Get the Realtek card reader driver
Realtek lists a PCIE card reader driver for Windows 10 and 11, version V10.0.26100.21378, dated 15 January 2025, 17 MB. It covers built in SD card slots on PCIe readers. For a laptop, use your maker's version first. USB readers are a different chip line.
Checked October 30, 2026 against the manufacturer's own pages.
Driver downloads
| Driver | Version | Released | Size | Windows | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCIE card reader driver for Win10 and Win11 | V10.0.26100.21378 | 2025/01/15 | 17 MB | Windows 10 and 11 | Download from realtek.com |
| USB smart card (CCID) reader driver | V6.1.7600.42 | 2018/08/02 | 4 MB | Windows | Download from realtek.com |
Values copied from the manufacturer's page on October 30, 2026. The file always downloads from the manufacturer, never from this site.
Hardware IDs on this page
| Hardware ID | Device name |
|---|---|
PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5227 | RTS5227 PCI Express Card Reader |
PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229 | RTS5229 PCI Express Card Reader |
PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_525A | RTS525A PCI Express Card Reader |
PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5260 | RTS5260 PCI Express Card Reader |
PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5261 | RTS5261 PCIe SD Express Card Reader controller |
PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5264 | RTS5264 PCIe SD UHS-II & SD Express Card Reader controller |
Match the first line of Hardware Ids in Device Manager (Properties, Details) against this list. Names come from the public PCI ID Repository.
The short version
What to install and where it comes from. Every link goes to the manufacturer or Microsoft, never to a copy.
Official files only, nothing bundled
Step by step
Check the slot is detected
Insert a card. If nothing happens, open Device Manager and look under Memory technology devices, System devices or Other devices for a card reader entry.
Read the hardware ID
Open the device, Details tab, Hardware Ids. A value starting PCI\VEN_10EC is Realtek's, and the DEV code names the chip. USB readers show USB\VID instead.
Start with the laptop maker
Search your model on the maker's support page and look for Card Reader under Chipset or Storage. It was tested on your board.
Use Realtek's package if the maker has none
On Realtek's Card Reader Controllers page, take the PCIE card reader driver for Win10 and Win11 and run it.
Restart and test with a card
Restart, insert an SD card and confirm it opens in File Explorer.
What the Realtek card reader is
Many laptops and some desktops carry a Realtek card reader chip on the PCI Express bus. It connects the SD slot to Windows. Realtek names the chips RTS followed by a number, such as RTS5227 or RTS525A, and the public PCI ID Repository lists them under Realtek’s code, 10ec. The table shows six of them.
Which Realtek package covers it
On Realtek’s Card Reader Controllers page, the entry for Windows is PCIE card reader driver for Win10 and Win11, version V10.0.26100.21378, from 15 January 2025, 17 MB. The page also lists a USB smart card reader driver from 2018, a USB driver for Windows 98 and 2000, a Mac patch and two Linux drivers. Only the PCIE entry is meant for a built in slot on current Windows.
Why the laptop maker still comes first
Laptop makers tune card reader drivers to their boards, and Realtek’s own downloads page says that for laptops the maker’s driver is the better choice. Install the maker’s version first. If the slot still does not work, try Realtek’s package and keep a note of what was there before. A missing card reader is rarely dangerous, so there is no need to hurry.
Questions
Is the version number a Windows build?
It starts with 10.0.26100, which looks like a Windows build number, but that is just how Realtek labels the package. Install it as one driver.
Why does Realtek's page list a Win98/2K driver?
It is an old USB reader driver. Ignore it on current Windows.
My reader is a USB stick, not built in.
Realtek lists a separate USB smart card (CCID) driver, version V6.1.7600.42 from 2018. Many USB readers work with Windows' own class driver.
The SD slot stopped working after an update.
Roll the device back in Device Manager, then install your laptop maker's driver.