PS4 extended storage: here is everything you need to know about it
Here you will find out:
- about PS4 extended storage
- how DiskInternals Partition Recovery can help you
Are you ready? Let's read!
What is PS4 Extended Storage?
Starting with the PS4 4.5 release, users have the option to use an external hard drive on their PS4, meaning you can use an external hard drive or USB drive to backup and restore PS4 or use it as extended PS4 storage. In this case, you can install more games and applications there.
To learn more about this PS4 Extended Storage option, you can look at its main advantages and disadvantages.
Protect your game progress
In general, an extended hard drive PS4 is as vulnerable as any other hard drive. Over time, bad sectors can appear, temporary files can clutter up the disk and contribute to the development of system errors, virus attacks can also occur at any time, accidental deletion, etc.
In almost all of these cases, data can be lost, so make a backup or restore the information you need. If you have corrupted files or some data has been lost, it's time to use DiskInternals Partition Recovery.
With this software, you can easily restore all game processes. DiskInternals Partition Recovery is equipped with three powerful helpers: Partition Recovery Wizard, NTFS Recovery Wizard and FAT Recovery Wizard - they will make recovery as automatic and fast as possible.
Before data recovery, you can preview any file with the preview function for free, so you can make sure that you can get it back accurately. You can download a fully functional free trial version of the program and test it in action. Not a single user has regretted their choice yet!
Props and cons
By using an external drive as extended storage for your PS4, you get a lot of options and privileges:
- The biggest plus is the expansion of free space. As a result, the player will be able to improve their gameplay, as well as improve flexibility in recognizing games and applications. Plus, you can install the biggest games like Call of Duty and Red Dead Redemption 2.
- You can play games on any PS4 without having to download them again.
- It will make the process of updating the disk easier, since you do not need to clone the old disk, reinstall the PS4 system software, and restore the backup files.
However, PS4 Expanded Storage has some drawbacks when compared to other PS4 storage expansion methods.
- You will not be able to install system software on extended storage and thus you may not get optimal system performance.
- Video and audio files cannot be imported, so you will not be able to stream or watch movies from PS4 extended storage.
- Before connecting the external hard drive to the PS4, it needs to be formatted. Therefore, you will lose all previously saved data on this disk if you do not create a backup beforehand.
- Without reformatting the disk, you will not be able to use it later on a PC or Mac.
If everything suits you, you can proceed to prepare PS4 Extended Storage.
How to prepare PS4 Extended Storage?
Before formatting an external hard drive for PS4, you must make sure the drive meets certain requirements:
- PS4 must have USB 3.0 ports or newer.
- External storage capacity should be between 250 GB and 8 TB.
- You must have the latest PS4 system software installed.
- The external storage connection to the PS4 USB port must be direct.
Now you can format extended PS4 storage using internal settings and not be afraid that something will go wrong.
So, connect your USB 3.0 external hard drive to your PS4 USB port and open the PS4 home screen. Then press the "Up" button and you will enter the function menu. Here, select the "Settings" icon.
Next, select "Devices" using the X button and select the USB Storage Devices option in the Devices window. Then press the X button to select your external hard drive.
Next, click "Format as Extended Storage", click "Next" in the pop-up window and click the "Format" button again.
Then the PS4 will automatically start the formatting process, as a result, you will receive a message about successful formatting - click OK to complete the process.
The external drive will then be set as the default boot location.
How to use it?
In order to run games and applications smoothly, you need to change the installation location and move the games to disk.
So, to change the installation location, connect your external hard drive to your PS4 system and do the following:
In Settings on the PS4 home screen, select Storage. You will have a choice between system storage and extended storage - select “Extended storage” as the target download location. After a while, the applications will be installed in extended storage.
Next, you can transfer apps and games to PS4 extended storage from internal storage.
Also go to "Settings" and select the "Storage" option. Next, select the system storage, click "Applications". Now click on the OPTIONS button and select Move to Extended Storage.
You should select the games and applications that you want to move from the internal memory and click the "Move" button. Click Ok and wait a while for this process to complete.
Your extended storage is now completely ready to use.
Quick tips
As an external hard drive on PS4 will serve you for many years, the following tips should be considered:
- It is recommended not to eject PS4 extended storage when the PS4 is turned on. Failure to follow this advice could result in data loss or damage. You can also properly remove your PS4 external drive by clicking the Stop Using Extended Storage button.
- Always turn off your PS4 correctly, otherwise sooner or later you will receive the message "your external storage needs to be repaired."
- The external drive should be reformatted to the appropriate file system.