Where to Find Your Serial Number in Windows Settings

The fastest way to find your PC serial number is through Windows Settings. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to System in the left menu. Click About, and scroll down to find Device specifications. Your serial number appears next to System serial number. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

If you do not see the serial number in Settings, your manufacturer may not have entered it during setup. This is rare but happens occasionally with some PC builders. In that case, move to one of the other methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows Settings shows your serial number under System > About > Device specifications on most PCs.
  • Command Prompt can retrieve your serial number using the command wmic bios get serialnumber if Settings does not display it.
  • Your PC case, motherboard, or original paperwork often has a physical serial number label if the software methods do not work.
  • Different manufacturers use different label locations, so check the back panel, inside the case, or under the battery for laptops.
  • You may need administrator rights to run Command Prompt commands, so right-click and select Run as administrator.

Using Command Prompt to Retrieve the Serial Number

Command Prompt can pull your serial number directly from your system information. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) on Windows 11, or Command Prompt (Admin) on Windows 10. If you see a User Account Control prompt, click Yes to allow administrator access.

Type the following command exactly as shown and press Enter:

wmic bios get serialnumber

Your serial number will appear on the next line. Write it down or take a screenshot before closing the window. If the result shows "SerialNumber" with no value underneath, your PC may not have a serial number stored in the BIOS, which is uncommon but does occur with some custom-built systems.

Checking the Physical Labels on Your PC

Desktop computers usually have a serial number label on the back of the case or on the motherboard itself. Look for a white or silver sticker with a barcode and printed numbers. The label is often near the power supply or along the back panel. If you need to check the motherboard, you may need to open the case — unplug the power cable first and wait a few minutes before opening.

Laptops typically have the serial number on a label underneath the device or on the battery compartment. Flip your laptop over and look for a sticker with small text. Some manufacturers also print it on the bottom bezel near the screen. Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS all place labels in slightly different spots, so check multiple surfaces if the first location does not have it.

If you cannot find a physical label, the serial number may have worn off or never been applied. This is most common on older PCs or those that have been refurbished multiple times. In that case, the Command Prompt method or Windows Settings are your only options.

Finding the Serial Number in System Information

System Information is another built-in Windows tool that stores your serial number. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type msinfo32, and press Enter. The System Information window will open.

Look for System Serial Number in the list on the right side. It may take a moment to load, especially on older PCs. If you do not see it when ready, scroll down through the list. Copy the number or take a screenshot. You can also search the page by pressing Ctrl + F and typing "serial" to jump directly to it.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Serial Number

If Windows Settings, Command Prompt, and System Information all show no serial number, check your original purchase receipt or warranty paperwork. Many manufacturers print the serial number on the invoice or warranty card that came with your PC. Look for documents labeled "Certificate of Authenticity" or "Product Key" — the serial number is often printed nearby.

Contact your PC manufacturer directly if you need the serial number for warranty service or support. Have your proof of purchase ready. You can usually find the manufacturer's support phone number or chat on their website. They can look up your account using your email address or the original order number and provide the serial number if it is not visible on the device itself.

If your PC was custom-built by a local shop or builder, contact them directly. They may have records from the original build that include the serial number or the component serial numbers if the system itself was never assigned one.

Why You Might Need Your Serial Number

Manufacturers use serial numbers to verify warranty coverage, process repairs, and confirm that your device is genuine. If you contact support for a hardware issue, they will ask for this number to pull up your account and service history. Some software licenses and security programs also ask for your serial number during registration.

Keeping your serial number written down or saved in a safe place is useful if your PC is lost or stolen — you can provide it to police or your insurance company as proof of ownership. It is also helpful if you sell your PC later, as the buyer may want to verify the device history or transfer the warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the serial number the same as the product key?

No. The serial number identifies your specific physical device, while the product key is a code that unlocks Windows software. You can find your Windows product key in Settings under System > About, but it is different from your device serial number. The serial number is tied to the hardware, while the product key is tied to the software license.

Can I find the serial number if Windows will not start?

Yes. If Windows does not boot, check the physical labels on your PC case, motherboard, or battery. You can also boot from a Linux USB drive and run terminal commands to read the BIOS, but the physical label is the simplest option when the operating system is not available.

What if my serial number has spaces or special characters?

Write it down exactly as it appears, including any spaces, dashes, or letters. Manufacturers format serial numbers differently — some use only numbers, others mix letters and numbers. When you provide it to support, include the formatting exactly as shown on your device or in Windows.

Do I need the serial number to reinstall Windows?

No. You do not need the serial number to reinstall Windows. You will need your Windows product key instead, which is different. The serial number is mainly for warranty claims, support requests, and device identification.

Where is the serial number on a laptop battery?

Most laptop batteries have a label on the back or side with the serial number printed in small text. Remove the battery from your laptop first — consult your laptop manual for the correct removal steps. The label usually includes the battery model number, capacity, and serial number together.