Usually, when you connect any external storage media, including SD cards, to your computer, it should show up in File Explorer. However, if your system fails to detect the SD card or its adapter, it won’t show up in the File Explorer.
This situation can occur due to issues with the card, the adapter you used, the port you are using to connect the card, or the system itself.
In some cases, your computer may actually be detecting the SD card, but you may’t see it on File Explorer. It happens when the media does not have any allocated space, or your system is not mounting it using a drive letter.
Check Connection Issues
It is possible that the SD card reader or the USB port is damaged in some way. You may not be able to connect the card to your computer in such scenarios. So, you should look out for any connection issues before trying out further methods.
In some cases, the clogging of dirt on the SD card’s contacts or the ports can also block their connection. You will need to clean these devices in such cases.
Use Another Port or Adapter
Connect to Another Device
Clean Metal Contacts and Ports
The metal contacts on the SD card will slowly accumulate dirt, which you should be able to see as black lines on the contacts. If there’s a lot of dirt, it can obstruct the connection between the contacts and the ports on a PC.
In such cases, you need to clean the metal contacts using Q-tips dipped in rubbing alcohol of low concentration. Avoid using too much alcohol, as it can erode the plastic area of the SD card.
It is also possible that pins in the ports have accumulated dirt and grime as well. So, you should also try cleaning these ports using compressed air and Q-tips.
Check SD Card in BIOS
TheBIOS setup or UEFI settingsfor some laptops that have a built-in SD card reader also include an option to disable this reader. So you should check this setting and ensure that this media is enabled.
I will be showing the steps for a Dell laptop as an example. you may use a similar process and look for the relevant option to enable an SD card for your device.
