SD Card Not Accessible? Fix Access Denied Errors in Minutes
If your SD card is not accessible or shows "access denied" in Windows 10, Android or camera, follow these proven solutions to regain access, restore data, and prevent future corruption. Works for microSD cards too.
Last Updated July 30, 2025
SD Card Not Accessible!
SD card D:\ is not accessible. Incorrect function
Hello, I receive the above error when I try to access my SD card on the PC. The SD card was working fine until I moved some music on it. I have tried some possible solutions found online, but none of them work, for example:
I have tried using this command "chkdsk m: /r", didnt work.
I have tried changing the drive letter, but it didn't work.
I have tried formatting, but nothing happens when I right-click the SD card and choose format.
I have also tried to use the SD card on my laptop, but it does not even get detected
I would appreciate your help on this.
Waiting for your response.
Kind regards
- Question from learn.microsoft.com
Cannot access SD Cards on my PC
When I try to access SD Cards on my PC, I get the error "E:\ is not accessible. Access is denied.". This happens on any SD Card I own, so it's not the SD Card's fault. I can also access all the tested SD Cards on all my other devices without any problem, and I can access them using third-party file explorers, such as Total Commander, as long as they have admin privileges. So the problem is Windows 10 in this case. Has anyone experienced this problem before and knows how to solve it?
- Question from reddit.com
If you just like the above users, meeting "SD card is not accessible, the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable", "SDcard is not accessible the volume does not contain a recognized file system", "SD card is not accessible incorrect function" or "SD card is not accessible, Access denied", etc. You’re in the right place.
In this post, you will find the reasons and quick solutions to fix the 'Access Denied' error and recover files from an SD card that is not accessible, if possible. Let’s find out.
Why is Your SD Card Not Accessible?
It’s very helpful to know the reasons why you can’t access the SD card before fixing it. Here are some main reasons for that:
⭕ Permission Problems (SD Card Access Denied). Windows can be picky about permissions at times. A message stating "access denied SD card Windows 10" typically indicates that your user account lacks the authorization to access the files.
⭕ Physical Damage or Connection Problems. Bent pins, water damage, or a dirty SD card slot can also prevent access. If your camera can’t access SD card, try cleaning the contacts with a soft cloth.
⭕ Write Protection is Enabled. If the write protection is enabled, you can’t access and write data to the SD card.
⭕ Outdated Camera Firmware. If your camera or other devices has outdated firmware, you cannot access SD card as well.
Recover Data from Inaccessible SD Card on Windows 11/10
First things first. It’s an emergency to recover data from the SD card that cannot be accessed if you don’t have a backup.
Fortunately, you can use MyRecover to recover files easily, why? Check the following advantages:
- Professional. It’s a professional data recovery software, which allows you to recover data from any device and provides you with the highest recovery rate, 99%.
- Flexible. You can recover any file type from the device (1,000+), including JPG, PNG, MP4, MP3, DOC, TXT, XLSX, ZIP, CDA, WAV, AIFF, XHTML, and many more.
- Fast. With just simple clicks, you can recover data from SD card easily on the intuitive interface.
- Preview. You can preview files before recovery, it is very useful for you to find the right file, saving time and effort.
- Precise. You can use different scenarios to find your missing, deleted files fast on the professional interface.
- Easy Search. Searching files or folders is very fast to find the files you need to recover, using file size, file type, or file name to find them quickly.
Therefore, how to recover data from an access-denied SD card on Windows 10, 11 with MyRecover, find the full guide:
1. Please connect your SD card on your computer, and ensure it can be detected by Windows.
2. Install and run MyRecover on this computer, go to USB/SD Card Recovery on the left, and hit Scan when hovering over the SD card.
100% Secure
3. Hit OK if the scanning has completed.
4. Find and select the files you need to recover, and hit Recover.
5. Select a safe location to save these files from SD card, then hit Select Folder to recover data from SD card that is not accessible. Wait for it to complete.
- Tips:
- Please upgrade to recover unlimited data if necessary.
- You can also recover files from crashed computer with MyRecover Pro.
- Recover Deleted Files Easily with Simple Clicks
- 1000+ File Formats Supported
- Support HDD, SSD, External Hard Drive, USB Drive, SD Card, etc.
- Quickly Find Files Using File Types, Name, Size, etc.
- Preview Files Before Recovering
- Recover Unlimited Data
100% SecureHow to Fix Micro SD Card Not Accessible on Windows 11/10?
After recovering data from SD card not accessible, you can fix the SD card back to normal and use it again. There are multiple solutions to try.
Way 1. Taking Ownership via Security Settings
1. Right-click the SD card in File Explorer > Properties.
2. Go to the Security tab > Advanced.
3. Click Change next to the owner name, enter your username, and apply.
Way 2. Assign Drive Letter
Sometimes, the SD card is not accessible due to the missing drive letter. You can assign a drive letter to the SD card, and check if the problem is solved. Here is how to assign a drive letter to the SD card:
1. Hit Windows + X and choose Disk Management.
2. Find the SD card, and choose Change Drive Letter and Paths.
3. Choose a drive letter for the SD card, and then your SD card will be accessible now.
Way 3. Running CHKDSK to Repair Errors
1. Please input cmd into the search box, and run Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Then type the following commands, and hit Enter:
chkdsk X: /f /r (Replace X with your SD card's drive letter.)
3. Now, Windows will scan for errors and fix them automatically.
Way 4. Formatting the SD Card Safely
If nothing works, formatting may be your last resort, please ensure your data has been backed up if possible.
1. Go to Disk Management, find and right-click the SD card.
2. Choose Format.
3. Select FAT32 (for cards under 32GB) or exFAT (for larger cards) for the SD card.
How to Fix Access Denied SD Card on Android?
Android users often face "micro SD card not accessible" errors. Here’s what to do:
Way 1. Reinsert the SD card
Sometimes, it might be the mounting Issues, you can go to Storage Settings to check, or reinsert to fix:
1. Go to Settings > Storage.
2. If the card isn’t detected, remove and reinsert it.
Way 2. Cleaning the SD Card Slot
Dust can block connections. Use compressed air or a soft brush to clean the slot.
Camera Can’t Access SD Card – 3 Fixes
If your camera can’t access the SD card, try these quick fixes:
Way 1. Checking for Write Protection
Some SD cards have a tiny lock switch on the side. Slide it to unlock.
Way 2. Updating Camera Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues. Check your camera manufacturer’s website for updates.
Way 3. Testing the SD Card on Another Device
If it works elsewhere, the problem might be your camera’s card reader.
FAQs: SD Card Not Accessible Issues
Why does my SD card say "access denied"?
A: Usually, it’s a permissions issue. Try taking ownership (as shown above) or check if the card is write-protected.
Can I fix a corrupted SD card without losing data?
A: Yes! Tools like MyRecover can recover files before you reformat.
Why won’t my camera read my SD card?
A: It could be corrupted, locked, or incompatible. Try another device or reformat (if you’ve backed up data).
How do I unlock an SD card that says "not accessible"?
A: If it’s not physically locked, use CHKDSK or reformat (last resort).
Can a damaged SD card be repaired?
A: If it’s software corruption, yes. Physical damage? Only a pro might help.
Why does my micro SD card keep disconnecting?
A: Dirty contacts, a faulty adapter, or a dying card. Try cleaning or replacing it.
The Verdict
An SD card not accessible error doesn’t have to be a disaster. Whether it’s a "access denied SD card Windows 10" issue or a camera that can’t read the card, these workarounds should get you back on track. And if all else fails, recovery software may often rescue your contents.
With MyRecover, you can also recover deleted files from the emptied trash bin, recover data from RAW partition, and much more. Try and enjoy it now!