files-community / files-community/Files

Bug: External SD card reader medium is not updated properly

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#17,177 4 comments 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub
area - file system
Dominant language
C#
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Description

### Description

When using an external USB SD card reader, Files does not correctly detect SD card insertions or removals. The SD card is only recognized after physically reconnecting the USB reader. Additionally, Files may interfere with Windows Explorer, preventing it from detecting SD cards while Files is running.

### Expected Behavior (as seen in Windows Explorer):
1. The card reader is hidden when no SD card is inserted.
2. Inserting an SD card automatically mounts and displays the volume.
3. Removing the SD card removes the volume from the view.

(Actions 1–3 can be repeated without the need of reconnecting the card reader)

![Image](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/a590790e-1243-4dcc-97cd-e4d3b74e0d30)

### Observed behavior in Files:
1. The card reader is always visible in Files, even when no card is inserted. (related to #16426)
2. Inserting an SD card does not mount or display the volume.
3. The SD card is only recognized after unplugging and replugging the card reader.
4. Removing the SD card leaves its entry visible in Files, but storage info disappears.
5. Reinserting the card does not update the view; a replug is required again.

![Image](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/4ba6aa6a-3060-4451-b0e9-795462aac6db)

Moreover, Files does seem to interfere with the Windows Explorer's ability to detect SD cards. While Files is open, Windows Explorer does not list any connected SD cards. When the Files process is closed again, SD card detection in the Windows Explorer works as expected.

If the SD card is inserted before Files is opened, it is detected properly.

Although the issue is likely to be observed with different card readers (needs confirmation), the tested card reader internally used an IC from Genesys Logic, Inc., which is used in many (cheap) USB SD card readers.
* Vendor ID (VID): 0x05E3
* Product ID (PID): 0x0751

### Steps To Reproduce

1. Connect SD Card reader to PC
2. Make sure Files is running
3. Insert SD Card into reader (nothing appears)
4. Reconnect Card reader (card appears)
5. Remove SD Card (card does not disappear)

### Files Version

3.9.1.0

### Windows Version

10.0.26100.4202

### User ID

_No response_

### Log File

-

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