What happens if I delete a game application on PS4?

• You can delete games on a PS4 to free up valuable storage space. 
• It's possible to delete games on a PS4 from your game library, or system storage, where you can also see how much space your game is taking up.
• You should also delete your game files if you're not likely to redownload that game at a later time. 
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Games tend to take a lot of space on your PlayStation 4's hard drive. 

If your PS4 is getting close to capacity, you may need to remove older games you are no longer interested in playing to make room for new games. 

Here's how to do it. 

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How to delete games on a PS4 from the library

1. In your game library, navigate to the game you want to delete. 

2. With the game selected, press the Options button on the controller.

3. Select "Delete." Confirm your choice by selecting "OK." 

How to delete games on a PS4 from System Storage 

While the library is the easiest place to find your games, the System Storage page lets you see how much space each of your games takes up on the hard drive. If you want to delete a really large game to reclaim a lot of space, this is the way to do it. 

1. On the home screen, select "Settings."

2. Select "Storage."

3. Select "System Storage" to delete games located on the PS4's internal hard drive. If you have an external drive attached to the PS4, you can choose "Extended Storage" to delete games from there.

4. Select "Applications."

5. You should now see the list of installed games and how much hard drive space each is using. Use the controller to highlight the game you want to delete.

6. Press Options on the controller, and then select "Delete."

7. Select the games you want to delete, and then select "Delete." Confirm your decision by selecting "OK."

How to delete your game files on a PS4

When you delete a game, it usually leaves your saved game files and other game settings on the PS4 in case you later reinstall the game. If you're sure you don't want your game files, you can delete them as well.

1. On the home screen, select "Settings."

2. Select "Application Saved Data Management."

3. Select "Saved Data in System Storage."

4. Select "Delete."

5. Choose the game you want to delete.

6. On the Saved Game Data page, choose the game files you want to delete (or choose "Select All").

7. Select "Delete" and then confirm your choice by selecting "OK."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• You can play PS3 games on your PS4 with Sony's PlayStation Now streaming service — here's how

• How to properly clean a PS4 console, on both the exterior and interior

• How to turn a PS4 on or off, or put it into Rest Mode, using the controller or system

• How to charge a PlayStation 4 controller using your PS4 console

Dave Johnson

Freelance Writer

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.

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