SD or Memory Card Reader Does Not Read the SD or Memory Cards

There are various types of memory cards such as micro SD cards, SD cards, SDHC cards, SDXC cards, and so on. Not all of them are supported by the card reader on your computer. If you force or incorrectly insert a memory card, they might damage the memory card and/or the card reader.

If the memory card or card reader still does not work, go to the next step.

Ensure that the card reader is not damaged or clogged with dust or debris. A dirty or dusty memory card or card reader causes poor contact between the card and the card reader.

• Use a can of compressed air to remove any dust or debris from the card reader. Ensure to use a compressed air can that is suitable for use on electronic devices.
• To clean the memory card, lightly wipe the dirty area with a lint free cloth and isopropyl alcohol or a contact cleaner that is suitable for use on electronic devices.
• Try the memory card on another compatible device to ensure that the issue is not due to a damaged card reader slot.

If the memory card or card reader still does not work, go to the next step.

Ensure that the card reader is enabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings of your computer. It is possible that your card reader is turned off in the BIOS or UEFI.

1. Restart your computer and tap the F2 key multiple times at the Dell logo splash screen.
2. Navigate the BIOS or UEFI settings and look for Secure Digital (SD) card, Card Reader, or SD Reader.
3. Enable the setting if it is not already enabled, and then save and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings.

If the memory card or card reader still does not work, go to the next step.

Windows has an integrated hardware and devices troubleshooting feature that helps fix issues related to hardware and external devices.

To run the Windows troubleshooter in Windows 11 version 22H2 and older, or Windows 10, follow these steps.

1. Press the Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msdt.exe -id Device Diagnostic and then select OK.
3. In the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter window, select Next to allow Windows to automatically detect and repair any problems.
4. After the troubleshooting process is complete, check if the memory card is recognized.

If the memory card or card reader still does not work, go to the next step.

If the memory card does not show in Windows File Explorer, assign a new drive letter to it manually. Windows may fail to assign a drive letter to the connected removable media or memory card that is already in use by another removable drive in Windows.

Follow these steps to manually assign a new drive letter to your SD card in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

1. Press the Windows + X key.
2. Select Disk Management.
3. Right-click the SD card and select the Change Drive Letter and Paths option.
4. Choose a new drive letter and confirm.

If the memory card or card reader still does not work, go to the next step.

CHKDSK is a useful Windows utility that helps automatically repair file system errors to make a corrupted SD card usable again.

Follow these steps to repair a corrupt file system in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

1. Press the Windows + X key.
2. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
3. In the PowerShell window, type chkdsk D: /R /F /X and press Enter. Make sure to replace D with the letter assigned to your SD card.
4. Wait for CHKDSK to complete. This process may take several hours, depending on the size and speed of your SD card.

The /F parameter fixes any structural issues with the file system and directory, correcting inconsistencies between the two. The /R parameter tells CHKDSK to check the entire SD card for bad sectors and repair them if possible. The /X parameter dismounts the drive so that it can be checked and fixed.

If the memory card or card reader still does not work, go to the next step.

One of the most common causes of an unrecognized SD card is an incorrect or outdated card reader driver. Ensure that the drivers are updated.

Dell Technologies recommends updating the device drivers and BIOS as part of your scheduled update cycle. Device drivers and BIOS updates may contain feature enhancements or changes that help keep your system software current and compatible with other system modules (hardware and software) and can increase stability.

• Learn how to download and install the latest BIOS or UEFI update on your Dell computer.
• Learn How to Download and Install Dell Drivers.

If the memory card or card reader still does not work after the drivers are updated, go to the next step.

Many SD cards have a feature called write-protection, toggle switch on the left side of the card. With write-protection enabled, files cannot be modified on the SD card. If the write-protection is enabled, the card is not readable.

Before using the memory card, make sure to set this switch to the unlocked position.

If the memory card or card reader still does not work, go to the next step.

Some devices may format the SD card in a way that makes it only readable by that device and nothing else, including a computer. This will not only fix the SD card cannot read error but also make the storage media reusable.

To format the SD card in Windows 11 or Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Insert the SD card into the card reader.
2. Open This PC.
3. Right-click the SD card letter under Devices and drives and then select Format.
4. In the Format window, under File system, choose from the three options - NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT.
5. Select Start to begin formatting the SD card.

Malware or virus infection may also cause the SD card not to show up in Windows.

Some malware or viruses may also encrypt or hide the files on an SD card. Learn how to show or recover hidden files on an SD card.

Run a quick scan in Windows Security

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection.
2. Under Current threats, select Quick scan (or in early version of Windows 10, under Threat History, select Scan now).

If the scan does not find any issues, but you are still concerned, you may want to check your device more thoroughly.

Run an advanced scan in Windows Security

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection.
2. Under Current threats, select Scan options (or in early version of Windows 10, under Threat history, select Run a new advanced scan).
3. Select one of the scan options:
   • Full scan (checks all files and programs currently on your device)
   • Custom scan (scan specific files or folders)
   • Microsoft Defender Antivirus Offline scan (restarts your computer and runs a deep scan before Windows loads to catch especially sneaky malware).

Show or recover encrypted or hidden files on an SD card

If the files are seen on your device such as a camera, but not seen on your computer,

1. Press the Windows + X key.
2. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
3. In the PowerShell window, type attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:*.* and press Enter. Make sure to replace X with the letter assigned to your SD card.
4. After the process is complete, the SD card appears on your computer.