How to read computer serial number
In the process of daily computer use, knowing how to check the computer serial number is a very practical skill. Whether for warranty, technical support, or security reasons, the serial number is important information for identifying your device. This article details how to view computer serial numbers for different brands and operating systems, and provides structured data for quick reference.
1. Why do you need to check the computer serial number?

A computer serial number is a unique identifier for a device, usually assigned by the manufacturer. Its main uses include:
1.Warranty service: The serial number is key information to verify the warranty status of the device.
2.Technical support: When contacting the manufacturer or technical support, providing the serial number can speed up problem resolution.
3.Device tracking: Serial numbers can help recover lost or stolen devices.
4.Software licensing: Some software may require a serial number to verify the legitimacy of the device.
2. How to check the serial number of a Windows computer?
The Windows operating system provides multiple ways to check the computer serial number. The following are some common methods:
| method | Operation steps |
|---|---|
| via command prompt | 1. Open the command prompt (Win + R, enter cmd) 2. Enter the command: wmic bios get serialnumber |
| via system information | 1. Press Win + R and enter msinfo32 2. Find "System Serial Number" in the system information window |
| Via PowerShell | 1. Open PowerShell 2. Enter the command: Get-WmiObject Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumber |
| View device labels | Look for the serial number label on the bottom of your laptop or on your desktop's main case |
3. How to check the serial number of a Mac computer?
Apple computers have a slightly different method of checking serial numbers:
| method | Operation steps |
|---|---|
| About this machine | 1. Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner 2. Select "About This Mac" 3. View the serial number in the Overview tab |
| system report | 1. Click "System Report" in the "About This Mac" window 2. Find the serial number in the hardware overview |
| Terminal commands | 1. Open the terminal 2. Enter the command: system_profiler SPHardwareDataType | grep "Serial" |
| Equipment casing | Look for the serial number label on the bottom of your MacBook or on the iMac stand |
4. How to check the serial numbers of major brands of computers
Different brands of computers may have specific ways to view serial numbers:
| brand | View method | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo | 1. BIOS interface 2. Label on the bottom of the device 3. Lenovo Vantage software | Serial numbers usually start with "SN" |
| Dell | 1. F2 to enter BIOS to view 2. Device Service Tag 3. Dell Support Assistant | The service tag is the serial number |
| HP | 1. F10 to enter BIOS and check 2. Product label 3. HP Support Assistant | The serial number may be marked "Serial No." |
| ASUS | 1. F2 to enter BIOS to view 2. Product label 3. MyASUS software | The serial number may contain a combination of letters and numbers |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is the serial number displayed in the command prompt inconsistent with the device label?
A1: This may be because the system reads the motherboard serial number, while the device label displays the complete machine serial number. It is recommended to refer to the device label.
Q2: Can the serial number be modified?
A2: The serial number is hard-coded in the device and cannot be modified by ordinary users. Any tool that claims to modify serial numbers is likely malware.
Q3: What should I do if I can’t find the serial number?
A3: If all methods fail to find the serial number, please contact the manufacturer customer service and provide proof of purchase and device details for assistance.
6. Safety tips
The serial number is sensitive information of the device, please note:
1. Do not share serial numbers in public places or on untrustworthy websites.
2. When selling or disposing of an old computer, it is recommended to erase all personal data but retain the serial number.
3. If you suspect that your serial number has been stolen, contact the manufacturer immediately.
You should be able to easily find your computer's serial number using the method described in this article. Remember to keep this important information in a safe place as it will provide you with many benefits when using your computer.
check the details
check the details