Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager . Look for "Smart card readers." If you see a yellow triangle or it's missing entirely, your PC isn't recognizing the hardware.
Ensure your computer is turned on and you are using a supported browser ( Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox – not the new Chromium Edge with strict flags, and avoid Safari for military sites). cac reader not working
If none of these steps work, the issue may require specialized support. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager
| Symptom | Likely Fix | |---------|-------------| | “No reader found” | Try a different USB port or a different CAC reader | | “No certificates” | Card chip may be dirty – gently clean with a soft cloth | | Works on other computer | Your OS needs updates (Windows Update / macOS update) | | Never worked before | Your agency may require a specific middleware (e.g., ActivClient) | If none of these steps work, the issue