12 Solutions to Fix SD Card not Showing Up on Windows 10/11

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sd card not showing up

It is common to face this problem due to damaged or damaged SD cards. However, it is possible to fix SD cards that are unreadable. When your computer does not detect an SD card, it may indicate that the SD card is damaged and needs repair. In this article we will explore solutions to SD card or memory card that did not appear on Windows 10 / 11. We will talk about why the addresses behind SD cards are not accepted in these Windows versions. Please follow the instructions below.

How to fix SD card not detected in Windows 10/11: 12 solutions

1. Try another USB port.

The problem may not be with the SD card, but with the computer. To confirm this, try plugging the card into another USB port on your computer. If it works on another port then the problem is that the computer is not the card.

2. Test SD card on another PC or new card reader

To check whether or not the problem is with your computer, please try using an SD card on another PC. Connect it to a different USB port to see if it is recognized. Alternatively, you can also try using a different card reader.

3. Cleaning SD card or card reader

A dirty or dusty SD card or card reader may cause poor connection and make the SD card not appear in Windows 10/11. Clean both the card and the reader and try inserting the card again.

4. Disable Write Protection

If your computer can read the SD card but not edit it, it may have write protection. A little switch on the side of your SD card should be off. Device management may disable writing protection on SD cards without switches:

  • Startup window opens with Windows + R.
  • Type devmgmt.msc and click OK.
  • Expand ‘Disk Drivers’
  • Locate and right-click your SD card.
  • Select ‘Properties’ and ‘General Tab’ or ‘Policy Tags’
  • Disable policy writing and click OK.
  • Change SD card drive typeface. 

5. Change The Drive Letter Of Unrecognizable SD Card

If your SD card does not have a specified drive message, it will not appear on your computer. To solve this problem, follow these steps:

  • Right-click the Start button and select “Manage Disk”.
  • Find your SD card. Right-click and select ‘Change mail and drive path’.
  • Select a drive character from the list and click OK.
  • If the SD card does not have a drive message, click the ‘Add’ button.
  • Enable CHKDSK to detect SD cards

6. Run CHKDSK To Make The SD Card Detectable

You can use CHKDSK to scan and fix errors that may make the SD card undetectable. Follow these steps:

  • Right-click on ‘My Computer’ and select ‘Manage’
  • Click “Manage Disk”
  • Press the Windows + R button. Print cmd and press ‘Enter’
  • Enter chkdsk D: / f and press ‘Enter’
  • Update SD Card Drivers

7. Update The SD Card Driver

If you see a yellow signal in front of the card reader in Device Manager, that means there may be a problem with the driver with your SD card. Updating the SD card driver will help solve this problem. Here are two ways:

Method 1:

  • Connect your SD card to your computer
  • Go to Control Panel > System > Device Manager > Disk Drivers
  • Find your SD card. Right-click and select ‘Scan Hardware Changes’ to upgrade the driver.

Method 2:

  • Connect the SD card and go to “Control Panel > System > Device Manager > Disk Drivers”.
  • Right-click on the SD card and select “Properties”
  • In the “Drivers” tab, click “Update Drivers”.

8. Reinstall Universal Serial Bus Controllers

UPB driver reinstallation. SD card repair may include the controller. The issue did not occur with Windows 10/11. Follow these steps:

  • Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
  • Click the USB controller.
  • Right-click the driver and choose “Uninstall”. Click OK to proceed.
  • To install drivers automatically, restart the computer.
  • Diagnose and Fix SD Card Issues

9. Diagnose and Troubleshoot SD Card Issues

If the problem persists, you can use the built-in troubleshooting feature in the control panel to diagnose and fix SD card problems by following these steps:

  • Enter “Control Panel” in the search bar and select it.
  • Select Troubleshooting
  • Choose “Hardware and Sound” and then select “hardware and Devices”.
  • Follow the instructions and wait until the problem is fixed.

10. Disable and enable SD card reader

If the SD card is still not detected, try disabling and enabling the SD Card Reader. Here’s how:

  • Right-click on the Windows icon and select “Device Manager”
  • Select “Memory Technology Device” and double-click the card reader.
  • Go to the driver tab, click “Disable Device” and then “Yes”.
  • Double-click the card reader again. Go to “Properties” and click “Enable Device” to reactivate the driver.

11. Remove virus or malware to display the SD card.

If your SD card is infected with a virus or encrypted by malware, it may not appear on your computer. Follow these steps to clean the software and remove the virus or malware:

  • Plug your SD card
  • Go to the Start menu, type cmd in the search bar, and press enter.
  • Right-click cmd.exe
  • Enter properties –h –r –s /s /d Message Drive:*.* To recover files

12. SD card format

If there is no solution to any of the above, SD card formatting may be the last way. Follow these steps to formatting your SD card on your computer:

  • Click Windows + D to open the Desktop View
  • Click Windows + E to open ‘Computer’
  • Find ‘Devices with removable storage’ showing your SD card
  • Right-click and select ‘Style’
  • Select a quick format and click Start.

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Why is SD card not recognized in Windows 10/11?

There are various reasons why your SD card may not be recognized in Windows 10/11. Here are:

  • Connection problem: Checked that the card, adapter or USB port is being read and corrupted, causing a bad connection.
  • SD card locked: Make sure that the write-proof switch on the SD card is turned off.
  • Incorrect use: Regular hot connection may cause file system corruption or metal wire corruption.
  • Lost drive message: If there is no driver message, the partition cannot be accessed in Windows Explorer.
  • Damaged driver: If the SD card is marked yellow in Device Manager but not recognized, the driver may be defective.
  • Loss of separation: If deleting the separation of the SD card will appear as an unallocated area.
  • Physical damage: Damage to water or damaged plastic shell may prevent the card from being recognized.

Understanding the basic reason will help you solve the SD card problem. The problem does not appear effectively.

>>Also Read: 5 Best Softwares to Recover Files from SD Card Free