How to Find the Serial Number of Your Laptop

As a Senior IT Engineer, one of the most common questions I encounter is, “How do I find the serial number of my laptop?” Your laptop’s serial number is a crucial piece of information, especially when you need technical support, or warranty services, or want to track your device in case of theft. In this blog post, I will guide you through the various methods to find the serial number on different laptop models and operating systems.

5 Methods to Find the Serial Number of Your Laptop

Method 1: Check the Bottom of Your Laptop

The most straightforward way to find your laptop’s serial number is to flip it over and check the bottom of the device. You’ll often find a sticker or label that contains vital information, including the serial number. Look for a combination of numbers and letters, and the label may also include other information like the model number and manufacturing date. Here’s what it might look like:

Serial Number on Laptop
Image Source: PowerSupplyShop.co.uk

Method 2: Access BIOS/UEFI for Serial Number

If you’re unable to access the physical label on the laptop, you can find the serial number within the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). To do this, follow these steps:

  • Start or restart your laptop.
  • During the boot process, press the appropriate key to access the BIOS/UEFI. The key varies depending on the laptop manufacturer; common keys include F2, F10, Del, or Esc. Refer to your laptop’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the exact key for your model.
  • Once in the BIOS/UEFI, navigate through the menus to find the System Information or System Configuration section. The serial number should be listed there.

Method 3: Use Command Prompt or Terminal (Windows and Linux)

If your laptop is running Windows or Linux, you can also retrieve the serial number using the Command Prompt or Terminal. Follow these steps:

For Windows:

Find Serial Number in Windows

Press the Windows key and type “cmd” to open the Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

wmic bios get serialnumber

The serial number of your laptop will be displayed on the screen.

For Linux (Ubuntu, for example):

Open the Terminal.
Type the following command and press Enter:

sudo dmidecode -s system-serial-number

The serial number will be displayed in the Terminal.

Method 4: Check the Laptop’s Original Packaging

Find Serial Number of Laptop

If you have the original packaging for your laptop, the serial number is often printed on a label on the box. This can be a handy method if you haven’t recorded the serial number elsewhere.

Method 5: Check the Manufacturer’s Software

Some laptop manufacturers provide software tools that allow you to access system information, including the serial number. These tools can often be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website or are pre-installed on your laptop. Examples include Dell SupportAssist, HP Support Assistant, and Lenovo Vantage.

Finding the serial number of your laptop is a fundamental step in ensuring that you can receive proper support, and warranty services, or locate your device if it’s ever lost or stolen. The methods mentioned in this blog post should cover most laptops and operating systems. Remember to record your serial number in a safe place for future reference, and take care not to share it with anyone you don’t trust, as it can be used to identify and potentially compromise your device.

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