How to Update a PlayStation 3

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Making sure your PlayStation's system software is up-to-date allows you to stay safe online, as well as provides you access to the latest features available with your game console.

This guide will walk you through making sure your system has the latest version of the system software.

2. Online Update

1. Push the PS button to return to the main menu on your PlayStation.
   

1. From the menu at the bottom, select Settings.
   

1. Select System Update.
   

1. Select Update via Internet, then press the X button on your controller.
   

Your system will automatically find the latest update, download, and apply it if necessary

3. Download Update

You will need a USB storage device and your Internet-connected computer or laptop to perform the update manually.

1. Open your preferred web browser.
   

1. In the address bar at the top, type in playstation.com/en-us/support/system-updates/ps3 and press enter or return.
   

1. Select the Download Now button.
   

1. It's usually best to save this to your Downloads folder, with the default name of PS3UPDAT.PUP so it's easy to find when we need it in a moment.
2. Plug your USB drive into your computer.
   

1. We need to create an UPDATE folder inside a PS3 folder, on the USB drive, then place that PS3UPDAT.PUP file into the UPDATE folder.
   

4. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Microsoft WindowsApple macOSMicrosoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

5. Prepare USB Update

1. Open Windows Explorer.
   

1. Select your USB Drive on the left.
   

1. Select Create New Folder at the top.
   

1. A new folder will appear, asking for a name.
   

1. Type in PS3, and push Enter on your keyboard. The new folder's name will show. Double click on this folder to open it.
   

1. Again, select the Create New Folder button on the top.
   

1. Again, a new folder appears. Type in UPDATE and press enter.
   

1. On the left, select the small arrows next to the USB drive, and the PS3 folder, so we can see that UPDATE folder in the column on the left.
   

1. On the left, scroll up, and select Downloads from Quick Access at the top. You will see our PS3UPDAT.PUP file here.
   

1. Scroll down in the column on the left, then drag the PS3UPDAT.PUP file into the UPDATE folder.
   

1. The file will copy to your USB drive.
   

1. When it is done copying, eject the USB device from the USB menu in your System Tray.
   

6. Manual Update

1. Insert the USB drive with the update file into one of the USB ports on your Playstation 3.
   

1. Press the PS button on your controller to return to the main menu.
   

1. From the menu at the bottom, select Settings.
   

1. Select System Update.
   

1. Select Update via Storage Media, then press the X button on your controller.
   

7. Prepare USB Update

1. Look on your Desktop, and open the USB disk.
   

1. Select the File menu, then select New Folder.
   

1. You will be prompted for a name for the new folder. Type in PS3 then press return.
   

1. Select the PS3 folder to go into it.
   

1. Again, in this folder, select File, then New Folder.
   

1. For the name, type in UPDATE and press return.
   

1. Again, select the UPDATE folder to go into it.
   

1. Now, open a new Finder window. Select File, then select New Finder Window.
   

1. In the new Finder window, select Downloads on the left. You will see the PS3UPDAT.PUP file inside.
   

1. Drag the PS3UPDAT.PUP file into the UPDATE folder in the other Finder window to copy it.
   

1. The file will copy over.
   

1. Once copied, eject the USB drive by dragging the icon on your Desktop to the Trash.