Every laptop has a unique identifier known as a serial number. This number is like the fingerprint of your device it helps manufacturers and support teams recognize your exact machine. Whether you need it for warranty claims, technical support, insurance, or theft reporting, knowing how to find laptop serial number can save you time and frustration.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through different methods to locate your laptop’s serial number on Windows devices, MacBooks, and popular brands such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
Why Do You Need a Laptop Serial Number?
Your laptop’s serial number is often required for:
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Warranty claims – Manufacturers use it to check warranty status.
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Technical support – Helps support teams identify your exact hardware configuration.
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Repairs and replacements – Ensures correct parts and compatibility.
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Insurance and theft reporting – Helps prove ownership.
It’s important to note that the serial number is different from the model number or product ID. While a model number identifies a general series of laptops, the serial number is unique to your individual machine.
How to Find Laptop Serial Number on Windows
If you’re using a Windows laptop, there are multiple ways to locate the serial number.
1. Using Command Prompt
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Press Windows + R, type
cmd, and press Enter. -
In the Command Prompt window, type:
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Press Enter, and your laptop’s serial number will appear on the screen.
This is one of the quickest ways to find laptop serial number in Windows.
2. Using System Information
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Press Windows + R and type
msinfo32. -
In the System Information window, scroll to find “System Serial Number.”
3. Checking the Physical Device
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Look at the bottom of the laptop for a printed label or sticker.
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On some older laptops, the serial number may be under the battery.
How to Find Serial Number on MacBooks
For Mac users, Apple makes it easy to check your MacBook serial number.
1. From the Apple Menu
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Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner.
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Select About This Mac.
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A window will appear showing the serial number along with system details.
2. On the MacBook Body
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Check the underside of the MacBook Apple usually engraves the serial number there.
3. Using Apple ID Account
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Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in.
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Under Devices, select your MacBook. The serial number will be listed.
Finding Brand-Specific Serial Numbers
Different laptop manufacturers provide additional methods to locate the serial number.
HP Laptops
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Use HP Support Assistant software to view system information.
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Enter BIOS (press Esc or F10 during startup) to find the serial number.
Dell Laptops
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On the bottom panel, you’ll usually find a sticker with the Service Tag (Dell’s name for the serial number).
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Visit Dell’s support website and let it auto-detect your laptop.
Lenovo Laptops
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Check the Lenovo Vantage app for serial number details.
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Alternatively, enter BIOS (press F1 or F2 at startup) to view it.
Other Ways to Locate a Laptop Serial Number
If you can’t access your laptop, there are still other ways to retrieve the number:
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Original packaging box – Most manufacturers print the serial number on the retail packaging.
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Purchase invoice or receipt – Some sellers include it on your proof of purchase.
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Online support account – Log in to the brand’s official portal (HP, Dell, Lenovo, Apple ID) to view registered devices and their serial numbers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Don’t confuse the serial number with the model number they’re different.
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Avoid using unreliable third-party software to find serial numbers; stick to built-in methods.
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Be careful when sharing your serial number online, as it can be misused for warranty fraud.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check laptop serial number is essential for warranty claims, repairs, and support. Windows users can quickly retrieve it through Command Prompt or System Information, while MacBook owners can check it via the Apple menu or their Apple ID. For Dell, HP, and Lenovo laptops, the number is usually on the device itself, in BIOS, or available through brand-specific apps.
