Free Guide to Uninstalling PS5 Games

Understanding PS5 Storage and Why You Might Uninstall Games

The PlayStation 5 comes with 825 gigabytes of total storage space. However, the system reserves about 110 gigabytes for its operating system and features, leaving you with approximately 667 gigabytes of usable space for games, applications, and other content. This storage capacity matters because modern games take up significant amounts of space. For example, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II requires around 150 gigabytes, while Final Fantasy XVI needs approximately 150 gigabytes as well. NBA 2K24 takes up about 150 gigabytes, and Starfield requires roughly 120 gigabytes of storage.

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When your PS5 storage fills up, you may experience slower performance, difficulty installing new games, or inability to save game progress properly. The console needs free space to function optimally. Once your storage reaches near capacity, you will see notifications that warn you about low storage space. Rather than purchasing an expansion drive immediately, many players choose to uninstall games they are not actively playing and reinstall them later when desired.

Understanding your storage situation helps you make informed decisions about which games to keep installed. Some players maintain only their current favorite titles on the system, while others prefer keeping a larger library available. The choice depends on your internet speed, gaming habits, and how often you switch between different games.

Practical Takeaway: Check your PS5 storage status regularly by going to Settings > Storage to see how much space remains available and which games use the most storage.

Step-by-Step Process for Uninstalling Games

Uninstalling a PS5 game is a straightforward process that takes only a few moments. Start by navigating to your PS5 home screen. From there, locate the game you want to remove. You can find games in several places: your Game Library, which shows all games you own; the home screen if the game is pinned there; or by scrolling through your installed games list. Once you have located the game, highlight it by moving the cursor over it.

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After selecting the game, press the Options button on your PlayStation 5 controller (the button marked with three horizontal lines on the right side of the controller). A menu will appear with several choices. Look for the option that says "Delete" or "Remove." Select this option, and the system will ask you to confirm that you want to uninstall the game. Confirm your choice by selecting "Yes" or "Delete" when prompted. The uninstallation process will begin immediately.

The time required to uninstall a game varies based on the game's size. Smaller games may take just a minute or two, while larger games could take five to ten minutes. You will see a progress bar indicating how much of the uninstallation is complete. Your PS5 remains usable during this process, so you can play other games, use applications, or access other features while the uninstallation happens in the background.

One important note: uninstalling a game does not delete your saved game data. Your progress, achievements, and game saves remain stored on your PS5. When you choose to reinstall the game later, all your saves will be there waiting for you.

Practical Takeaway: Before uninstalling, verify which games you truly want to remove by checking your current gaming interests and considering how often you play each title.

What Happens to Your Game Data and Saves

Many players worry that uninstalling a game will erase their progress, achievements, and saved files. This concern is understandable but unfounded. When you uninstall a PS5 game, the game files are removed from your console's storage, but your game data remains intact and protected. The PS5 system separates game files from save data, meaning they are stored in different locations within your console's storage.

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Your saved game progress is maintained on your PS5 even after uninstalling the game. This saved data typically occupies very little storage space compared to the game itself. For instance, if a game takes up 150 gigabytes, your save file might only use a few hundred megabytes. When you reinstall the game, the system automatically restores access to all your previous saves. You can continue playing exactly where you left off, with all your progress, unlocked items, and achievements intact.

PlayStation Plus subscribers receive an additional layer of protection. Game saves can be backed up to PlayStation Plus cloud storage, which means your progress is also stored on Sony's servers. If something happened to your console, you could restore your saves on another PS5 using your account. This cloud backup happens automatically for most games, though some titles have specific restrictions.

Trophies and achievements you have earned also remain associated with your account permanently. These do not disappear when you uninstall a game. They are tied to your PlayStation Network account, not to the physical game files on your console.

Practical Takeaway: You can safely uninstall any game without fear of losing your progress, knowing that all saved data will be available when you reinstall the game later.

Reinstalling Games and What to Expect

Reinstalling a PS5 game that you have previously uninstalled differs from installing a new game. When you reinstall a game you own, the process is often faster because the system already has your licensing information and account data. To reinstall a game, visit your Game Library, where all games you have ever owned or claimed through PlayStation Plus are listed. Find the game you want to reinstall and select it. You should see an option to install or add the game. Select this option, and the installation will begin.

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The installation speed depends on your internet connection. With a fast broadband connection of 100 megabits per second or higher, a 150-gigabyte game might take thirty to forty minutes to install. With slower internet speeds of 25 megabits per second, the same game could take several hours. During installation, you can use your PS5 for other purposes, play other installed games, or use applications while the installation proceeds in the background.

Some games support a feature called "Play While Downloading." This feature allows you to start playing a game before the entire installation is complete. Typically, you can begin playing once enough of the game files have been installed, which might be after 40 to 60 percent of the installation is finished. This feature is particularly useful when you want to use your gaming time while waiting for the full installation to conclude.

If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can access a library called the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. Games in this catalog may have been uninstalled but remain available for reinstallation as long as your subscription is active. However, if your subscription expires and you have uninstalled a PlayStation Plus game, you will need to renew your subscription to reinstall it.

Practical Takeaway: Before uninstalling games, consider your typical reinstallation timeline and internet speed to understand how long a reinstall would take if you wanted to play that game again.

Managing Storage and Strategic Uninstallation Planning

Creating a storage management strategy helps you keep your PS5 running smoothly while maintaining the games you want readily available. Start by taking inventory of your game library and categorizing games by how frequently you play them. Games you play regularly should remain installed. Games you play occasionally might be candidates for uninstallation if storage becomes tight. Games you have finished or no longer play are ideal candidates for removal.

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You can view detailed storage information on your PS5. Go to Settings > Storage to see a breakdown of how much space each game uses. This information helps you identify which games consume the most storage. Some players use a simple formula: if a game uses 100 gigabytes or more and has not been played in more than a month, consider uninstalling it. Others prefer to maintain installations of games they are currently progressing through, then uninstall completed games.

Consider your internet reliability and speed when making uninstallation decisions. If you have very fast internet, you might uninstall games more freely, knowing reinstallation will not take long. If your internet is slower or less reliable, you might prefer keeping games installed longer. Some players use external storage solutions like PlayStation 5 compatible SSDs to expand their storage capacity, which reduces the need to uninstall games frequently.

Another strategy involves rotating through your game library. Dedicate time periods to different games. During one month, keep sports games and competitive titles installed