PS4 Internal Hard Drive Format: What's the Best Option and How to Format It [Complete Guide]

Any hardware or electronic device has a lifespan, beyond which its performance degrades. Similarly, after a certain period of usage, you may observe that your PS4 is not functioning at its optimal level. A decline in performance is inevitable due to malfunctioning or outdated internal hard drives. This can lead to slower console operation while loading or downloading games, sudden crashes, or in-game error messages.

To resolve this, you can either upgrade the PS4 hard drive or format the PS4 internal hard drive to enhance the console's performance. Let's delve into the details of formatting the PS4 internal hard drive and the steps involved.

Why Format the Internal Hard Drive of a PS4

Electronic devices operate seamlessly thanks to the synergy between their internal software and hardware. The functionalities are encapsulated within files that instruct them on how to function correctly. Over time, as a PS4 ages, various issues may arise, such as the PS4 external hard drive not working. Below are some advantages of formatting the PS4 Hard Drive:

• Improves the overall speed of the PS4 by providing performance like a new device and expanding the storage on PS4.
• Hard drive formatting gets rid of corrupted or faulty files that cause unexpected crashes due to device errors.
• Customizing hard drive settings to meet or maintain minimum game requirements can create confusion between games and software, and formatting resolves this issue promptly.
• If you plan to sell, remove, or repurpose the internal hard drive for another device, you'll want to erase all previous data. Formatting does this, making the drive ready for a fresh use.

Furthermore, if your PS4 is performing slowly, we have a dedicated article to assist you in identifying the issue and resolving it:

How to Fix a Slow PS4 [Reasons & Solutions]

There could be multiple reasons behind a slow-running PS4. Knowing these reasons aids in applying the appropriate fixes. Fortunately, there are several solutions available.

What Is the Best PS4 Internal Hard Drive Format?

Well, we cannot pinpoint the exact best internal hard drive format for PS4. When you insert a hard drive into a Windows PC, you'll encounter three file formats: NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT. To give you a broad understanding, these file system formats differ in how data is stored on the drive. Other characteristics, such as file naming and permissions, also vary across these formats.

If you're attempting to determine the optimal file system format for your hard drive, consult the table below to choose the most suitable option for your operating system (OS).

Based on this comparison, exFAT is the most suitable format for the PS4's internal hard drive since game files tend to be quite large. It enhances space allocation, provides better technical support, and offers more secure file storage. Additionally, it supports unlimited file sizes, unlike FAT32. On the other hand, NTFS is more suited for the Windows operating system.

If you wish to understand the differences between exFAT, NTFS, and FAT32, please feel free to click the button below. For a more in-depth understanding of their specifics, you can visit FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS.

The following section will provide more details on how to set the PS4 internal hard drive format.

How to Set the PS4 Internal Hard Drive Format

There are various methods to format your hard drive, and selecting the most suitable one can be a task in itself. If you prefer to do it manually, you can proceed, but here are the best tools to comprehensively format your internal hard drive - tools Partition Master Free.

Before delving into the specific methods, there are three important aspects to consider regarding the PS4 internal hard drive formatting solution:

1. For formatting, you must remove your original hard drive from its casing and connect it to your computer. You can format it in one of two ways: by connecting it directly to the PC or by placing the stock hard drive in an external hard drive enclosure. Before proceeding with the formatting, ensure that you have created a new partition for the PS4 hard drive on your PC.

2. To restore the optimal potential of the PS4, the ideal format option is to perform a  Full Format. A Quick Format does not correct or eliminate bad sectors on the hard drive, which can negatively impact performance. On the other hand, a Full Format will eradicate errors and bad sectors.

3. Formatting will erase all data from the internal hard drive, so it's crucial to back up all essential data since you cannot afford to lose it.

Now that we are aware of the prerequisites for formatting, let's delve into the methods to accomplish it.

Method 1: Format the PS4 Internal Hard Drive using Partition Master Tool

Guide 1: Create a New Partition for PS4 Internal Hard Drive

Dividing your hard drive into partitions enables you to utilize it more effectively. When the hard drive contains all files within a single area, it can become cluttered and difficult to manage. By dividing this space into smaller sections, you can organize different types of data separately. Tools like Partition Master serve as an excellent Disk Partitioning Utility that can assist you in creating partitions with ease.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. On the main window, right-click on the unallocated space on your hard drive or external storage device and select "Create".

Step 2. Modify the partition size, file system (select the appropriate file system based on your requirements), label, etc. for the new partition, then click "OK" to proceed.

Step 3. Click on the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button and create a new partition by clicking "Apply".

Watch the following video tutorial to learn how to create a partition on an NTFS, FAT, or EXT file system.

Guide 2: Format the PS4 Internal Hard Drive

After partitioning your external hard drive, use tools like Partition Master to manage your hard drive space and format its files.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the partition on your external hard drive/USB/SD card that you wish to format, and select the "Format" option.

Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, and then click "OK".

Step 3. In the Warning window, click "Yes" to continue.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the top-left corner to review the changes, and then click "Apply" to begin formatting your external hard drive, USB, or SD card.

With the assistance of Partition Master, you can gain more advantages, and it can also help you convert NTFS to FAT32 without causing data loss.

Method 2: Format the PS4 Internal Hard Drive via Disk Management

When you connect your PS4 hard drive to your computer, it won't be directly visible in the file manager. You'll need to use Disk Management to view and manage the external hard drive.

Here's how to format the drive using Disk Management in English: 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Disk Management" from the menu. 2. In the Disk Management window, locate the drive you want to format. It will be listed under "Disks" and "Partitions/Volumes." 3. Right-click on the partition or volume you wish to format and choose "Format." 4. A small Format dialog box will appear. Here, you can: - Choose a file system (e.g., NTFS, FAT32, exFAT) based on your needs. - Assign a new drive letter if necessary. - Decide whether to enable the Quick Format option. This is usually recommended for faster formatting. - Optionally, you can enter a label for the drive. 5. Click "OK" to start the formatting process. A warning message will appear, reminding you that formatting will erase all data on the drive.确认你的选择，然后点击 "OK" 或 "Format" to proceed. 6. Wait for the formatting process to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on the size of the drive. Once done, the drive will be formatted and ready for use.

Step 1: To create a partition on the external hard drive, locate it in Disk Management. Press Windows + X to open Disk Management.

Step 1: Check: Right-click on the hard drive and select "Initialize Disk." Choose the partition style as Master Boot Record (MBR) for hard drives smaller than 2TB and GUID Partition Table (GPT) for hard drives larger than 2TB.

Step 2: Right-click on the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume to create a partition.

Remainder: If you don't have unallocated space on your drive, you can create room by shrinking or deleting an existing partition. This can also be accomplished using a third-party utility.

Step 3: A New Simple Volume window opens. Click on Next to continue.

Step 4: Enter the partition size in megabytes (MB) or click Next to select a maximum default size.

Step 5: To identify the partition, select the default drive letter or choose one of your preferences, and click Next. This action will divide the external storage and create the partition.

Step 6: Return to Disk Management, right-click the new partition, and choose Format.

Step 7: Choose the File system as either exFAT or FAT32. Do not select NTFS as the file system, as the PS4 does not support it.

Step 8: If the checkbox for "Perform a quick format" is checked, uncheck it to perform a full format. Review your selections and click Finish.

Method 3: Format PS4 Internal Hard Drive with PS4 Built-in Tool

You can format the PS4 external hard drive directly through the PS4 console using its built-in tools. Here are the steps to follow: 1. **Power On the PS4**: First, ensure your PS4 is turned on. 2. **Access the Main Menu**: Navigate to the home screen or main menu of your PS4 using the PlayStation DualShock controller. 3. **Open Settings**: Select the "Settings" icon, which looks like a gear, from the main menu. 4. **Choose 'Storage'**: In the Settings menu, scroll down and select "Storage." 5. **Select External Storage**: From the list of storage options, choose "External Storage." 6. **Format as Extended Storage**: On the External Storage screen, press the "Options" button (it's the one with the triangle symbol) and then select "Format as Extended Storage." 7. **Confirm Formatting**: A warning message will appear, informing you that all data on the external hard drive will be erased. If you're sure, select "Yes" to proceed with the formatting process. 8. **Wait for Formatting**: The PS4 will now begin formatting the external hard drive. This process may take a while depending on the size of the drive. 9. **Completion**: Once the formatting is complete, your PS4 external hard drive is ready to use for storing games, applications, and other data. Remember, always back up any important data before formatting to prevent loss.

Step 1: Connect your external device to the PS4 console.

Step 2: This action will display the following window on the screen.

Step 3: Press the Enter (X) button on the controller.

Step 4: Click on Format as extended storage and press Backup PS4.

Reminder: Do not connect your external device or perform formatting while the PS4 is running. This may corrupt the game files.

This article discusses the optimal format for an internal hard drive for the PlayStation 4 (PS4). If you're interested in learning about the format for an external hard drive for the PS4, please click on the link below for further information.

How to Format External Hard Drive for PS4

We will delve into an essential topic concerning PS4 – formatting an external hard drive for PS4. What is the best type of external storage? And how do you format it using a PC or a Mac?

Conclusion

The ideal file system for a PS4 would be exFAT. Don't forget to create partitions on the external hard drive before formatting it. Select the most suitable method to carry out the entire formatting process. Below are the procedures and steps for formatting the internal hard drive of a PS4.

I hope this article assists you in formatting the drive. Don't forget to select the appropriate file system; exFAT is an advanced and compatible option for the PS4. If you enjoyed the article, please share it with your friends and share your thoughts in the comments section.

FAQ on Formatting the Internal Hard Drive of a PS4

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. Here are some commonly asked queries about the PS4 formats.

1. What is the format of the PS4 internal drive?

The PS4 utilizes a 2.5-inch SATA HDD, akin to those found in laptops. If the old 2.5-inch drive exceeds a depth of 9.5mm, it will not be compatible with the PS4.

2. Is exFAT the same as FAT32 for PS4?

ExFAT, or Extended File Allocation Table, serves as an alternative to FAT32. You can consider exFAT as an advanced iteration of FAT32. It was designed to cater to contemporary requirements in terms of file size and security. ExFAT supports a maximum file size of 16EB (Exabytes) and a volume size of 128PB (Petabytes).

3. How do I format my old PS4 hard drive? To format your old PS4 hard drive, follow these steps: 1. Backup your important data: Before formatting, ensure that you have backed up any saves, game data, and settings that you wish to keep. You can use an external USB drive or the PlayStation Network for this. 2. Power off your PS4: Press and hold the power button on your console for about seven seconds until you hear two beeps. This will turn off your PS4 completely. 3. Connect the new hard drive: If you're replacing the hard drive, remove the old one and connect the new or old one (for formatting) to your PS4 using a suitable screwdriver to open the HDD bay cover. Ensure it's properly seated in the bay. 4. Boot into Safe Mode: With the hard drive connected, press and hold the power button again. Release it when you hear the second beep, which indicates entry into Safe Mode. 5. Select "Initialize PS4" or "Rebuild Database": In the Safe Mode menu, choose either: - "Initialize PS4" > "Quick" if it's a fresh install or you want to keep the system software. This will erase all data but maintain the current system software. - "Initialize PS4" > "Full" if you suspect corruption or want a clean slate, including reinstalling the system software. If the hard drive is not recognized, choose "Rebuild Database." This option assumes the drive has existing data and attempts to fix any file system issues. 6. Wait for the process to complete: Formatting can take some time, depending on the hard drive's size. Do not turn off your PS4 during this process. 7. Restore backups (optional): After formatting, boot into your newly formatted PS4 normally. If you made backups, you can now restore your saved data, game settings, and user profiles from the USB drive or PlayStation Network. 8. Update the system software: Connect your PS4 to the internet and check for any available system software updates to ensure you have the latest version. Remember that formatting will erase all data, so make sure you have backups before proceeding.

As mentioned in the article, there are several methods to reformat your old PS4 hard drive. You can connect it to your computer, create a partition on it, and then format it into the desired file system, preferably exFAT.