How to Find Your Laptop’s Serial Number: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your laptop’s serial number is a unique identifier that distinguishes it from all other devices. This number is essential for various purposes, including warranty claims, technical support, theft reporting, and even repairs. Knowing how to locate this number can save you time and hassle when dealing with manufacturers or service providers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through different methods to find your laptop’s serial number across various operating systems and brands.

Methods to Find Your Laptop’s Serial Number

1. Physical Check

The simplest way to locate your laptop’s serial number is by physically inspecting the device. Most laptops have the serial number printed on a sticker or engraved on the chassis.

• Bottom of the Laptop: Turn your laptop over and look for a label or sticker. The serial number is often marked as “S/N,” “Serial Number,” or “Service Tag.”
• Battery Compartment: If your laptop has a removable battery, check inside the compartment. The serial number might be printed on a sticker here.
• Original Packaging: If you still have the box your laptop came in, the serial number is usually printed on one of its sides.
• User Manual: Some manufacturers include the serial number in the documentation provided with the laptop.

Note: Over time, stickers may fade or become illegible. If this happens, proceed to software-based methods.

2. Using System Information (Windows)

Windows laptops allow you to retrieve the serial number through built-in settings or commands.

• Via Settings:

  1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
  2. Navigate to System > About.
  3. Scroll down to the “Device specifications” section where you can find the serial number.

• Using Command Prompt:

  1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd in the search bar and pressing Enter.
  2. Type wmic bios get serialnumber and hit Enter.
  3. The serial number will appear below “SerialNumber.”

• Using PowerShell:

  1. Open PowerShell by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Enter Get-WmiObject win32_bios | select SerialNumber and press Enter.
  3. The serial number will be displayed on-screen.

3. Using BIOS/UEFI Settings

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI firmware often stores your laptop’s serial number.

1. Restart your laptop and press the designated key (commonly F2, F10, F12, or Delete) during boot-up to access BIOS/UEFI settings.
2. Navigate to the System Information or Main tab.
3. Look for an entry labeled “Serial Number.”

This method is particularly useful if your laptop cannot boot into Windows.

4. For macOS Users

Apple laptops have specific steps to locate their serial numbers:

• About This Mac:

  1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select About This Mac.
  3. The serial number will be displayed at the bottom of the window.

• System Information:

  1. Hold down the Option key and click on the Apple logo.
  2. Select System Information.
  3. Under Hardware Overview, find the “Serial Number” field.

• Terminal Command:
  Open Terminal and type ioreg -l | grep IOPlatformSerialNumber, then press Enter to display your Mac’s serial number.

5. For Linux Users

Linux systems also provide ways to retrieve your laptop’s serial number:

Open a terminal window and type:

sudo dmidecode -s system-serial-number

Press Enter, and you’ll see your laptop’s serial number displayed.

Alternatively, check /sys/class/dmi/id/product_serial  by typing:

cat /sys/class/dmi/id/product_serial

These commands require root access, so ensure you have administrative privileges.

Brand-Specific Instructions

Some manufacturers offer additional tools or methods:

• Dell: Look for a Service Tag on the bottom panel or use Dell SupportAssist software.
• HP: Use HP Support Assistant or check under the battery compartment.
• Lenovo: Visit Lenovo’s support website and use their “Detect Product” feature.
• Apple: Check original receipts or Apple ID account for device details linked to your account.

Conclusion

Finding your laptop’s serial number is straightforward once you know where to look—whether it’s physically on your device or through software tools like Command Prompt, BIOS settings, or macOS utilities. This essential piece of information can simplify warranty claims, technical support interactions, or even theft recovery efforts.

FAQs

1. What should I do if my laptop’s sticker is faded?

If you cannot read the sticker, use software-based methods like Command Prompt (Windows), Terminal (Mac/Linux), or check BIOS/UEFI settings.

2. Can I find my laptop’s serial number without turning it on?

Yes, physical inspection of labels on the chassis or battery compartment can reveal it without powering up the device.

3. Is it safe to share my laptop’s serial number?

While sharing your serial number with manufacturers for support is safe, avoid posting it publicly as it can be misused for fraudulent warranty claims.

4. How do I find my Dell laptop’s Service Tag?

The Service Tag is located on a sticker at the bottom of Dell laptops and serves as its unique identifier.

5. Can I find my MacBook’s serial number online?

Yes, log in to your Apple ID account at apple.com and check under “Devices” for linked products and their details.

Afrah Saleem

Afrah Rathore is an experienced marketing professional with over six years in the industry. As the Marketing Manager at TLM International FZE, she has consistently developed and implemented successful strategies that drive brand growth and customer engagement. Her expertise covers digital marketing, brand management, and market analysis. Afrah's passion for innovation and creativity has been instrumental in the success of the brands she manages.

See Full Bio