The serial number of a laptop is a vital piece of information. You need it for warranty purposes, proof of ownership, insurance, software licensing, tech support, and so many other reasons. Finding it, though, isn’t always the easiest. Not to worry, we’ve got six ways to find the serial number of a laptop.
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Find the Serial Number for Your Laptop With These Methods
Laptops have the added benefit of being manufactured products, shipped more or less whole. The individual components may change, but the core remains the same. That means a consistent serial number is a given. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how to find it.
Check Underneath
Perhaps the easiest physical solution would be to check the underside of your laptop. No matter the manufacturer, there should be a label (usually with a barcode) that contains your laptop’s serial number. It’s usually indicated as “Serial Number” or S/N. In some cases, the sticker may no longer be attached, and you’ll have to try another method.
Via PowerShell
A software-based way to get your serial number is through the PowerShell framework. Here’s what to do:
Step 1. Type “PowerShell” into the search bar and choose the option that pops up to run.
Step 2. In PowerShell, type “Get-WmiObject Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumber” and hit “Enter.”
Step 3. Your serial number should then be displayed.
Use Command Prompt
Another software method is through the Command Prompt utility. The right command should give you your serial number. Here’s what to do:
Step 1. Open the Run dialog (Win + R) and type “cmd” before hitting “Enter.” You don’t need to run it as Administrator for this.
Step 2. In Command Prompt, type “wmic bios get serialnumber” and hit “Enter” to input it.
Step 3. The next line should show you your serial number.
Use Your Manufacturer’s Client
Some laptop manufacturers come with their own client software (MyASUS, Lenovo Service Bridge, etc.), and this will automatically detect your serial number for you. It’s also a good way to ensure your laptop software and drivers stay up to date.
Head to your manufacturer’s website to download this software and follow the steps to install it.
Check the System About
Windows Settings is also a handy and quick way to check your serial number. What’s important to note is that, depending on your laptop manufacturer, your device’s serial number may not show via this method. That said, here’s how to do it:
Step 1. Open Settings (Win + I).
Step 2. Click “System” in the sidebar.
Step 3. In System, scroll down in the right-hand pane until you reach “About.” Give it a click.
Step 4. Look for your serial number.
Use the BIOS
When booting your PC, as soon as it begins to start, press the dedicated BIOS key (usually a Function or Del key) to enter the BIOS. Depending on the manufacturer, it’ll either be on the front page of the BIOS or in an “About” or “Information” tab.
