Fix Windows 10 Realtek Card Reader Not Working

Realtek Card Reader Software is a collection of drivers in which your card driver will enable the system to communicate with the devices. Realtek Card Reader driver is a popular software to access the card reader. This driver package is essentially required for the proper functionality of the card reader, which allows the system to communicate to other external devices. However, you may sometimes face issues like Realtek PCIE Card Reader not working on your PC. So, if you are also facing this issue, then do not worry. This guide will help you fix your Realtek card reader Windows 10 issues. So, continue reading!

How to Fix Windows 10 Realtek Card Reader Not Working Issue

Do I Need Realtek Card Reader Software?

If you want to use a USB device or an external data card, you need card reader software to operate it. In other words, without software, you may not be able to transfer any data from the external media to your system. This is usually done with the help of Realtek Card Reader.  

Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting

Step 1: Try Different USB Ports & Devices

This issue may arise due to a fault in your SD card, SD card reader, USB port, and USB cable. So you should examine all hardware before trying any other solutions.

1. If the issue is caused by the power supply, then try re-inserting the USB device after unplugging the laptop from the power supply.

2. Connect another USB device with the same USB port to determine if there is an issue with the USB port.

3. Plug the USB device into a different port to rule out issues with the USB ports.

4. If you are using a USB cable then, try checking for faulty or damaged cables. Replace the USB cable, if it is damaged.

Step 2: Restart PC

You are advised to reboot your system as it often works wonders.

1. Navigate to the Windows Power User menu by pressing Win + X keys simultaneously.

2. Select Shut down or sign out > Restart, as depicted below.

Method 2: Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

There may be issues with the devices and associated hardware resulting in Realtek card reader not working issue in Windows 10 PC. This issue can be solved by running the in-built Windows Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter, as follows:

1. Press Windows  + R keys simultaneously to launch Run Dialog Box.

2. Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and click OK, as shown.

3. Click Next on the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter window.

4A. Wait for it to detect problems and then, Click Apply this fix if any.

Then, Restart your PC.

4B. However, the following screen will appear if Troubleshooting couldn’t identify the problem. In this case, you can try the remaining fixes listed in this article.

Also Read: Fix USB Composite Device can’t work properly with USB 3.0

Method 3: Update/ Rollback Realtek Card Reader Driver

Update the drivers to the latest version or roll back the drivers to the previous version to fix Realtek PCIE Card Reader not working issue.

Method 3A: Update Driver

1. Click on Windows Search Menu and type device manager. Click Open to launch it.

2. Double-click on Memory technology devices to expand it.

3. Now, right-click on the Realtek PCIE CardReader driver and click on Update driver.

Note: The driver name depends upon the Windows version installed on your PC.

4. Next, click on Search automatically for drivers options to install the driver automatically.

5. Click on Close to exit the window and restart the computer.

Method 3B: Roll Back Driver

1. Navigate to Device Manager > Memory technology devices as earlier.

2. Right-click on Realtek PCIE CardReader driver and click on Properties, as shown.

3. Switch to the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver, as shown highlighted.

4. Click on Yes in the confirmation prompt and then, click on OK to apply this change.

5. Then, restart your PC to make the rollback effective.

Note: If the option to Roll Back Driver is greyed out in your system, it indicates that the driver is not updated.

Method 4: Update Windows OS

If you did not obtain any fix by the above-mentioned methods, then the system may be filled with bugs. Microsoft releases updates periodically to fix these. Hence, updating Windows OS would help fix Realtek Card Reader not working issue.

1. Press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings.

2. Now, select Update & Security.

3. Click on Check for updates button as shown highlighted.

4A. If there are new updates available, then download & install them.

4B. If there is no update available, the You’re up to date message will appear.

Also Read: How to Update Realtek HD Audio Drivers in Windows 10

Method 5: Disable Power Saving Option

Often, Power Saving mode enabled through power options continuously disconnects devices connected to your computer. Thereby, causing Realtek PCIE Card Reader not working issue on Windows 10 desktop/laptop.

1. Go to Device Manager > Memory technology devices as instructed in Method 3A.

2. Right-click on Realtek PCIE CardReader driver and click on Properties, as shown.

3. Switch to the Power Management tab and uncheck the box marked Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

4. Finally, click on OK to save the changes and restart your system.

Method 6: Disable Automatic USB Selective Suspend

USB Suspend feature, if enabled, USB hub driver may suspend any individual port without affecting the function of other ports. This feature might help you with portable computers. However, you may sometimes face Realtek PCIE Card Reader not working issue when your system is idle. Thus, disabling it might help.

1. Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar and click Open.

2. Select View by > Large icons, and then click Power Options, as shown.

3. Here, click on Change plan settings under Selected plan section.

4. In the Edit Plan Settings window, click Change advanced power settings link shown highlighted.

5. Now, double-click USB settings to expand it.

6. Once again, double-click USB selective suspend setting to expand it, as shown.

7. Here, click on On battery and change the setting to Disabled from the drop-down list, as illustrated below.

8. Change the setting to Disabled for Plugged in as well.

9. Finally, click on Apply > OK to save these changes.

10. Restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

Recommended:

• What is Realtek Card Reader?
• How to Force Delete File in Windows 10
• Fix Sound Keeps Cutting Out in Windows 10
• Fix HP Laptop Not Connecting to Wi-Fi

We hope that this helped you fix Realtek PCIE Card Reader not working issue on Windows 10. Leave your queries/suggestions in the comments section below.