SD cards, also known as memory cards are primarily used in smartphones, cameras, and other electronic equipment to store blocks of data in NAND flash.
Like any other storage device, they can run out of space after extensive use. Once that happens, you’ll either need to delete some files or back them up on your PC. But before doing anything else, it’s essential to properly insert the SD card into your device.
Unlike most laptops where dedicated SD, miniSD, or microSD slots are available, only a handful of PC cases provide such. If yours doesn’t have one, you’ll require additional gadgets, like USB Card Reader or USB Hub. To learn more, kindly go through the step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Know Your SD Card
Firstly, you need to identify the SD card family you’re using —standard, mini, or micro. Each of them differs in terms of size and is categorized into four types based on memory capacity — SDSC, SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC.
As per the comparison chart above, the standard SD cards have 32 × 24 × 2.1 mm dimensions, while that of Mini and Micro are 20 × 21.5 × 1.4 mm and 15 × 11 × 1 mm respectively. Clearly, each card requires a dedicated slot and won’t fit inside the other ones, unless you use an adapter jacket.
If you’re new to SD cards and are unsure about which one you’re using, directlycheck its label. Every memory chip does have clear indications on one of the sides.
Step 2: Check for SD Card Slot on Your PC
As mentioned earlier, memory cardslots on desktop computers are quite rare. If your PC case has one, you’ll likely find it on the front panel USB, along with the other ports.
After identifying the SD card type, kindly check for the dedicated slot on your PC. For example, if you have a micoSD card, look for a smaller port of 15 × 11 × 1 mm dimension with the label ‘microSD’.
If you find one, you may directly proceed to the fourth step. Otherwise, you require an additional tool, which we are going to discuss next.
Step 3: Get a Preferable Gadget
You can find plenty of useful gadgets online that allow you to access data from the SD card. They are cost-effective and portable. All you have to do is insert the memory chip into the device and then connect it to the computer.
SD Card Reader
SD Card reader or often called a memory card reader is an input device that allows direct connection to the USB ports on your PC.Their working is identical toUSB flash drives; the only difference is that you need to first insert an SD Card into its dedicated slot.
Well, there are different types of card readers available in the market today. you may findUSB Type-A, Type-C, or even OTG. Most of these tools have multiple memory card slots, such that you can use a single connector for all your SD, microSD, and miniSD.
SD Card Adapter Jacket
If the PC already has a memory card slot but yours is a miniSD or microSD chip, you should rather opt for an SD card adapter jacket. Also, it is much cheaper than a card reader.
In order to make use of this tool, firstinsert the microSD or miniSD card inside the jacket. Now, utilize the available SD slot on your PC to fit the adapter jacket.
USB Hub or All-In-One Card Readers
Besidesadding USB ports to your PC, some high-end Hubs also offer microSD and SD card slots. You need to first insert a memory chip here and then connect the device to your PCusing its USB Type-A or Type-C cable.
In self-powered USB Hubs, ensure to attach the dedicated AC adapter to the power port. But if the device is bus-powered, connecting it to the computer is enough for providing the required voltage and current to run it.
You may even opt for an All-In-One Card Reader which looks identical to a USB Hub. Along with the similar working, it’s much more cost-effective.
Media Dashboard
If you want to permanently add an SD slot to your PC, we advise getting a Media Dashboard. These are also called front panel card readers and can be installed in the drive bay.
However, not all Media Dashboards are going to fit into the casing due to the mismatched form factor. So, kindlypurchase the one that perfectly sits on the front panel. you’re able to simply look for the dimension in the product’s specification.
Below is a quick guide that should help you install a Media Dashboard to the front panel of your PC casing:
Additional Tip:you may view or transfer photos and videos on the SD card directly from your smartphone without the need for any gadgets mentioned above. All you have to do is insert the memory card on any Android device, and connect it to the PC using a USB to USB-C data cable.
Step 4: SD Card Insertion
Once you’ve purchased a recommended gadget, the next step is to attach your SD card. However, if your PC already has a prebuilt slot, you may directly insert the memory chip there. Kindly go through any of the below methods, whichever seems applicable to you.
Caution:Forcefully inserting the memory chip into its slot may damage the contact pins or even break the card. Ensure the pin alignment is done properly before pushing it all the way in.
Insert SD Card Directly to the Slot
Whether your PC casing has pre-built SD card slots or you installed a Media Dashboard, you can now directly insert the memory chip. Here’s the correct way to do just that:
Insert SD Card into a Desired Device
Whether you’re using a USB SD Card Reader, Adapter Jacket, USB Hub, or an All-In-One Card Reader, you need to first attach your memory chip to these gadgets. Once that’s done, you may insert or plug in the device to the applicable PC port. Note that these tools can also come in handy in laptops having no SD slots.
Step 5: Test Your SD Card
After successfully inserting a memory card into your PC, the final step is todetermine whether your PC is detecting it. To do so, simply check the This PC directory:
