SD cards are durable, long-lasting, and portable gadgets that can store lots of data. This includes pictures, documents, videos, and pictures. However, how do you access those files on a laptop?
If you’re interested in learning the advantages of using an SD card and how you can examine SD card data on laptops to transfer data from and to the SD card, we have taken the time to create an extensive guide to solve all of your concerns.
Using an SD Card
Although your desktop computer or laptop may come with an SD card reader installed, it might not include a microSD reader. If not, then you’ll need an adapter for microSD memory cards. Confident card readers cannot take microSD cards since they’re too small. If this is the case, you’ll need to plug the microSD card through an adapter that can be used for external microSD cards and then plug that adapter into the reader.

If you purchase a SanDisk MicroSD card is included, it will consist of an adapter that looks similar to a standard SD card, with a slot on the bottom that allows you to insert it into the microSD. Since you’re putting the smaller SD card inside a larger one, ensure that you are sure that the lock toggle isn’t locked before plugging the microSD adapter into your computer. If it’s not, your card will appear with the status “Read-only.”
If your PC does not include a card reader or any other type, you’ll require an external card reader to plug into your computer’s USB ports. By using a microSD memory card adapter when necessary, you can use external readers to transfer data onto or from your microSD.
How to Read an SD Card on Laptop
A lot of laptops have built-in SD or microSD card readers. There is usually only one slot on the back of the computer. They will be all you require to access the SD card.
Connect the SD card to the SD slot of the card. If it can’t fit, check that you’re inserting it correctly. If that doesn’t work, you can try an adapter of the correct size.
Hand of a man plugging the SD card into the laptop’s SD card reader.
Windows or macOS could display an open-ended window that lets you easily access your SD card’s storage by pressing the alert. Alternately, Select File Explorer on Windows and then select the SD card option from the left menu.
If you are running macOS and macOS, start Finder to check whether the card was installed on your desktop. If there is no mount, open a new Finder window and search for the device in the Sidebar.
An SD card can function as an external hard drive, or in the case of older people using it, you could also use it as a floppy disk.
What is the reason? SD Card Reader is not working on Windows?
The SD card might not appear in the File Explorer primarily because of the fault of your hardware. The card reader could be physically damaged, or the SD card could be corrupted because Windows are not recognizing it. We will discuss some of the most common reasons for SD card readers not appearing on File Explorer:
- The SD card reader could be physically damaged
- The laptop’s USB ports or cables aren’t working
- The SD card reader isn’t correctly connected to the PC
- Device drivers for Windows aren’t up-to-date
- Windows isn’t able to assign a drive letter to an SD card
- File system error in SD card
- The system is infected with viruses or on the SD card
- The SD card is damaged
How do I solve the SD card won’t open error?
Find the root of the ‘SD card not recognized issue by first examining the connection to the hardware device, like the card reader or USB cable.
If your connections with the hardware function correctly, you can shift to software or system-associated fixes like reboot, driver updates, assigning the drive letters formatting, and many more.
The primary aspect of solving this issue is recovering inaccessible data after your SD card cannot read. This is why you need expert SD Card Recovery software that recovers deleted images and videos without losing their original quality.
Benefits of Using an SD Card
There are many advantages to making use of an SD card. Here are some of them:
Its size SD card is extremely tiny and can store large amounts of data.
SD cards are built on non-volatile memory, so the data is very secure.
SD cards are affordable and compatible with nearly every electronic device, not just laptops.
Large quantities of data are swiftly transferred by using an SD card.
SD cards are lightweight and can be transported anywhere because of their compact dimensions.
Viewing Hidden SD Card Files on Laptop
To access the hidden SD cards on your computer:
- Place your SD card inside the laptop SD slot for the card.
- Launch” File Explorer” and navigate through the “Folder” option, and then click to open the “View” “View” Tab.
- You’ll find an option called the “Hidden Things” box.
- Then, select Hidden Items from the drop-down menu and open them on your computer.
Summary
In this tutorial on how to see the contents of an SD card on laptops, we’ve explored the benefits of having an SD card. We also discovered two methods to access the SD card’s files using or without the built-in SD slot in the laptop.
We also talked about how to access the hidden SD cards on laptops. One of the strategies may have worked for you, and now you can browse, copy and transfer files between your computer and SD card.