Where Is The Serial Number On My Laptop? | Quick Find Tips

Guide / By

On a laptop, the serial number appears on the bottom label, in BIOS/UEFI, in system menus, on the box, or inside your brand account.

You came here to identify that one code that proves a device is yours. Good news: every notebook ships with a unique ID, and there are only a few places it can hide. This guide gives fast paths for Windows, macOS, and major brands, plus backup routes when the sticker is worn or the computer won’t boot.

Find The Serial Number On A Laptop: Fast Paths

Start with the easy spots. You rarely need tools. In many cases, you don’t even need to turn the machine on.

Check The Exterior

  • Underside label or engraving: Flip the device and scan the base plate. Look for “Serial,” “S/N,” or a string beside a barcode.
  • Battery bay (older models): If the battery is removable, slide it out and inspect the inner frame.
  • Edge or hinge area: Some slim designs print the code along the hinge, kickstand, or side rail.
  • Retail box and invoice: The shipping label and receipt usually repeat the same ID.

Use Built-In Software (Windows)

Windows can display the same identifier without opening the case.

  1. Press Win+X, choose Terminal (Admin).
  2. Paste this line and press Enter:
wmic bios get serialnumber

On many systems, PowerShell also returns it:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumber

Use Built-In Software (macOS)

On a Mac notebook, open the Apple menu > About This Mac. The serial appears on the overview panel and in System Report. If the computer won’t start, you can reach it from macOS Recovery via Terminal:

ioreg -l | grep IOPlatformSerialNumber

Check The Firmware Screen

BIOS/UEFI lists hardware IDs even if the installed OS is broken. Restart, tap the brand’s setup key (common keys are F1, F2, F10, or Del), then look on the main or information page.

Brand-By-Brand Pointers

Manufacturers use different labels and apps. These quick notes save time when the wording is confusing.

Dell

Dell devices use a “Service Tag” that maps to the serial. It’s printed on the base or inside the back cover on some models. Dell’s site also detects it through the browser when you allow the device scan.

HP

Look for “S/N” on the base plate or inside the battery bay. On many models, pressing Fn+Esc opens a system info window that shows the same ID. The label on the retail box matches it.

Lenovo

ThinkPad and IdeaPad units often list “S/N” on the underside near the back edge. You can also read it in Windows using the commands above, or through Lenovo’s web tool from a browser.

Apple

MacBook Air and MacBook Pro show the serial right in the menu as noted earlier, and it’s etched on the device near the hinge on many models. The shipping box repeats it beside the barcode.

What A Serial Number Looks Like

Formats vary by maker. Expect a string of 8–20 characters, often a mix of letters and numbers. Some labels add prefixes like “S/N” or “SN.” Dashes are common. On LTE-equipped models you might also see an IMEI; that’s different. The one you want is the laptop’s unit ID, not the cellular modem’s number.

Why You Might Need It

That tiny code unlocks a bunch of tasks. It verifies warranty, fetches the exact driver set, and ties the device to theft reports. It also helps a repair desk order the right parts.

When The Sticker Is Faded Or Missing

No label? No boot? You still have options.

Pull It From Windows Without Labels

If the system starts, the two commands above remain the quickest route. Save the output to a text file so you don’t lose it.

wmic bios get serialnumber > %USERPROFILE%\Desktop\my-serial.txt

Use Account Or Portal Records

Registered devices often appear in your brand account with the same ID. Sign in to the manufacturer’s device page using the email you used at purchase. Retailers sometimes show it under the order details as well.

Read It In Firmware When Windows Won’t Load

Power down, then boot straight into BIOS/UEFI using the setup key. The information screen usually lists the string under “Serial Number,” “Product ID,” or a similar label.

Find It On The Box Or Receipt

Many owners store the carton in a closet. The barcode panel often includes the exact combination of letters and numbers you need. Paper invoices and emailed receipts may show it too.

Make Sure You’re Reading The Right Code

Laptops display many identifiers. Here’s how to tell one from another.

  • Serial (S/N): The per-unit identifier. Letters and numbers, sometimes with a dash.
  • Model name: Family name plus size or year. Helpful for parts and accessories, not for ownership records.
  • Product number or SKU: A retailer or region variant. Good for matching color or keyboard layout.
  • Service tag or code: A vendor’s label that links back to the serial in its system.

Exact Steps For Common Scenarios

I’m On Windows And I Need It Fast

  1. Open Terminal (Admin).
  2. Paste the CIM command shown above.
  3. Copy the value, then paste it into your warranty page or ticket.

I’m On A Mac And The Screen Is Black

  1. Hold the power button until the startup options window appears.
  2. Choose Options to enter Recovery, open Terminal from the menu.
  3. Run the ioreg command shown earlier; copy the string after IOPlatformSerialNumber.

I’m Helping A Friend Remotely

  1. Ask them to flip the device and read any string near “S/N.”
  2. If that fails, guide them to run the Windows command or open the Mac panel.
  3. Have them send a photo to avoid typos.

Care Tips So You Never Lose It Again

  • Snap a clear photo of the underside label and the box barcode.
  • Drop the code into a password manager or notes app under the device name.
  • Stick a small label inside the laptop sleeve with the code.
  • Keep a text file with the value in your cloud drive.

Reference Links For Official Methods

Windows users can follow this Windows serial number command. Mac users can check Apple’s guide on finding a Mac model name and serial. These pages confirm the commands and menu paths used above.

Quick Brand Locations And Methods

The cheatsheet below compresses the most common spots and tools by vendor.

Brand Where To Look Extra Tip
Dell Base label; BIOS info page; device scan on the vendor site “Service Tag” maps to the same ID
HP Base plate; battery bay; System Information Try Fn+Esc for a quick pop-up
Lenovo Underside back edge; Windows command; vendor web tool ThinkPad labels are often near the hinge
Apple About This Mac; System Report; etched near hinge Box barcode repeats the same code

Common Problems And Fast Fixes

The Code Shows “To Be Filled By O.E.M.”

Some custom builds or refurbished boards don’t write the field. Use the box, receipt, or the sticker on the chassis.

The Label Is Scratched Off

Use the firmware screen or the OS commands. If the chassis has been replaced, the vendor portal tied to your purchase email can still list the right value.

Windows Command Returns Blank

Try the PowerShell CIM command. If it still shows blank, read it in BIOS/UEFI or use the carton.

Keep A Record For Next Time

Once you’ve found it, store the string in three places: a photo, a secure note, and an email to yourself. Next time a warranty page asks, you’ll have it in seconds.