By default, Windows computers can’t see their PC serial number by looking at the system interface, or by using known system information tools. However, you can still find the serial number using the Command Prompt, a built-in application in every Microsoft operating system.
Tip: If you’re not familiar with the Windows 10 interface, we recommend reading the How to Get Started with Windows 10 article on our website.
In this article, you’ll learn how to find your Windows PC’s serial number using the Command Prompt. Our step by step guide aims to teach you how to work with the tool in order to locate your PC’s unique serial number.
Look up your PC serial number on Windows 10 with the Command Prompt
The guide below shows the steps required to find your Windows 10 PC’s serial number using the Command Prompt app. The steps also work on Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, with little to no differences in the process.
Note: You might be required to have access to an administrator account to perform all of the steps described below. If the account you’re currently using doesn’t have administrative permissions, make sure to change this in your settings or contact your IT professional.
- Open the Command Prompt in one of the following ways:
- Open the Search function in your taskbar, or alternatively use the Ctrl + S keyboard shortcut to bring up the search bar and look up “Command Prompt”.
- When you see it in the results, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator.
- Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to bring up the Run utility.
- Type in “cmd” and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys on your keyboard. Doing so, you’re launching the Command Prompt with administrative permissions.
- Press the Windows + X keyboard shortcut, then select Command Prompt (Admin).
- When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to launch with administrative permissions.
- Need help? Check out our How to make a local user an administrator in Windows 10 guide.
- Once the Command Prompt is open, you’ll need to input the following command and press the Enter key on your keyboard to execute it:
wmic bios get serialnumber
- Alternatively, use the following command if the first one didn’t yield your computer’s serial number:
wmic csproduct get identifyingnumber - If your computer’s serial number is coded into your BIOS, it will appear here on the screen. Otherwise, you might have to look for the serial number on the physical computer, most commonly found on a sticker.
Look up your PC serial number on Windows 7 with the Command Prompt
The process of finding your computer’s serial number on a Windows 7 operating system is similar to the new method. Lets review the steps you need to take in order to successfully look up this number with the Command Prompt.
- Click on the large, circular Windows logo in the bottom left of your screen. This will bring up the Start menu and the search bar.
- Type “cmd” without the quotation marks into the search bar. You should see the command prompt appear under Programs in the search results.
- Right-click on the cmd application, and choose either Open or Run as administrator. For the latter, you’re required to have administrative permissions on your Windows 7 computer.
- A Command Prompt window will open up. Here, type in the following command, then press Enter on your keyboard to run the command:
wmic bios get serialnumber - You should see your device’s serial number show up on the screen. If not, try the following command and once again execute it with the Enter key:
wmic csproduct get identifyingnumber - If your computer’s serial number is coded into your BIOS, it will appear here on the screen. Otherwise, you might have to look for the serial number on the physical computer, most commonly found on a sticker.
Why You Might Need Your Windows PC Serial Number
A computer serial number is a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer to help identify a specific device. This number is commonly required when registering a product, verifying warranty coverage, requesting technical support, or managing company-owned devices.
Many businesses use serial numbers as part of their asset management process, allowing IT teams to track hardware inventory and monitor device lifecycles. For individual users, knowing how to locate the serial number can be useful when troubleshooting hardware issues or checking manufacturer warranty information.
Because every device has a unique serial number, it can also help distinguish your computer from other systems with similar specifications or model names.
What to Do If the Serial Number Does Not Appear
In some cases, running the WMIC command may return a blank result or display an invalid value. This usually happens when the computer manufacturer did not properly store the serial number in the system BIOS or UEFI firmware.
If the command does not return a serial number, you can try checking the physical device for a sticker or label. Laptop manufacturers often place the serial number on the bottom cover, inside the battery compartment, or underneath the device stand. Desktop computers typically have the serial number printed on the rear or side panel of the chassis.
You may also be able to locate the serial number through your manufacturer’s support application or by accessing the BIOS setup menu during system startup.
Alternative Methods to Find a Windows Computer Serial Number
While Command Prompt is one of the fastest ways to retrieve a serial number, there are several alternative methods available.
Users can access Windows PowerShell and run hardware inventory commands, check the BIOS or UEFI settings during startup, review purchase documentation, or use manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools. Business environments often utilize device management platforms such as Microsoft Intune or enterprise asset management software to collect serial numbers automatically across multiple systems.
Knowing multiple methods can be helpful when one approach fails to return the required information, particularly on custom-built computers or older hardware models.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my computer serial number in Windows without Command Prompt?
You can find your computer serial number through BIOS/UEFI settings, manufacturer support software, Windows PowerShell, or by checking the physical label attached to the device.
Why does the WMIC serial number command return blank?
A blank result usually indicates that the computer manufacturer did not store the serial number correctly in the BIOS or firmware. In such cases, check the physical device label or manufacturer support tools.
Can I find my serial number using PowerShell?
Yes. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run the following command:
Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumber
This command retrieves the same information directly from the system firmware.
Is a serial number the same as a product key?
No. A serial number identifies the physical computer, while a product key is used to activate Windows or other software products.
Where is the serial number located on a laptop?
Most laptop manufacturers place the serial number on a sticker located on the bottom of the device, inside the battery compartment, or within the BIOS settings.
Can I find a serial number on a custom-built PC?
Custom-built computers may not have a manufacturer serial number stored in the BIOS. In these cases, only individual hardware components such as the motherboard may contain identifiable serial numbers.
Does every Windows computer have a serial number?
Most branded computers from manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and Acer include a serial number stored in firmware. However, some custom-built systems may not provide one.
Is it safe to share my computer serial number?
While a serial number is generally less sensitive than passwords or product keys, it should only be shared with trusted support providers or manufacturers when necessary.
Final thoughts
If you need any further help with Windows 10, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team, available 24/7 to assist you. Return to us for more informative articles all related to productivity and modern day technology!
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