9 Solutions to Fix SD Card Not Detected on Windows 11/10/8/7

PAGE CONTENT:

SD cards are widely used for storing data in devices such as cameras, smartphones, and computers. However, sometimes Windows fails to detect an SD card when inserted into a card reader or USB adapter. This issue can occur due to hardware malfunctions, driver issues, or software conflicts. If you're facing this problem on Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, this guide will walk you through several troubleshooting steps to help you fix it.

SD cards are a reliable way to store and transfer data, but they may sometimes fail to appear in File Explorer or Disk Management on Windows. This can be frustrating, especially if the card contains important files. The issue could be due to a variety of reasons, including:

• A loose or faulty connection
• Outdated or missing drivers
• Corrupt or unsupported file system
• SD card damage or corruption

Recover Data from Undetected SD Card

Before fixing SD card not detected issue, you can use data recovery software - such as Donemax Data Recovery to export/recover files from the SD card.

Step 1. Download and install Donemax Data Recovery on your computer and insert the SD card into the same computer.

Step 2. Open Donemax Data Recovery, select the SD card to start data recovery.

Step 3. Click on Scan button to deeply scan the SD card and find all existing files, inaccessible files, deleted/formatted/lost files.

Step 4. After deep scan, you can preview all recoverable files. Then select the wanted files, click on Recover button to save them.

Initial Checks When the SD Card Not Detected on Windows PC

Before diving into complex solutions, perform these quick preliminary checks:

1. Ensure the Proper Insertion of Card

• Remove and reinsert the card properly into the card slot.
• If using an external card reader, ensure it is fully connected to the USB port.

2. Try Another SD Card or Card Reader

• To find out if the problem is with the card or the reader, try another SD card in the same slot.
• Try the problematic SD card on a different computer.

3. Inspect the SD Card for Physical Damage

• Check for scratches, bent pins, or cracks.
• If the SD card is damaged, consider replacing it.

4. Check if the SD Card is Locked

• Some SD cards have a write-protect switch. Ensure it is in the unlocked position.

If the SD card is still not detected, proceed to the following troubleshooting methods.

9 Solutions to Fix SD Card Not Detected on Windows Computer

Solution 1. Basic Fixes for SD Card Not Detected

• Start Your Computer Again: A simple restart can refresh the system and resolve minor detection issues.
• Clean the SD Card and Slot: An improper connection could be caused by dust or dirt in the SD card slot. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean the slot.
• Try a Different USB Port: Choose an alternative USB port if you're utilizing an external card reader. For improved compatibility, use a USB 3.0 port if at all possible.

Solution 2. Fix Undetected SD Card Using Disk Management

If Windows does not detect the SD card in File Explorer, check Disk Management:

▪️ Open Disk Management

Step 1. Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.

Step 2. Look for the SD card in the list of storage devices.

▪️ Assign a Drive Letter

Step 1. Right-click on the SD card and choose Change Drive Letter and Paths if it doesn't have a drive letter displayed.

Step 2. Click Add, then select a letter and press OK.

▪️ Create New Volume

If the SD card shows as unallocated, you need to create a new volume on it.

Step 1. Right-click the space of the SD card, choose New Simple Volume.

Step 2. Follow the wizard to create a new volume on the SD card.

▪️ Format the SD Card

If the card is detected but not accessible, it may have a corrupt or unsupported file system.

Step 1. Right-click the SD card and choose Format.

Step 2. Select FAT32 (for cards under 32GB) or exFAT (for larger cards).

Step 3. Click OK and confirm formatting.

💡 Note: If the SD card is not initialized, right-click the SD card, choose Initialize Disk.

Solution 3. Update or Reinstall SD Card Drivers

If your SD card is not being detected, the issue could be related to outdated, missing, or corrupted drivers. Windows relies on drivers to communicate with hardware components, including SD card readers. If the driver is faulty or not installed correctly, your SD card may not appear in File Explorer or Disk Management.

Below, we will go through three methods to troubleshoot driver-related problems:

• Updating the SD Card Driver
• Uninstalling and Reinstalling the SD Card Driver
• Manually Installing Drivers from the Manufacturer's Website

Update the SD Card Driver

Updating the driver ensures that Windows is using the latest version, which may fix compatibility issues or bugs causing the SD card detection failure.

Steps to Update SD Card Drivers via Device Manager:

Step 1. Open Device Manager: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the list.

Step 2. Locate the SD Card Reader: Expand the Disk drives or Memory Technology Devices section.

Look for a device that refers to an SD Card Reader, USB Mass Storage Device, or Unknown Device (if Windows cannot recognize it).

Step 3. Update the Driver: Click right on the SD card reader and choose Update driver.

Choose Search automatically for drivers.

If an update is available, Windows will install it.

Give your computer a restart and check if it is detected.

What if Windows Says "The Best Driver is Already Installed"?

If Windows doesn't find a newer version, you can try manually updating the driver using the next method.

Uninstall and Reinstall the SD Card Driver

Sometimes, the driver may be corrupted or improperly installed. In such cases, uninstalling and reinstalling the driver can help.

Steps to Uninstall and Reinstall SD Card Drivers:

Step 1. Open Device Manager: Press Windows + X and click Device Manager.

Step 2. Locate the SD Card Reader: Expand Disk drives or Memory Technology Devices.

Find your SD card reader or USB storage device.

Step 3. Uninstall the Driver: Right-click on the SD card reader and choose Uninstall device.

If prompted, check Delete the driver software for this device and confirm.

Step 4. Restart Your Computer: Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall the driver.

Step 5. Check if the SD Card is Detected: Open File Explorer or Disk Management to see if the card appears.

Manually Download and Install the Latest Driver

If automatic updates and reinstalls don’t work, you may need to manually download and install the correct driver.

Steps to Download and Install SD Card Drivers Manually:

Step 1. Identify Your SD Card Reader's Manufacturer:

• Go to Device Manager.
• To access Properties, right-click the SD card reader.
• Select Hardware Ids from the dropdown menu under the Details tab.
• Note the Vendor ID and Device ID to search for the correct driver.

Step 2. Visit the Manufacturer's Website:

• Go to the official website of your computer or card reader manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo, Realtek).
• Search for the latest SD Card Reader driver compatible with your Windows version.

Step 3. Download and Install the Driver:

• Download the correct driver package.
• Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.
• Restart your PC and check if the SD card is recognized.

What If My SD Card Reader Is Not Listed in Device Manager?

If the SD card reader does not appear in Device Manager, try the following:

Show Hidden Devices in Device Manager:

Step 1. Open Device Manager.

Step 2. Click on View in the top menu.

Step 3. Select Show hidden devices.

Step 4. Look for your SD card reader under Disk Drives or Memory Technology Devices.

If it appears but has a yellow triangle, it means there’s a driver issue. Try updating or reinstalling it.

Updating or reinstalling SD card drivers is one of the most effective ways to fix detection issues. If Windows cannot find or install the correct driver, downloading it from the manufacturer’s website is a reliable alternative.

If the SD card is still not recognized, move on to Checking Disk Management or Running Windows Troubleshooter for further investigation.

Solution 4. Enable SD Card in BIOS or Device Manager

If your SD card reader is disabled, it won’t detect any cards.

a) Enable in Device Manager

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Memory Technology Devices.
3. Right-click the SD card reader and select Enable device.

b) Check BIOS Settings

1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS (usually by pressing F2, F10, or DEL during startup).
2. Look for SD Card Reader settings.
3. If disabled, enable it and save changes.

Solution 5. Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows provides built-in troubleshooters for hardware issues.

1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

3. Select Hardware and Devices, then click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow on-screen instructions and restart if prompted.

Solution 6. Check for File System Errors & Repair

a) Run CHKDSK to Fix Errors

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   chkdsk X: /f /r /x

   (Replace X with the SD card's drive letter.)

3. Wait for the process to complete and restart your PC.

Solution 7. Scan for Malware or Corruption Issues

Sometimes malware can make an SD card undetectable.

• Run Windows Defender or Antivirus: Scan your SD card for malware using Windows Security or a third-party antivirus.
• Use Third-Party SD Card Repair Software: Tools like Donemax Data Recovery or Recuva can fix corrupted SD cards.

Solution 8. Try a Third-Party SD Card Repair Tool

If built-in Windows tools fail, third-party software can help recover data and repair corruption. Some recommended tools:

• Donemax Data Recovery: recover data and fix corrupted SD card.
• MiniTool Partition Wizard: reformat SD card to fix errors.
• Donemax Data Eraser: wipe SD card and fix bad sectors.

These tools often provide more advanced repair functions.

For example, you can use Donemax Data Recovery for repairing a SD card:

Step 1. Open Donemax Data Recovery, choose Disk Manager. Then select the SD card, click on Repair button.

Step 2. Scan the SD card to find errors. Then fix these errors.

Solution 9. Replace or Repair the SD Card

If all troubleshooting steps fail, your SD card may be physically damaged.

• Test the SD card on another computer or device.
• If still undetected, replace the card.
• If data is crucial, consider professional data recovery services.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting an undetected SD card can be time-consuming, but following these steps can help resolve most issues. Here's a quick summary:

• Check hardware connections and try another device.
• Update or reinstall SD card drivers.
• Assign a drive letter or format the card if needed.
• Run CHKDSK to repair file system errors.
• Scan for malware or corruption.
• Use third-party SD card repair tools if necessary.

To prevent future issues, always safely eject SD cards, keep drivers updated, and back up important files.

If you want to recover inaccessible or lost files from your SD card, just try Donemax Data Recovery.