Your laptop’s serial number is a unique identifier that manufacturers use for warranty service support and tracking. Knowing your serial number can be helpful if you need to register your device check warranty status or get technical assistance. It is often requested when you contact customer support or want to verify the authenticity of your laptop.
If you are wondering how to find the serial number on your laptop this guide will show you several easy methods for Windows and macOS laptops as well as where to look physically on your device.
Finding the Serial Number on a Windows Laptop
The simplest way to find your laptop’s serial number on Windows is through the command prompt. Press Windows + R to open the Run box. Type cmd and press Enter to open the command prompt window. Then type the following command and press Enter:
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wmic bios get serialnumber
The serial number should appear below the text. This method works on most Windows laptops and does not require any additional software.
You can also find the serial number through Windows PowerShell. Open PowerShell from the Start menu and enter the same command:
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Get-WmiObject win32_bios | Select-Object SerialNumber
Alternatively you can check in your system information. Open the Start menu type System Information and open the app. Look for the field labelled System Serial Number or Serial Number in the summary.
Finding the Serial Number on a MacBook
On a MacBook click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select About This Mac. The serial number will be displayed in the window that appears along with other details about your system.
You can also find the serial number on the underside of your MacBook near regulatory markings or inside the battery compartment if your model has a removable battery. Some Macs also list the serial number in System Report under Hardware Overview.
Physical Locations to Check
If your laptop does not power on or you cannot access the operating system there are usually physical labels on the device with the serial number. Common places to look include:
- The bottom panel of the laptop
- Underneath the battery if it is removable
- On the original packaging or receipt
- Inside the battery compartment or behind a small access panel
The serial number is usually printed on a sticker and labelled clearly with terms like Serial Number S/N or SN.
Why You Might Need Your Serial Number
Knowing your laptop serial number can help when registering your product for warranty or updates. It is essential if you need technical support or repair services. In case your laptop is lost or stolen the serial number can also assist law enforcement or insurance claims.
Manufacturers use the serial number to track manufacturing details and verify the device during support calls.
What to Do If You Cannot Find the Serial Number
If the serial number is missing or unreadable on your device and you cannot access software tools you can contact the laptop manufacturer with proof of purchase. They may be able to identify your device by other means such as model number or purchase date.
Be cautious when buying used laptops and always ask for the serial number to verify authenticity and warranty status.
Conclusion
Finding your laptop’s serial number is straightforward whether you use Windows macOS or need to check physical labels. The serial number is a key piece of information for warranty registration technical support and device tracking. Using simple commands or system menus you can retrieve this number quickly and keep it safe for future reference.