Explanation
What this error means
CE-100028-1 means “there is not enough free space on the SSD.” The console needs more room than is available to download, install, or update a title — and PS5 games often need extra working space during installation beyond their final size. It’s a storage-management issue, fixed by freeing or adding space.
Official reference: Sony support page for CE-100028-1
Diagnosis
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | Fixable at home? |
|---|---|---|
| Internal SSD nearly full | Very likely | Yes — delete or move games |
| Install needs temporary working space | Likely | Yes — free extra headroom |
| Large patch on top of a big game | Possible | Yes — free space for the patch |
| No extended storage configured | Possible | Yes — add M.2 / USB drive |
Repair
How to fix it
Ordered easiest-first. Try the next step only if the error comes back.
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See what’s using space
Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps. Sort by size and delete what you’re not playing — saves stay safe in separate storage.
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Leave extra headroom
Free more than the game’s listed size; installs need temporary working space, so aim for a comfortable buffer beyond the download figure.
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Move games to extended storage
If you have USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD, move titles there (Settings > Storage) instead of deleting them.
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Add an M.2 SSD
For a permanent fix, install a compatible PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD in the PS5’s expansion bay to store and play PS5 games directly.
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Delete and reinstall a stuck title
If a half-finished install is wasting space, delete it fully and start the download fresh once there’s room.
Escalation
When it's not your fault
Signs the problem is on Sony's side — or in the hardware — rather than anything you can change:
- Game install sizes have ballooned with patches far beyond the box figure.
- A title needs much more temporary space than its final install size.
- There’s no obvious junk to clear — the library has simply outgrown the drive.
Questions
FAQ
Why does it need more space than the game’s size?
PS5 installs use temporary working space to unpack and verify data. Leaving a buffer beyond the listed size avoids this error.
Will deleting a game lose my progress?
No. Saves are stored separately (and synced to the cloud with PS Plus), so deleting and reinstalling a game keeps your progress.
Can I store PS5 games on a USB drive?
You can store them on USB extended storage and play PS4 games from it, but PS5 games must be played from the internal SSD or an installed M.2 SSD.