If you have installed an M.2 SSD (solid state drive) inside your PS5, then you're probably wondering how to optimize your console to get the best out of your expanded storage.

There are several ways, one of which is changing the default download location to the M.2 SSD, as opposed to the default Console Storage.

Here's how to change your PS5 default download location to the M.2 SSD.

Why Change the Default Download Location to M.2 SSD?

OK, so the PS5's console storage—the storage that is pre-installed in the device when you buy it—is fine, to a point. It has a snappy read speed of 5.5 GB per second. However, most of the compatible M.2 SSD cards carry read speeds of between 6.5-7.5 GB/s (or more).

The upshot of this is that some of your games will load faster because of this extra oomph. So, if you play a game stored on console storage and it lags a little in certain areas, then consider transferring it to the M.2 card.

Related: How to Transfer Games From Your PS5 Console's Storage to an M.2 SSD

Change Your PS5 Default Game Download Location

Changing the default download location to the M.2 SSD is an incredibly simple process. Just follow these steps and you'll be enjoying those faster read speeds in no time.

  1. Launch your PS5 and select Settings from the home page. It is a cog icon next to your avatar at the top right of the screen.
  2. From the Settings menu, select Storage.
  3. The bottom option on the left is Installation Location. Move the cursor down and tap X on your controller.
  4. Now select which games you'd like to store where. For example, if you want to select the M.2 SSD as the default download location for your future PS5 games, select PS5 Games and Apps and choose M.2 SSD Storage.
  5. Your console will now automatically download all of your PS5 exclusives to the M.2 card.
  6. You can check you've completed the operation successfully as PS5 Games and Apps will now display M.2 SSD Storage next to it, on the Installation Location menu screen.

And that is it! You can always change back again by following the same process and selecting Console Storage instead of M.2 SSD Storage.

Now Your PS5 Games Download to Your M.2 SSD

With your new knowledge, you can enjoy faster loading times when you play your PS5 games. There are plenty of benefits to buying the M.2 card for your PlayStation 5, aside from just the obvious storage expansion.