- If you need to find the laptop serial number there are several quick ways you can find the magic number.
- Some computers don’t have serial numbers, and that’s because they’re made from different parts, not assembled by a single manufacturer. Most laptops do have serial numbers, though.
- Follow one of the methods from this article to learn how to find laptop serial number or computer serial number, if it’s a pre-built model.
Computer Serial Numbers are not really something to get excited about, but they’re useful if you seek assistance from your PC manufacturer, or if you need to claim your warranty for example.
Finding the PC serial number is easy, most of the time, and can be done in front of your computer, sometimes even without needing to turn it on. Let’s see where to find the computer serial number.
CONTENTS
- 1 How to Find Computer Serial Number with a Command (CMD, PowerShell, Windows Terminal)
- 2 My PC Doesn’t Have a Serial Number: Is That Normal?
- 3 Find the Laptop/PC Serial Number on the Back of the Case
- 4 How to Find the Computer Serial Number in BIOS (UEFI)
- 5 Use the Manufacturer Apps to Find the Serial Number for ASUS, HP, Dell, and Lenovo Laptops and Desktops
- 6 Last Resort for Finding the SN: the Product Packaging
- 7 Purchase Paperwork Could Include the Product SN
How to Find Computer Serial Number with a Command (CMD, PowerShell, Windows Terminal)
The fastest way to retrieve your PC serial number without moving an inch from your keyboard is to use a command prompt (CMD) command. This works also in PowerShell and Windows Terminal.
All you need to do is type the following command and execute:
wmic bios get serialnumber
You will immediately see a message starting with SerialNumber. Under it, you’ll find the serial number consisting of letters and numbers.
My PC Doesn’t Have a Serial Number: Is That Normal?
If the serial number command doesn’t return anything it is not a problem. Not all manufacturers bother to add the serial number in the BIOS (that’s where it’s stored). So, it’s OK for your computer not to have a serial number stored digitally.
Also an important note: computers you assemble from multiple parts don’t have serial numbers. Each component may have a serial number, but your PC as a whole doesn’t have one.
Find the Laptop/PC Serial Number on the Back of the Case
If you have a laptop just flip it over, with the screen closed, of course, and look for SN followed by a bunch of letters and numbers. That’s the serial number you’re looking for.
On a prebuilt desktop, the serial number is usually found at the back of the computer case. So yes, you need to get on your knees and crawl under the desk with a flashlight to find it.
How to Find the Computer Serial Number in BIOS (UEFI)
If you’re familiar with the BIOS/UEFI, that’s another place to look. After all, that’s where CMD pulls the serial number from.
So, boot up your computer and try to access the BIOS interface by pressing F2, F10, F12, or Del before Windows starts to load. The exact key you need to press differs from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from model to model.
The serial number, if it exists, should be listed on the main screen, or in the About this device area (exact naming will differ for sure).
Use the Manufacturer Apps to Find the Serial Number for ASUS, HP, Dell, and Lenovo Laptops and Desktops
As with many prebuilt computers, the manufacturer will add a bunch of programs, if the PC comes preinstalled with Windows. Look for the app that manages updates and the hardware configuration.
On my ASUS laptop, the app is called MyASUS, and it shows the serial number on the first screen, under the computer model. On a Lenovo laptop, there’s the Lenovo Vantage app that lists all the details in the My Device section.
Last Resort for Finding the SN: the Product Packaging
If you didn’t throw the computer cardboard box it came in immediately after taking it out maybe you can look on the exterior of the box for the product serial number.
On my ASUS laptop, it’s listed on the side of the packaging, in the model and part number/EAN section. You can’t miss it: it’s an area full of bar codes.
Purchase Paperwork Could Include the Product SN
If nothing else works there’s a chance you can still find your serial number on your invoice or warranty card. It’s a long stretch, but some vendors specify the serial number on the documents accompanying your purchase. It’s worth a look if none of the methods listed above work.
Did I miss some obscure way to find the computer serial number? Let me know in the comments.
