PS5 external hard drive format on pc​

Formatting a PS5 external hard drive on a PC is a simple yet essential process if you plan to use the drive for storing files or transferring data between different devices. However, before you proceed, it’s important to note that a PS5 external hard drive, when initially set up for the console, uses a proprietary file system that is incompatible with Windows PCs. 

PS5 External Hard Drive Setup

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) allows you to expand its storage using external hard drives, particularly for storing PS4 games and other media. When you connect an external hard drive to the PS5. it automatically formats the drive to a specific file system that the console recognizes. This file system is typically not compatible with Windows PCs, which generally rely on FAT32. exFAT, or NTFS file systems.

To repurpose your PS5 external hard drive for use on a Windows PC, you’ll need to format it. This process will erase all data on the drive, so it’s crucial to back up any files before proceeding.

What You Need Before Formatting a PS5 External Hard Drive

Before you begin the formatting process, ensure you have the following:

A Windows PC – You’ll need a PC running Windows 7 or later.

External Hard Drive – The PS5 external hard drive you want to format.

Backup of Data – If you have any files on the drive that you need, be sure to back them up to another location, as formatting will erase everything on the disk.

USB Cable – A USB cable compatible with both the external hard drive and your PC (typically USB 3.0 or USB-C).

Admin Access – You’ll need administrator privileges on your PC to format the drive.

Step 1: Connect the PS5 External Hard Drive to Your PC

To begin, plug the PS5 external hard drive into your PC using the appropriate USB cable. Ensure the drive is securely connected, and your PC recognizes it.

If your PC does not recognize the drive: Open the Disk Management tool (explained in the next step) to check if the system has detected it. If the drive isn’t showing up, try a different USB port, or check for issues with the USB cable.

Step 2: Access Disk Management

Right-click the Start menu button and select Disk Management from the list of options.

In the Disk Management window, locate your external hard drive. It will be listed as a Disk 1. Disk 2. or similar, depending on the number of drives connected to your computer.

Important Notes:

If the drive is still formatted for use with the PS5. it might show as “unallocated” or “RAW.” It might not display a recognizable file system or partition type.

If the drive shows up as a “PS5 Extended Storage” partition, Windows will not recognize it properly without reformatting it.

Step 3: Delete the Existing Partition (Optional but Recommended)

Before formatting the external hard drive, you need to delete the existing partition (created by the PS5). Follow these steps:

Right-click the PS5 external hard drive partition (e.g., Disk 2. Partition 1) in the Disk Management window.

Select Delete Volume from the context menu.

You’ll receive a warning that deleting the partition will erase all data. If you have already backed up your files, click Yes to confirm.

This action removes the partition and prepares the drive for reformatting.

Step 4: Create a New Partition on the Drive

After deleting the old partition, the external hard drive will show as Unallocated space in Disk Management.

Right-click the unallocated space and choose New Simple Volume.

The New Simple Volume Wizard will open. Follow the steps to create a new partition on the drive:

Specify the volume size: You can choose the entire size of the drive or a specific portion of it.

Assign a drive letter: Choose a letter (such as E: or F:) to represent the external drive in Windows.

Choose a file system: For compatibility with most PCs, select exFAT or NTFS as the file system.

exFAT is ideal if you plan to use the drive for both large files and cross-platform compatibility (e.g., transferring between Windows and macOS).

NTFS is a good choice if you plan to use the drive exclusively with Windows.

Perform a quick format: This option is usually selected by default. It allows Windows to format the drive faster without scanning for bad sectors.

After confirming your settings, click Next, and then click Finish.

Step 5: Format the Drive

Windows will now format the external hard drive using the file system you selected (exFAT or NTFS). The formatting process may take a few moments, depending on the size of the drive and the speed of your PC.

Once the process is complete, your external hard drive will be ready for use with your PC. You’ll see the new drive appear in the This PC section under the Devices and Drives heading.

Step 6: Check the External Hard Drive

After the format is complete, it’s a good idea to double-check that the drive works properly:

Open File Explorer (Windows + E) and navigate to This PC.

You should see the new external hard drive listed under the available drives.

Try transferring some files to the drive to ensure that everything is working correctly.

Step 7: Use the PS5 External Hard Drive on Your PC

Now that the external hard drive has been formatted, you can start using it just like any other storage device on your PC. You can store documents, media files, or install software to the drive. If you intend to use the drive for gaming-related purposes (e.g., storing PS4 game files), you can also copy over your game backups or save data.

Additional Considerations

Formatting Impact: Formatting the drive erases all data, so ensure you have a backup of anything important. Once formatted, the drive will no longer be usable by the PS5 unless you reformat it for use with the console again.

Performance: If you plan to use the external hard drive for gaming (specifically PS4 games), keep in mind that the PS5 supports high-speed storage for PlayStation 5 games. An external hard drive will only work for storing and playing PS4 games on the PS5. To use it for PS5 games, you’ll need to use an internal SSD or a compatible external SSD.

Security: If you’re transferring sensitive data to the external hard drive, consider enabling encryption or setting up a password for added security.

Troubleshooting

Drive not recognized: If the drive is not showing up, make sure it’s properly connected and powered. Check if the drive is functional by testing it on another PC or device.

Slow Performance: If the drive is slow, check if it’s using an older USB port (USB 2.0 vs. USB 3.0/3.1). You might need to connect the drive to a faster port.

File System Issues: If Windows fails to format the drive, try using the Diskpart tool from the command line or third-party disk management software to format the drive.

Formatting a PS5 external hard drive on a PC is a straightforward process that involves deleting the existing partition, creating a new partition, and choosing the appropriate file system (exFAT or NTFS) for compatibility with Windows. Whether you need to store documents, media, or install applications, a freshly formatted external hard drive offers a flexible storage solution for your PC needs.