To download the PlayStation reinstallation file, visit the official PlayStation support website on a PC or Mac and select the correct file for your console model. This larger file is required to fix a corrupted operating system or replace a faulty hard drive, and it will completely erase all data on your console.
Before you download the PlayStation reinstallation file
Critical warnings: this process deletes all data on your PlayStation console, effectively performing a factory reset. If you need to reset your PlayStation 4 or PS5, back up any saved data you want to keep first. You will need a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, this is the USB drive format for PS4 Safe Mode update and also works for PS5. The PS5 reinstallation file requires approximately 1.2GB of free space on the USB drive. The installation must be done via Safe Mode, so ensure your console is powered off before proceeding.
Download the correct reinstallation file from PlayStation.com
Navigate to the official PlayStation support website on a PC or Mac. Locate the support section for your specific console model, PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5. On the system software page, you will see two file options: a standard update file and a larger reinstallation file. Choose the reinstallation file, which is significantly larger than the standard update, as it contains the full system software needed for a complete reinstall. If you are trying to wipe all personal data before selling your console, you may also need to factory reset a PlayStation 4.
Prepare the USB drive with the required folder structure
After downloading the reinstallation file, prepare your USB drive with the exact folder structure the console requires.
- Create a folder named PS4 (for PS4) or PS5 (for PS5) on the root of the USB drive. All folder names must be in uppercase.
- Inside that folder, create another folder named UPDATE (also in uppercase).
- Save the downloaded file into the UPDATE folder. The PS4 reinstallation file must be named PS4UPDATE.PUP, and the PS5 reinstallation file must be named PS5UPDATE.PUP.
Double-check that the file is exactly in the UPDATE subfolder and that the folder names are uppercase. Any deviation will prevent the console from recognizing the file.
Reinstall system software using Safe Mode
With the USB drive prepared, you can now reinstall the system software on your console.
- Connect the USB drive to your powered-off PlayStation console.
- Boot the console into Safe Mode: press and hold the power button until you hear a second beep (about seven seconds).
- Connect a controller via USB cable and press the PS button.
- From the Safe Mode menu, select the option to reinstall the system software. This option will delete all data on the console and install the fresh system software from the USB drive.
- Follow the on-screen setup prompts to complete the installation. The console will restart and guide you through language, date, and network settings.
Once the process finishes, your PlayStation will be restored to factory condition with the latest system software installed.
