How to Check Laptop Serial Number

How to Check the Serial Number on a Windows Laptop

Windows offers several built in ways to find this information, from a one line command to a physical label.

Method 1: Command Prompt (Fastest)

1. Type cmd in the Windows search bar and press Enter.
2. Type wmic bios get serialnumber and press Enter.
3. The serial number will appear directly below the command.

Method 2: PowerShell

1. Right click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell or Terminal.
2. Type Get CimInstance win32_bios and press Enter.
3. Look for the SerialNumber field in the results.

Method 3: System Information App

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
3. In the System Summary section, find BIOS Version/Date and nearby fields, some manufacturers also list the serial number directly here under System Model details.

Method 4: Settings App

1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
2. Click System, then About.
3. Scroll down to Device Specifications, some manufacturers display the serial number here as Product ID or Device ID.

Method 5: The Physical Label

Flip your laptop over. Most manufacturers print the serial number directly on a sticker on the underside of the chassis, sometimes alongside a barcode. On some ultrabooks, it may instead be printed inside the battery compartment or near the charging port.

How to Check the Serial Number on a MacBook

Apple makes this process even simpler, with the same information available in two or three clicks.

Method 1: About This Mac (Fastest)

1. Click the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Click About This Mac.
3. The serial number is listed directly beneath your Mac model and chip details.

Method 2: System Report

1. Click the Apple logo, then About This Mac.
2. Click More Info, then System Report.
3. Select Hardware in the sidebar. The serial number appears at the top of the Hardware Overview panel.

Method 3: The Physical Label

On most MacBook models, the serial number is engraved on the underside of the laptop near the regulatory markings. On older models it may instead be found inside the battery compartment.

Method 4: Terminal (For Advanced Users)

1. Open Terminal from Launchpad or Spotlight search.
2. Type system_profiler SPHardwareDataType and press Enter.
3. Look for the Serial Number field in the output

Why You Need Your Laptop Serial Number

The serial number is a unique identifier assigned to your specific unit, unlike the model name which is shared by thousands of identical machines. You will typically need it to:

• Register your laptop for manufacturer warranty coverage
• Check remaining warranty status or extended coverage eligibility
• Report a lost or stolen device to police or your IT department
• Order the exact replacement parts or drivers for your model revision
• Verify a secondhand or rental laptop matches its listed specifications
• File an insurance claim that requires proof of ownership

Finding Your Serial Number by Brand

Some manufacturers offer additional shortcuts worth knowing:

• Dell laptops: Restart and press F12 at the Dell logo screen to open the boot menu, then select BIOS Setup, where the Service Tag (Dell’s version of a serial number) is listed on the main screen
• HP laptops: Press Escape repeatedly during startup, then F10 to enter BIOS, where the serial number is listed under Main
• Lenovo laptops: Open Lenovo Vantage software and check the Device tab, or press Novo button during startup to access BIOS setup

If you are researching a specific brand before buying or renting, our Lenovo laptop review covers build quality, reliability, and what to expect from their current lineup.

What to Do If the Serial Number Is Missing or Worn Off

If the physical sticker has faded or been removed, you still have options:

• Check the original purchase receipt or invoice, which usually lists the serial number
• Check the retail box, if you still have it
• Log into your manufacturer account, many brands store registered serial numbers under your profile
• Use the software methods above, since the number stored in the BIOS chip cannot be worn away like a printed sticker

Serial Number vs Other Identifiers

It helps to understand the difference between similar sounding terms:

• Serial Number: A unique code identifying one specific physical unit.
• Model Number: Identifies the general product line, shared across every unit of that exact configuration.
• Service Tag (Dell specific): Functions exactly like a serial number but is Dell’s own branded term for it.
• Product Key: Unrelated to the hardware, this instead activates your Windows operating system license.

If you are also checking other hardware details at the same time, our guide on check laptop specs walks through viewing your processor, RAM, and storage using the same built in tools covered here.

Browse more laptop resources to find helpful tutorials, maintenance tips, feature explanations, and solutions to common issues.
How to Check Laptop Battery Health, Why Is My Laptop Screen Green, How to Install Memory in Laptop, and How to Connect Two Monitors to a Laptop.

Final Thoughts

Finding your laptop serial number takes only seconds using tools already installed on Windows and macOS, no third party software required. Keep a note of it somewhere safe, alongside your purchase receipt, so warranty claims, insurance reports, or support tickets never get held up searching for it later. If you need a laptop for a short project without the hassle of registration and long term ownership, our laptop rental options come fully documented and ready to deploy across the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my serial number?

You can check your laptop’s serial number by looking at the label on the bottom of the device or inside the battery compartment (if removable). On Windows, open Command Prompt, type wmic bios get serial number, and press Enter. The serial number is also available in your device’s BIOS or UEFI settings.

How do I check if my laptop is original?

To verify that your laptop is original, compare its serial number with the manufacturer’s official warranty or support website. Ensure the model number, specifications, and warranty details match the device. Genuine laptops also include valid manufacturer branding, licensing, and factory-installed software.

How to get a serial number from a PC?

On a Windows PC, open Command Prompt, type wmic bios get serial number, and press Enter. The serial number will be displayed instantly. You can also find it in System Information, your computer’s BIOS, or on the label attached to the device.

How do I find my HP laptop serial number?

You can find your HP laptop’s serial number on the sticker underneath the device, inside the battery compartment, or by pressing Fn + Esc to open HP System Information. Alternatively, open Command Prompt, type wmic bios get serial number, and press Enter to display the serial number.

How do I find my laptop serial number without turning it on?

If the laptop will not power on, check the physical label on the underside of the chassis, the original retail box, or your purchase receipt, all of which typically list the serial number.

Is the serial number the same as the product key?

No. The serial number identifies the physical hardware, while the product key is a separate software license code used to activate Windows.

Can I check my laptop serial number remotely through Windows?

Yes, if remote access or remote management software such as Microsoft Intune is installed, an IT administrator can retrieve the serial number without physically touching the device.

Why do I need my laptop serial number for a warranty claim?

Manufacturers use the serial number to confirm the exact purchase date, model configuration, and remaining coverage period tied to that specific unit, rather than the model in general.

Does every laptop have a visible serial number sticker?

yes, Most do, though the location varies. Some ultra thin laptops keep the sticker on the underside near the regulatory text, while a small number of models only display it through BIOS or software, without any physical label at all.