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SD Card Not Showing up on Windows 11: How to Fix it
Give a try to these quick methods now
5 min. read
Updated onJuly 15, 2024
updated onJuly 15, 2024
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SD card doesn’t show up and you cannot transfer files from it on Windows 11? We’ll explain why it happens and show you how to fix it.
If you are experiencing this problem, then, for better or worse, you are not alone. There are multiple user reports onofficial Microsoft forumsindicating that many users are facing similar issues on their Windows 11 PCs.
Just follow the guidelines below to get rid of it and check out potential causes so you can avoid having to deal with this in the future.
How to make SD card show up on Windows
1. Clean SD card and re-insert
If your SD card isn’t clean due to dust or debris, it may not be recognized by your PC. This issue arises because the pins on both the SD card and the card reader can’t establish a proper connection.
To fix this:
Usually, a quick wipe works, but for a thorough clean, try using contact cleaner sprays, isopropyl alcohol with microfiber cloths to get your electronic contacts squeaky clean.
Somelaptop screen cleanerswork on SD card sloths too.
2. Try on another PC
Windows 11 not reading SD card could be because of the interface or support problems. If your SD card is not recognized by your PC, chances are that your PC doesn’t support the interface of the SD card.
We would suggest you try inserting or using it with another PC, and if it detects your card, then you can carry on with your tasks. Unfortunately, if this doesn’t help then you can check out the next solution.
3. Download the latest drivers
4. Change the drive letter of the SD Card
5. Run CHKDSK to fix corrupt files
CHKDSK utility scans for any errors in the file system and automatically fixes any logical system file errors if found.
There are chances that due to a corrupt system file, the SD card isn’t recognized by your Windows 11 PC. So, to fix this, simply run the CHKDSK command and see if this fixes the issue or not.
6. Ensure your card reader supports the SD card
One of the main causes that Windows 11 is not reading SD card issues pops up is because users insert an SD card that is not supported by the card reader.
High-capacity SD cards, such as SDHC or SDXC cards, require modern SD card readers that support them. Make sure that you have an SD card reader that supports the card format that you are inserting into.
7. Format SD card
Once you format your SD card, it should be recognized by your Windows 11 PC. Formatting heals the corrupt sector of your SD card, which could have been causing issues.
8. Disable Write Protection
9. Scan your PC for viruses or malware
Why Windows doesn’t read cards
The good thing about this is that there are a bunch of solutions that we have listed in this guide that will help you possibly fix the problem at hand.
We recommend a routineSD card health checkto catch such issues in their infant stage. Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions helped you fix the Windows 11 not reading SD card issue.
If you followed a different solution and it worked for you, then you can share that solution with us in the comments section below as well.
Sagar Naresh
Sagar is a web developer and technology journalist. Currently associated with WindowsReport and SamMobile. When not writing, he is either at the gym sweating it out or playing country music on his guitar.
He is an avid traveler and has been to 15 countries, going to more places soon. TRAVEL and WORK is his mantra for a peaceful life.
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