GTA 5: Download Size & System Requirements (2026)

Grand Theft Auto V is one of those games that never really left the spotlight. Even more than a decade after its original release, GTA 5 still pulls in huge numbers of new and returning players thanks to its massive open world, strong story mode, and the constantly evolving GTA Online experience. With regular updates, new content, and roleplay communities keeping things fresh, it remains a must-play title for many gamers in 2026.

If you’re planning to install GTA 5, one of the first things you’ll want to check is how much storage space it actually takes and whether your PC can handle it without issues. The game’s size has grown over the years due to updates, and system requirements matter more than ever if you want smooth performance. In this guide, we’ll break down the current GTA 5 download size on different platforms and go over the full PC system requirements so you know exactly what to expect before hitting the download button.

GTA 5 Download Size

GTA 5 is available on almost every major platform, which means the download size can differ depending on which version you’re installing. Since its original release in 2013, the game has been carried forward across multiple console generations as well as PC, making storage space an important thing to plan for before downloading.

There are currently two main versions that impact how much space GTA 5 takes up on your system.
• Legacy version: around 115.1 GB
• Enhanced version: around 92.3 GB

Even though the Enhanced edition delivers better visuals, faster loading times, and smoother performance, it actually takes up less space thanks to improved optimization and compression. This makes it the better choice if you’re playing on newer hardware.

Before starting the download, make sure you have extra free space beyond the listed size, as updates and temporary files can push the total higher during installation. Exact file size can also vary slightly depending on your platform, region, and whether you’re downloading digitally or installing from a disc, so it’s always smart to double-check the store page on your specific system before installing.

GTA 5 System Requirements

GTA 5 is well optimized and doesn’t demand top-tier hardware, which is one of the reasons it still runs smoothly on a wide range of PCs in 2026. Even mid-range systems can handle the game without major issues, while stronger setups unlock higher settings and more stable performance. Below is a clear overview of what you’ll need to run GTA V properly.

For minimum requirements, you’ll need a 64-bit version of Windows 10, an Intel Core i7-4770 or AMD FX-9590, 8 GB of RAM, and a GTX 1630 (4 GB VRAM) or Radeon RX 6400 (4 GB VRAM). You should also have at least 105 GB of free storage available. This setup is enough to launch the game, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics options like textures, shadows, and draw distance to keep things running smoothly.

For the recommended setup, Windows 11 is preferred, paired with an Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16 GB of RAM, and a stronger GPU such as the RTX 3060 (8 GB VRAM) or Radeon RX 6600 XT (8 GB VRAM). Storage requirements remain the same at 105 GB, and a 64-bit system is still required. With these specs, you can expect better visuals, higher resolutions, longer draw distances, and more consistent frame rates, even during busy GTA Online sessions or intense missions.

In short, GTA V is very forgiving on older or budget PCs, but upgrading to the recommended specs makes a noticeable difference in how smooth and polished the game feels, especially in crowded online lobbies or heavily modded setups.

FAQs

Can GTA 5 run on a low-end or older PC in 2026?

Yes, GTA 5 can still run on older or budget PCs as long as they meet the minimum requirements. You may need to lower graphics settings like texture quality, shadows, and draw distance, but the game remains playable.

Is the Enhanced version of GTA 5 worth installing over the Legacy version?

Yes. The Enhanced version offers better performance optimizations, improved visuals, and shorter loading times, while also using less storage space than the Legacy version.

How much free space should I have before installing GTA 5?

It’s recommended to have at least 120 GB of free space to avoid installation errors and allow room for updates, cache files, and GTA Online content.

Does GTA Online require higher system requirements than Story Mode?

Yes. GTA Online can be more demanding, especially in full lobbies or during large events. A stronger CPU, more RAM, and a better GPU help maintain stable frame rates compared to Story Mode.

Conclusion

GTA 5 continues to be one of the most played games in the world, even in 2026, and knowing its download size and system requirements helps you avoid any surprises before installing. With two versions available and a fairly large storage footprint, making sure you have enough disk space is essential. On the performance side, GTA 5 remains accessible for most PCs, while stronger hardware delivers a smoother experience, especially in GTA Online. Whether you’re returning to Los Santos or jumping in for the first time, preparing your system properly ensures you can enjoy everything the game has to offer without performance or installation issues.