Introduction
The serial number of your PC is not shown anywhere in the Windows interface, and neither are popular system information programs. However, the serial number of a PC may often be found with a simple command, a peep in your BIOS, or on the hardware itself.
Execute the WMIC Command
To begin, launch a Command Prompt or PowerShell window. Right-click the Start button in Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8 and choose “Command Prompt,” “PowerShell,” or “Windows Terminal.” On Windows 7, hit Windows + R, then enter “cmd” into the Run dialog.
Type the following command into the Command Prompt and click Enter:
wmic bios get serialnumber
The computer’s serial number will be shown under the words “SerialNumber.” This command retrieves the system’s serial number from the BIOS using the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool.
If you can’t find your PC’s serial number, blame the manufacturer. The number will only display here if it was saved to your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware by the PC maker. PC makers do not always correctly fill in the number. In such instance, instead of a serial number, you’ll see anything like “0,” “To be filled by O.E.M.” or blank space.
This is also true if you constructed your own PC, since the PC will lack a serial number. You can seek for the serial number of your motherboard and other components, though.
Examine the BIOS
The serial number may also be found on the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings screen. Because the wmic command retrieves the serial number from the BIOS, this procedure will not provide a serial number if the wmic command did not. However, if you can’t login into Windows to perform the wmic command, examining the BIOS could be useful.
Navigate to the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings panel and seek for a “Serial Number” someplace on the system details screen. It will be at a different location on each PC, although it is normally located somewhere on the “Main” or “System” screen.
Locate the serial number on the PC’s hardware, box, or anywhere else.
If you don’t see a serial number after executing the wmic command, or if you can’t turn the PC on or don’t have access to it, there are a few more places you may look:
- Flip over your laptop if you have one. On certain computers, the number is printed on a sticker. On others, the number is printed right on the metal or plastic that the laptop is composed of. If your laptop has a detachable battery, the serial number is occasionally printed on a sticker inside the battery compartment, under the battery.
- If you have a desktop PC, search for a sticker on the back, top, or side of the chassis. The number might alternatively be on a sticker inside the case, requiring you to open it.
- If you can’t locate the serial number on the PC, go online for model-specific instructions. The manufacturer’s website should point you in the right direction.
- The serial number should be contained in the registration documents, warranty service receipt, or email confirmation for the service if you registered your PC with the manufacturer or obtained warranty service.
- If you still have the original product box, the serial number is frequently written on it – often on the same sticker as the bar code.
- The serial number may be printed on the physical or electronic receipt you got if you bought the PC online or in store.
And don’t give up if you can’t locate your serial number at all. If you have confirmation of purchase, the manufacturer may still be able to assist you with any servicing you want and may even be able to locate the serial number for you.
