How to Fix SD Card Reader not showing up on Windows?
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Written By Sumona Chatterjee
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Approved By Rohit Arora
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Updated on 29 May, 2024 -
Min Reading 5 Min - Share
Summary: Is the SD card reader not showing up in File Explorer on Windows? Learn why suddenly your SD card reader stopped working in Windows and how you can fix the issue in Windows 11, Windows 10, and below.
‘I am trying to transfer a file from my Nintendo switch SD card, but when I plug my SD card reader to PC, SD card reader is not showing up in File Explorer. Why and how can I fix the problem?’
SD card reader not showing up on Windows could impact your workflow. You cannot access the memory card data or move its files, photos, or videos to computer.
No worries. You can easily fix this common problem with the methods shared in this post.
Here, you will know why suddenly your SD card reader stopped working in Windows and how you can fix the issue using several troubleshooting methods. With these methods, you can fix the SD card reader not showing up on Windows 11, Windows 10, and below.
Why SD Card Reader is not working on Windows?
SD card may not show up in File Explorer mostly because of a hardware fault. Your card reader may be physically damaged or the SD card might be corrupt due to which it is not detected by Windows. Let’s know some of the common causes of SD card reader not showing up in File Explorer:
- Your SD card reader may be physically damaged
- Laptop USB port or cable is not working
- SD card reader is not properly connected to PC
- Device drivers on Windows are not updated
- Windows has not allocated a drive letter to SD card
- File system error in SD card
- Virus in the system or SD card
- SD card is corrupt
How to fix SD card reader not showing up on Windows
Troubleshooting an SD card reader not working in Windows should begin with hardware checks, followed by fixing the logical glitches. Follow the below solutions to fix SD card reader problem in order of their mention (simpler to little tricky ones).
1. Do a physical check of the SD card reader
Make sure your SD card reader is not damaged. Small marks or scratches on the card reader are normal, but if the device is too old and used several times, it might have broken from inside or turned defective. Besides, ensure the card reader is compatible with your SD card and the operating system you are using.
The correct way to check the SD card reader is to test it with a different memory card and computer. If you find the SD card reader not working on new Windows PC, it is better to buy a new one.
2. Check the USB cable and port
If you have an external SD card reader, check its USB cable and the laptop port. Faulty USB cable or port leads to SD card reader issues. Replace the USB cable with a new one and check if Windows detect the SD card or not.
If the USB port on your laptop doesn’t get proper power supply, the card reader will not work, and eventually cannot be detected by Windows. To test, use the SD card reader with USB cable on a different computer.
3. Check and replace your SD card
If your SD card is corrupted, Windows might not recognize your card reader and SD card reader won’t appear in File Explorer. So, either get a new SD card or try to fix the corrupted SD card by formatting or other methods.
4. Run Windows Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Windows has built-in hardware and devices troubleshooting feature that helps fix issues related to PC hardware and external devices.
Run the troubleshooter by following the below steps and check if SD card reader is showing up in Windows:
- Insert the SD card into the card reader and connect it to your Windows PC.
- Open Settings on Windows PC.
- Click Update & Security.
- Select Troubleshoot on the left pane.
- Click on Hardware and Devices on the right pane.
- Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
When the tool finishes its work, please see if the SD card reader not working problem is fixed.
5. Change drive letter of SD card
If SD card not showing in File Explorer, assign a new driver letter to it manually. Sometimes, Windows fail to assign drive letter to the connected removable media or the SD card letter is already in use by another removable drive on your Windows.
Follow the below steps to assign a new drive letter to your SD card on Windows 10:
- Open Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R.
- Type diskmgmt.msc and click OK.
- In Disk Management window, if you don’t see the drive letter allocated to your SD card, right-click on it, and click on Change Drive Letter and Path.
- Click Add button in Change Drive Letter and Paths window.
- Check in Assign the following drive letter.
- Choose a letter for your SD card and click OK.
- Close the Disk Management tool.
Now disconnect and again connect your SD card reader to PC. The SD card reader should now show up in File Explorer on Windows 10.
6. Update/reinstall the card reader driver
If the above methods didn’t work and still the SD card is not showing up in Windows, device drivers may be the culprit. You should try to fix the issue by reinstalling the SD card reader driver.
Follow the below steps to reinstall SD card reader drivers:
- In Windows Start search bar, type Device Manager and select it from options.
- Right-click on your SD card and select Update Driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Next, if you see any driver update, install it. If not, visit the manufacturer’s site to download the updated disk driver.
- Restart your Windows and check if the SD card reader is working on Windows.
Finally
If your SD card reader not showing up in File Explorer in Windows 10, ensure there are no hardware issues related to card reader, USB cable, or port. Then move to other troubleshooting methods like assigning a drive letter or reinstalling the drivers.
Besides, if the problem continues, stop using the problematic SD card or card reader to prevent sudden data loss. Get a new SD card reader and memory card too, if required.
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NO About The Author
Sumona is a tech blogger, avid photographer, & technogeek with vast experience in writing about media file recovery tips and tutorials. She has over 10 years of experience in media file recovery/media file repair technology. She is passionate about Photography, Creative Designing, Music, and Exploring lesser-known destinations.
14 comments
Leave a comment
Thank you, I was able to fix my card reader issue.
Hi Miyko,
We’re glad our suggestions were helpful to you.
I have a SanDisk extreme pro 3.1 card reader. Suddenly, it isn’t recognised by my Delk Alienware laptop. I tried both ports. No power to reader (light out) tried on another pc and no problems.
Hi Joe,
I would suggest you can try to connect the card on a different computer and check for yourself. Also, please follow the methods mentioned in the blog.
i insert the card but it doesnt even pop up on my computer at all
HI Dsaaa,
I would suggest Double-check that the card is inserted correctly into the card reader slot, and if possible use a different card reader suggested in the blog. You can try the different methods mentioned in the blog to resolve your problem.
It keeps telling me that I need to update the system. (This is an older computer) and then when I allow it to update it tells me that the storage is too full for the update, and I need to insert some storage like an SD drive, a disc. When I insert the SD card or flash drive it will read it for just a few seconds and stop. How do I update when I don’t have a way to backup the system while it does?
Hi Gary,
If your computer is telling you that you need to update the system then check if you have applications installed that you no longer use, uninstall them to free up space. And look for files that you no longer need, such as temporary files, old downloads, or unused applications, and delete them.
Also, If you’re unable to install the update using the automatic update feature, you can try downloading the update manually from the Microsoft website and installing it yourself.
hi Sumona , my reader show the files storage on my sd card , but the files can not be opened correctly or the panel of file explorer freezes after double clicking on each file. please advise if there is any program for opening the sd card in safe mode to delete junk files. thanks
Hi Mohammad,
If you’re having trouble accessing files on your SD card and your file explorer freezes when you try to open them, it could be a sign that the files are corrupted. I would suggest trying a different card reader or running a malware scan on your computer. If none of the above steps work, you may need to format the SD card.
You can use Stellar Photo Recovery Premium software to fix corrupted or damaged files and you may be able to recover them easily using our software.
My SDXC SD card is not working with my card reader. Although my older SDHC card is working.
Hi Samual, You should know that SDXC memory cards will NOT work with SD / SDHC host devices, only SDXC host devices can use and support SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.
My Card reader is good, but still I cant read my SD card. What could be the reason?
Hi Jimi,
A fault in your card reader driver could be the reason for the SD card not being detected on Windows. Try to update the driver from the control panel or try the above methods.