Easily Find Your PC’s Serial Number [5 Methods]
Your PC’s serial number is a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer. It is commonly required when checking your warranty, contacting technical support, downloading the correct drivers, registering your device, or verifying ownership. Many users assume they need to open their computer to find it, but Windows offers several simple ways to locate this information without installing any extra software.
This guide walks you through the easiest methods to find your PC’s serial number.
How Does a PC’s Serial Number Look?
A serial number is a unique combination of letters and numbers assigned to your computer by the manufacturer. There isn’t a universal format, so the length and pattern can vary depending on the brand and model. Some serial numbers contain only numbers, while others include both uppercase letters and digits.
For example, a serial number might look like ABC12345XYZ, 5CD1234ABC, or PF3K9L2M8N. These are sample formats and not actual serial numbers.
You can usually find the serial number on a sticker attached to your laptop or desktop, in the BIOS or UEFI settings, or by using Command Prompt or PowerShell in Windows. When reading or entering a serial number, pay close attention to characters that look similar, such as the letter O and the number 0, or the letter I and the number 1, to avoid mistakes.
5 Methods to Find Your PC’s Serial Number
To find your PC’s serial number, open Command Prompt, type wmic bios get serialnumber, and press Enter. If this method doesn’t work, use PowerShell, check the BIOS or UEFI settings, inspect the physical label on your computer, or open your manufacturer’s support application.
1: Find Your Serial Number Using Command Prompt
The easiest way to locate your PC’s serial number is through Command Prompt.
Click the Start button and type Command Prompt into the search box. Open the application from the search results.
When the Command Prompt window opens, type the following command exactly as shown:
wmic bios get serialnumber
Press Enter.
If your computer stores the serial number in its BIOS, Windows will immediately display it below the SerialNumber heading.
Write the number down or copy it into a secure document. Since this identifier is unique to your computer, keeping it in a safe place will make future warranty claims or support requests much easier.
If no serial number appears, don’t worry. Some modern systems no longer support this command, so continue to the next method.
2: Use Windows PowerShell
If Command Prompt doesn’t work, try Windows PowerShell, which is included with Windows.
Click the Start menu, search for PowerShell, and open it.
Enter the following command:
Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumber
Press Enter.
PowerShell will retrieve your system information and display the serial number if it is available.
Once you find it, save it somewhere secure, such as a password manager, notes app, or printed document. Having a copy readily available can save time whenever you need technical assistance.
If PowerShell also returns a blank result, the serial number may not be stored in the system firmware. In that case, the remaining methods should help you locate it.
3: Check the BIOS or UEFI Settings
Another reliable way to find your serial number is through your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings.
Restart your PC and repeatedly press the appropriate key during startup. Depending on your computer, this may be F2, Delete, F10, F12, or Esc.
Once the BIOS or UEFI screen opens, navigate to the Main, System Information, or Information section.
Look for a field labeled Serial Number, System Serial Number, or something similar.
Write the number down exactly as it appears.
After you’re finished, exit the BIOS without changing any settings. Your computer will restart normally.
This method is especially useful if Windows won’t start or if the operating system cannot display the serial number.
4: Locate the Serial Number on the Physical Label
If you can’t find your serial number through Windows, check the label attached to your computer. Nearly every manufacturer places a sticker or engraved label on the device that includes the serial number, model number, and other product details.
For a laptop, shut it down, unplug the charger, and turn it over. Look for a label on the bottom panel. The serial number may be identified as Serial Number, S/N, SN, or Service Tag, depending on the manufacturer.
Some laptops store the label inside the battery compartment. If your laptop has a removable battery, power it off first, remove the battery, and inspect the compartment for the printed information.
For desktop computers, examine the back, side, or top of the case. Compact desktop models may have the label on the bottom.
Take your time when reading the label, since some letters and numbers can look similar. If the sticker is faded, use your phone’s flashlight or camera to make the text easier to read.
Once you’ve located the serial number, store it somewhere safe so you can easily access it whenever needed.
5: Use Your Manufacturer’s Support Application
Many PC manufacturers include a built-in support application that displays detailed system information, including your computer’s serial number.
Open the Start menu and search for your manufacturer’s support app. After launching it, look for sections such as Device Information, System Information, My Device, or Support.
These pages usually display your serial number, model name, product number, and warranty details in one place.
If your computer doesn’t include a support application, don’t worry. The methods using Command Prompt, PowerShell, BIOS, or the physical label are usually enough to locate your serial number.
After finding it, save the number in a secure location so you don’t have to search for it again later.
FAQs
What is a PC serial number?
A PC serial number is a unique code assigned to your computer by the manufacturer. It is used for warranty claims, repairs, technical support, and product registration.
Is the serial number the same as the Windows product key?
No. The serial number identifies your computer’s hardware, while the Windows product key is used to activate the operating system.
Why doesn’t Command Prompt show my serial number?
Some manufacturers do not store the serial number in the BIOS, or the WMIC command may not be supported on newer Windows versions. Try PowerShell, the BIOS, or the physical label instead.
Can I find the serial number if Windows won’t start?
Yes. You can check the BIOS or UEFI settings during startup or look for the physical label on your computer.
Is it safe to share my serial number?
Only share it with trusted parties, such as your computer manufacturer or an authorized service provider. Avoid posting it publicly online.
Do I need third-party software?
No. Windows provides built-in tools such as Command Prompt and PowerShell, and many manufacturers include their own support applications.