How to add microSD support to Surface Laptop 2 on the cheap
By Zac Bowden published

If you own a Surface Laptop 2 but need to plug in a microSD card to grab files from, you're going to need to grab yourself a microSD card adapter. Here are our picks for best card adapter for the Surface Laptop 2 and how to set it all up.
Products used in this guide
- Amazon: UGREEN SD Card Reader (opens in new tab) ($15)
- Amazon: LENTION 3-Port USB 3.0 Type A Hub (opens in new tab) ($19)
- Amazon: SanDisk Ultra 128GB microSDXC UHS-I card (opens in new tab) ($20)
- Amazon: Silicon Power-64GB High Speed MicroSD Card (opens in new tab) ($9)
When do you need a microSD card adapter?
If you're using a DSLR or accessory that uses a microSD card for storage, you'll need an adapter if you're planning on extracting data from the microSD card on your Surface Laptop 2. There's no microSD card reader built into the Surface Laptop 2 by default, so your only option is to buy a card reader adapter that plugs into the single USB-A port on the device.
Luckily, card adapters are pretty cheap online, so you won't have to break the bank just so you can use your microSD card on your Surface Laptop 2. You can even get card readers that have USB-A ports on them too, so you won't lose out on the ability to plug in an external USB drive when you've got your card adapter plugged in.
How to plug in your new microSD adapter
- Line up the card reader's USB connection with the single USB port on the left side of the Surface Laptop 2.
- Ensure the card reader's USB connection is orientated the correct way.
- Push the USB connector into the USB port on the Surface Laptop 2.
From there, you'll hear a sound to signify the card reader has been plugged in, and you'll be good to go. From there, you can slide in your microSD card and it should show up in File Explorer.
- Line up the microSD card with the correct port on the card reader.
- Push it in until you feel it click or it can't move in any further.
Our top equipment picks
Here are the microSD card reader adapters we use and recommend.
UGREEN SD Card Reader
The hub with all the cards
This card reader hub has support for multiple different card sizes, including standard SD card size, microSD, and more.
LENTION 3-Port USB 3.0 Type A Hub
Card or USB? Why not both
Since the Surface Laptop 2 only has one USB-A port, you might want a card reader that has more USB-A ports on it so that you don't lose the ability to plug in an external USB drive when using your card adapter.
Additional Equipment
In addition to a card reader, you'll need a microSD card to go along with it as well.
SanDisk Ultra 128GB microSDXC UHS-I card (opens in new tab) ($20 at Amazon)
The SanDisk class 10 microSD card with 128GB storage should be enough for most microSD card related tasks.
Silicon Power-64GB High Speed MicroSD Card (opens in new tab) ($9 at Amazon)
Looking to save a few bucks? This microSD card is cheap and comes with 64GB of storage for photos, videos, and more.
Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows 10 on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter: @zacbowden.
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