize your games on the extended storage. This can make it easier to find the games you’re looking for.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about moving games from system storage to extended storage on your PS4:

How to Move Games from System Storage to Extended Storage PS4?

The process involves going to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Applications. Press the Options button, select Move to Extended Storage, choose the games, and then click Move.

Can you transfer system Storage to extended Storage PS4?

Yes, you can transfer applications, including games, from your PS4 system storage to an external USB storage device that meets the requirements (USB 3.0, between 250GB and 8TB).

How do I move games from system Storage to extended?

Navigate to Settings > Storage. Select the storage where the application is located, then select Applications. Press the OPTIONS button and select Move to Extended Storage.

How do I transfer data from PS4 to extended hard drive?

You can transfer game data (saved data) by going to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device.

How do I make extended Storage my default on PS4?

Go to Settings > Storage. Press the Options button and select Application Install Location. Set it to Extended Storage.

Does formatting PS4 as extended Storage delete everything?

Yes, formatting the drive will erase all the data. Back up important files before formatting.

How many games can 2TB hold PS4?

A 2TB hard drive can typically hold 50+ games, depending on the size of each game. Modern AAA games can range from 30GB to over 100GB.

Why is my PS4 extended storage not working?

Possible reasons include a corrupted external drive, incompatible file system (must be exFAT or FAT32), improper connection, or outdated PS4 system software.

Do games on extended storage run slower?

While USB 3.0 is fairly fast, some games might experience slightly longer loading times compared to being installed on the internal hard drive, especially if the internal drive is an SSD. The difference is generally minimal.

Can you move games to external hard drive?

Yes, the PS4 allows you to move installed games to an external hard drive configured as extended storage.

Can you transfer games from one storage to another?

Yes, the PS4 supports moving games between the internal storage and the extended storage.

What file system is PS4 extended storage?

The PS4 supports the FAT32 and exFAT file systems for extended storage. It’s recommended to use exFAT, as it supports files larger than 4GB.

What is the maximum internal storage for PS4?

While the PS4 can theoretically support an 8TB internal drive, finding a compatible drive and ensuring proper functionality can be challenging. Most users opt for a 1TB or 2TB internal upgrade.

Can you play games on extended storage?

Yes, you can play PS4 games directly from an external hard drive. However, while you can store PS5 games on an external drive, you cannot play them directly from there; you need to transfer them back to the PS5’s internal storage.

How do I know if my PS4 hard drive is failing?

Signs of a failing hard drive include unusual noises, frequent crashes, read/write errors, disappearing data, and excessive heating.

Mastering your PS4’s storage management is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. By following these steps and understanding the FAQs, you can ensure you always have enough space for your favorite games!