How to Find the Serial Number of This PC in Windows 11/10

Need the serial number for this PC and don’t know where to look? Find the serial number of your Windows PC or laptop quickly with Command Prompt, PowerShell, BIOS/UEFI, your device’s physical label or the manufacturer’s support app.

Usually the simplest way is to run a command that reads the serial number from your computer’s BIOS/firmware. The WMIC command is a popular search term and is still usable on systems that have WMIC. However, Microsoft has deprecated the WMIC command-line utility and recommends using PowerShell for WMI instead.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to find the serial number of this PC in Windows 11 and Windows 10, including methods that work when Windows doesn’t show the number directly.

• Windows 11 performance optimization tips
• Windows 11 features
• Windows 10 features

What Is a PC Serial Number?

A PC serial number is a unique identifier assigned to a computer by its manufacturer. It is commonly used to identify a specific laptop or desktop for warranty service, technical support, device registration, repairs, and inventory management.

The serial number is different from your Windows product key, device name, model number, and Windows activation ID.

Depending on the manufacturer, the serial number may be stored in the computer’s firmware and exposed through Windows hardware-management interfaces. Microsoft’s Win32_BIOS class includes a SerialNumber property that can be queried through PowerShell.

How to Find the Serial Number of This PC

Looking for the serial number of this PC? The quickest way to find your computer serial number in Windows 11 or Windows 10 is to use PowerShell. The command below checks the Win32_BIOS information and displays the serial number stored by the computer manufacturer in the system BIOS or firmware.

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

Quick Steps

• Open PowerShell: Press Windows + S, type PowerShell, and open it.
• Run the command: Copy and paste the following PowerShell command.

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

• Press Enter: Windows will query the PC’s BIOS information and display the available serial number.
• Copy the result: The value displayed is generally the PC serial number or system serial number provided through the computer’s firmware.
• If PowerShell doesn’t show a serial number: Check the computer’s BIOS/UEFI, physical label, original packaging, warranty documents, or manufacturer’s support application.
• Using CMD instead: If WMIC is available on your PC, you can use the popular serial number CMD command:

wmic bios get serialnumber

Quick answer: For modern Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs, PowerShell is the recommended method for finding the serial number of this PC. The wmic bios get serialnumber command is also widely used, but WMIC is deprecated on newer Windows versions.

How to Find the Serial Number of This PC

There are several ways to find your computer serial number:

1. Use PowerShell
2. Use Command Prompt with WMIC
3. Use Command Prompt and Windows Management Instrumentation
4. Check BIOS or UEFI
5. Check the physical label on the PC
6. Check the original box or purchase documents
7. Use your computer manufacturer’s support application

For most users, PowerShell is the best method on modern Windows PCs.

Method 1: Find the PC Serial Number Using PowerShell

PowerShell is the recommended method for finding the serial number of this PC on modern Windows systems. It uses the Get-CimInstance command to query the Win32_BIOS class and retrieve the serial number exposed by your computer’s BIOS or system firmware.

Step 1: Open PowerShell

1. Press Windows + S to open Windows Search.
2. Type PowerShell.
3. Click Windows PowerShell from the search results.
4. You can use a normal PowerShell window; administrator privileges are generally not required for this query.

Step 2: Run the PowerShell Command for Serial Number

Copy and paste the following command into PowerShell:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

Press Enter.

PowerShell should display your computer serial number immediately.

For example:

ABC123456789

The value displayed is the PC serial number reported through the system BIOS/firmware.

Alternative PowerShell Command

You can also use the following command:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS |

Select-Object -ExpandProperty SerialNumber

This version specifically extracts and displays only the SerialNumber property, making it useful when you want a clean result.

What Does This PowerShell Command Do?

The command uses three important components:

• Get-CimInstance — Queries information from Windows management interfaces.
• Win32_BIOS — Retrieves information about the computer’s BIOS.
• SerialNumber — Returns the serial number stored or exposed by the system firmware.

Therefore, you don’t need to manually search through multiple Windows menus to get the serial number using PowerShell.

PowerShell Serial Number Not Showing?

If the command returns an empty value, 0, or something such as:

To be filled by O.E.M. on your computer’s BIOS may not contain a useful manufacturer-provided serial number.

In that situation, try these alternatives:

1. Check the physical label on your laptop or desktop.
2. Open BIOS/UEFI and check the system information.
3. Check the original computer box or invoice.
4. Check your manufacturer’s support application.
5. Try the CMD serial number method if WMIC is available.

Why Use PowerShell Instead of WMIC?

You may see many tutorials recommending:

wmic bios get serialnumber

This command is still useful on Windows installations where WMIC is available, but WMIC is deprecated. PowerShell’s CIM-based approach is the better method for modern Windows systems.

If you’re specifically searching for wmic bios get serialnumber, you can still find that method in the next section.

PowerShell Method at a Glance

In short: If you’re looking for the PowerShell command for serial number, use Get-CimInstance with the Win32_BIOS class. It is one of the quickest ways to find your Windows 11 serial number, Windows 10 serial number, or computer serial number directly from Windows.

Method 2: Find the Serial Number Using CMD

If you prefer Command Prompt (CMD), you can use the wmic bios get serialnumber command to quickly check your computer’s BIOS serial number.

If you’re searching for the serial number CMD command, use:

wmic bios get serialnumber

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

1. Press Windows + S to open Windows Search.
2. Type Command Prompt or CMD.
3. Open Command Prompt from the search results.
4. You don’t usually need to run CMD as an administrator for this command.

Step 2: Run the WMIC Serial Number Command

Type or paste the following command: 

wmic bios get serialnumber

Press Enter.

You should see output similar to:

SerialNumber  ABC123456789

The value displayed below SerialNumber is the PC serial number reported by your computer’s BIOS or firmware.

What does the WMI BIOS get serialnumber Do?

The command queries the computer’s BIOS information and requests its SerialNumber property.

In simple terms:

• wmic — Accesses Windows Management Instrumentation information.
• bios — Specifies that BIOS information should be queried.
• get — Requests a specific property.
• serialnumber — Specifies the serial number property.

This makes it a quick PC serial number command for checking the computer serial number from Command Prompt.

WMIC Command Not Working on Windows 11?

If you see an error such as:

• ‘wmic’ is not recognized as an internal or external command,
• operable program or batch file.
• your Windows installation may not include the WMIC command-line utility.

Note: WMIC is deprecated by Microsoft. If the wmic command isn’t available on your Windows 11 PC, use the PowerShell method above instead:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

This is the preferred modern approach for retrieving the Windows 11 serial number.

What If the Command Returns “To Be Filled By O.E.M.”?

Sometimes the command works but returns:

SerialNumber

To Be Filled By O.E.M.

This usually means the manufacturer hasn’t stored a useful serial number in the computer’s BIOS or firmware.

If this happens, try:

1. Checking the serial number printed on the laptop or desktop.
2. Checking the BIOS/UEFI system information.
3. Looking at the original box or invoice.
4. Checking the manufacturer’s support application.
5. Using PowerShell to verify the BIOS information.

WMIC vs PowerShell

If you’re looking for get serial number CMD, serial number command prompt, computer serial number CMD, or the popular wmic bios get serialnumber command, this method provides the quickest solution. For newer Windows 11 installations, however, PowerShell is the better choice.

CMD vs PowerShell: Which Method Should You Use?

Both CMD and PowerShell can help you find the serial number of this PC, but PowerShell is the better choice for modern Windows systems. The traditional wmic bios get serialnumber command is still useful when WMIC is available, especially if you’re following older Windows tutorials.

Use the comparison below to choose the right method for your computer.

PowerShell: Best for Modern Windows

If you’re using Windows 11 or Windows 10, PowerShell should generally be your first choice. Run:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

This is the modern CIM-based approach for retrieving the BIOS serial number.

CMD/WMIC: Useful but Deprecated

If you’re specifically searching for the serial number CMD command, you can use:

wmic bios get serialnumber

However, WMIC is deprecated by Microsoft, and it may not be available on newer Windows installations. If you receive a “wmic is not recognized” error, use the PowerShell method instead.

BIOS/UEFI: Best When Windows Won’t Start

If your computer cannot boot into Windows, you can enter the BIOS/UEFI during startup and look for Serial Number, System Information, or a similar entry.

The exact BIOS/UEFI interface and startup key vary by computer manufacturer.

Physical Label: Best for Offline Computers

If you don’t want to use a command, check your laptop or desktop for a label marked:

• Serial Number
• Serial No.
• S/N
• Service Tag

On laptops, this is commonly found on the bottom of the device. On desktop PCs, check the rear, side, or top of the case.

Which Method Should You Choose?

• For Windows 11: Use PowerShell first.
• For older Windows PCs: wmic bios get serialnumber may be convenient if WMIC is available.
• If Windows won’t boot: Check BIOS/UEFI.
• If the computer is switched off: Check the physical label, original box, or invoice.
• If PowerShell or CMD returns “To Be Filled By O.E.M.”: Check the physical device or manufacturer’s support application because the BIOS may not contain a usable serial number.

How to Find the Serial Number of a Laptop

Looking for the laptop serial number or serial no of a laptop? There are several easy ways to find it in Windows 11 or Windows 10. The fastest method is PowerShell, but you can also use Command Prompt, BIOS/UEFI, the physical label on your laptop, the manufacturer’s support application, or your original purchase documents.

1. Use PowerShell

Open PowerShell and run:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

Press Enter, and Windows will display the available laptop serial number stored in the BIOS or system firmware. This is the recommended method for modern Windows 11 and Windows 10 laptops.

You can also use:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS |

Select-Object -ExpandProperty SerialNumber

2. Use Command Prompt

If WMIC is available on your laptop, open Command Prompt and run:

wmic bios get serialnumber

This serial number CMD command displays the serial number reported by the laptop’s BIOS.

However, WMIC is deprecated by Microsoft and may not be available on newer Windows installations. If you receive a “wmic is not recognized” error, use the PowerShell method instead.

3. Check the Bottom of the Laptop

Turn your laptop over and look for a manufacturer’s label or engraving. The serial no of laptop is commonly identified using terms such as:

• Serial Number
• Serial No.
• S/N
• Service Tag

Be careful not to confuse the serial number with the model number, product number, or regulatory information.

4. Check the Battery Compartment

On some older laptops, the serial number may be located inside the battery compartment. Shut down the laptop, disconnect the power adapter, and remove the battery if it is designed to be removable.

Look for a label containing S/N, Serial Number, or Serial No. Modern laptops usually have sealed batteries, so this method may not apply to newer devices.

5. Check BIOS or UEFI

You can also find the laptop serial number in BIOS/UEFI on many computers.

Restart the laptop and enter BIOS/UEFI using the appropriate startup key, such as F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc, depending on the manufacturer. Look under System Information, Main, or a similar section for Serial Number or System Serial Number.

6. Use the Manufacturer’s Support Application

Many laptop manufacturers provide support or diagnostic applications that display hardware information. Depending on your laptop, the application may show the device serial number, model, warranty status, and other information.

This can be particularly useful when the physical label has become damaged or difficult to read. If the BIOS serial number is unavailable, the manufacturer’s support application may provide another way to identify your laptop.

7. Check the Original Box

If your laptop is unavailable or won’t turn on, check the original packaging. Manufacturers commonly print the serial number on a barcode label attached to the laptop box.

Look for labels containing Serial Number, S/N, Service Tag, or similar identifiers. This is especially useful when you’re registering a laptop for warranty service or contacting technical support.

8. Check Your Invoice or Warranty Documents

Your purchase invoice, receipt, warranty card, or order documentation may contain the laptop serial number. Check documents received when you purchased the computer.

If you need the serial number for a warranty claim or repair, compare the number on your documents with the physical device whenever possible to make sure you’re providing the correct computer serial number.

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

What If Your Laptop Serial Number Is Not Showing?

If PowerShell or CMD returns “To Be Filled By O.E.M.”, a blank value, or another generic identifier, the laptop’s BIOS may not contain a usable manufacturer serial number.

In that case, check the bottom of the laptop, BIOS/UEFI, manufacturer’s support application, original box, invoice, or warranty documentation.

This laptop-focused section now naturally targets laptop serial number, serial no of laptop, find serial number of laptop, how to check laptop serial number, get serial number PowerShell, serial number CMD, computer serial number, and device serial number while addressing multiple ways users actually search for this information.

How to Find the Serial Number on Windows 11

Finding the Windows 11 serial number is straightforward, and you don’t need to install any third-party software. You can use PowerShell, Command Prompt, BIOS/UEFI, or check the physical label on your computer.

Method 1: Use PowerShell

• PowerShell is the recommended option for modern Windows 11 PCs. Open PowerShell and run:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

• Press Enter, and Windows will display the PC serial number stored or exposed by the system BIOS/firmware.
• For a cleaner result, you can use:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS |

Select-Object -ExpandProperty SerialNumber

This is one of the quickest ways to find the serial number on Windows 11.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt

If you prefer CMD and WMIC are available on your Windows 11 installation, open Command Prompt and run:

wmic bios get serialnumber

The result will look similar to:

SerialNumber 

ABC123456789

The value below SerialNumber is your computer serial number.

Note: WMIC is deprecated by Microsoft and may not be installed on newer Windows 11 versions. If you receive a “wmic is not recognized” error, use the PowerShell command instead.

Method 3: Check BIOS/UEFI

If Windows 11 isn’t starting correctly, you can check the serial number through BIOS/UEFI.

1. Restart your PC.
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI using the appropriate startup key, such as F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc.
3. Open System Information or a similar section.
4. Look for Serial Number, System Serial Number, or S/N.

The exact BIOS interface varies between manufacturers.

Method 4: Check the Physical Device

You can also find the Windows 11 PC serial number on a physical label attached to your laptop or desktop.

Look for:

• Serial Number
• Serial No.
• S/N
• Service Tag

On laptops, the label is commonly located on the bottom of the device. On desktop computers, check the rear or side of the case.

What If Windows 11 Doesn’t Show a Serial Number?

If PowerShell or CMD displays “To Be Filled By O.E.M.”, a blank value, or another generic entry, your computer’s firmware may not contain a usable manufacturer serial number.

In that situation, check the physical label, BIOS/UEFI, original packaging, invoice, warranty documents, or manufacturer’s support application.

How to Find the Serial Number on Windows 10

You can also find the computer serial number on Windows 10 using PowerShell or Command Prompt. The process is very similar to Windows 11.

Method 1: Get the Windows 10 Serial Number Using PowerShell

• Press Windows + S, search for PowerShell, and open it. Then run:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

• Press Enter to display the available Windows 10 serial number.
• You can also use:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS |

Select-Object -ExpandProperty SerialNumber

This method is useful when you want to find the serial number using PowerShell without navigating through Windows menus.

Method 2: Find the Windows 10 Serial Number Using CMD

• Open Command Prompt and run:

wmic bios get serialnumber

• If WMIC is available, Windows 10 will display the serial number reported by your BIOS.
• Remember that WMIC is deprecated, so PowerShell is the better approach for new Windows workflows.

Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 Serial Number Methods

Which Method Should You Use?

• For Windows 11, start with PowerShell because WMIC may not be available.
• For Windows 10, PowerShell is also the preferred modern method, while it wmic bios get serialnumber remains useful on systems where WMIC is installed.
• How to Backup Windows 10

If neither command returns a useful value, check the physical device or BIOS/UEFI for the PC serial number.

Can I Find My PC Serial Number in Windows Settings?

Windows Settings does not consistently display the serial number of every PC. Whether you can see a serial number through Windows’ graphical interface depends on your computer manufacturer, firmware, and how the device exposes its hardware information.

Instead of searching through Settings for a serial-number field, PowerShell provides a more direct way to retrieve the serial number from the BIOS information.

Use PowerShell to Check the PC Serial Number

• Open PowerShell and run:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

• Windows queries the Win32_BIOS class and returns the SerialNumber property when a usable serial number is available.
• You can also run:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS |

Select-Object -ExpandProperty SerialNumber

Why Doesn’t Windows Settings Always Show the Serial Number?

The PC serial number is generally provided by the computer manufacturer and stored or exposed through the system’s firmware. Windows can access this information through hardware-management interfaces, but it isn’t guaranteed to appear as a standard field in the Windows Settings application on every computer.

This is why two otherwise similar Windows 11 laptops may display different hardware information in their Settings pages.

What If PowerShell Doesn’t Return a Serial Number?

If PowerShell returns:

To Be Filled By O.E.M. or a blank or generic value, the manufacturer’s firmware may not contain a usable serial number.

Try these alternatives:

• Check the bottom of your laptop for S/N or Serial Number.
• Check the desktop PC case for a manufacturer label.
• Open BIOS/UEFI and look under System Information.
• Check the original box or invoice.
• Use the manufacturer’s support application.
• Check your warranty documentation.

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

Why Does My PC Show “To Be Filled By O.E.M.” as the Serial Number?

If your PC displays “To Be Filled By O.E.M.” instead of an actual serial number, it usually means the computer’s BIOS or system firmware does not contain a usable manufacturer-provided serial number. This can happen with some custom-built PCs, motherboards, or systems where the manufacturer did not program the BIOS serial-number field correctly.

You may see this message when using either the wmic bios get serialnumber command or a PowerShell command.

What Does “To Be Filled By O.E.M.” Mean?

O.E.M. stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. When the BIOS serial-number field hasn’t been populated with a specific value, Windows may return:

To Be Filled By O.E.M.

This doesn’t necessarily mean your computer has no physical serial number. It may simply mean that the BIOS serial number is missing or unavailable.

Check the Serial Number Using PowerShell

First, verify what Windows is receiving from the BIOS.

Open PowerShell and run:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS | 

Select-Object Manufacturer, SerialNumber

If the result looks like this:

Manufacturer    SerialNumber

————    ————

ASUS            To Be Filled By O.E.M.

the firmware isn’t providing a useful serial number through the Win32_BIOS interface.

What If the PowerShell Serial Number Is Blank?

If the PowerShell serial number is blank, try:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

If nothing useful is returned, the problem is probably not with PowerShell itself. The manufacturer’s firmware may simply not have a serial number stored in the BIOS.

In this situation, try checking the physical device or manufacturer documentation.

What If WMIC Serial Number Is Not Working?

If you run:

wmic bios get serialnumber

and receive an error or an unusable value, don’t assume that your computer has no serial number.

WMIC is deprecated, and it may not be available on newer Windows installations. Try the PowerShell method instead:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

If both methods return the same generic value, the issue is likely related to the information stored in the system firmware.

How to Find the Real Serial Number

If the serial number is not showing correctly in Windows, check these locations:

1. Laptop or desktop label — Look for S/N, Serial Number, or Serial No.
2. BIOS/UEFI — Open System Information and look for the serial number.
3. Manufacturer’s support application — Some manufacturers provide device identification tools.
4. Original packaging — Check the barcode or product label.
5. Purchase invoice — The serial number may be included on the invoice.
6. Warranty documents — Check your warranty registration or service documents.

Does “To Be Filled By O.E.M.” Mean My PC Has No Serial Number?

Not necessarily. It only indicates that Windows isn’t receiving a useful serial number through the BIOS/firmware field being queried.

A branded laptop may still have a serial number printed on its physical label or available through the manufacturer’s support system. For a custom-built desktop, individual components such as the motherboard may have their own serial numbers even when the system BIOS doesn’t contain a usable computer serial number.

Quick Fix: If you’re trying to find the serial number of this PC and see “To Be Filled By O.E.M.”, don’t repeatedly run the same CMD command. Check the physical device, BIOS/UEFI, manufacturer’s support application, original packaging, or purchase documentation instead.

Why Is WMIC Not Recognized on Windows 11?

If you try to find your Windows 11 serial number using the popular wmic bios get serialnumber command, you may see an error like:

‘wmic’ is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

This means the WMIC command-line utility isn’t available on your Windows installation. WMIC has been deprecated by Microsoft, so newer Windows versions may not include it.

How to Fix “WMIC Is Not Recognized”

You don’t need to install another program or modify Windows to find your PC serial number. The simplest solution is to use PowerShell.

• Open PowerShell and run:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

• Press Enter.

If your computer’s BIOS/firmware contains a usable serial number, PowerShell will display it.

Alternative PowerShell Command

You can also use:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS |

Select-Object -ExpandProperty SerialNumber

This returns only the serial-number value, making it convenient when you need to copy the computer serial number.

Why Is WMIC Not Available?

WMIC is the older command-line interface for Windows Management Instrumentation. Microsoft has deprecated the WMIC utility and recommends using PowerShell and CIM commands for accessing WMI information.

Therefore, if you’re following an older tutorial that tells you to run:

wmic bios get serialnumber

and receive the WMIC not recognized error, the command itself isn’t necessarily wrong. The WMIC utility simply isn’t available on your Windows installation.

What If wmic bios get serialnumber Is Not Working?

If the WMIC BIOS serial number command is not working, use the PowerShell equivalent:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

If PowerShell returns “To Be Filled By O.E.M.”, a blank value, or another generic value, the problem may be that your computer’s BIOS doesn’t contain a usable serial number. In that case, check the physical laptop/desktop label, BIOS/UEFI, manufacturer’s support application, original box, or purchase documentation.

Quick Comparison

Bottom line: If WMIC is not recognized on Windows 11, don’t worry. Use the modern PowerShell serial number command:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

This is the simplest alternative for users searching for WMIC not recognized, WMIC BIOS get serialnumber not working, serial number CMD not working, get serial number CMD, Windows 11 WMIC serial number, or PowerShell serial number command.

Is a Device Serial Number the Same as a Device ID?

No. A device serial number and a device ID are different identifiers. Although both can be used to identify or distinguish a computer, they serve different purposes.

The device serial number is generally assigned by the computer manufacturer and is associated with the physical hardware. A device ID, on the other hand, is an identifier used by Windows or other device-management systems to identify a device or installation.

Understanding the difference is important when you’re providing information to technical support, registering a laptop, checking warranty details, or troubleshooting Windows.

1. Serial Number

A serial number is a unique identifier assigned by the computer manufacturer to a specific physical device.

You may find it:

• In the BIOS/UEFI
• Using PowerShell
• On the laptop or desktop label
• On the original box
• On warranty documents
• In the manufacturer’s support application

To check the computer serial number using PowerShell:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

2. Device ID

A Device ID is an identifier associated with a device in Windows or another device-management system. It should not automatically be treated as the manufacturer’s device serial number.

Windows can expose different device identifiers depending on the hardware, drivers, and management system being used.

Therefore, if a support representative asks for your serial number, don’t automatically provide a Device ID.

3. Product ID

The Product ID is another Windows-related identifier. It is associated with the Windows installation and licensing information rather than serving as the physical manufacturer’s serial number.

A Product ID and PC serial number should not be confused with each other.

4. Windows Product Key

A Windows product key is related to Windows activation and licensing. It is different from the physical computer’s serial number.

For example:

5. Model Number

The model number identifies the computer model rather than an individual computer.

For example, a manufacturer may sell thousands of laptops with the same model number, while each individual laptop has its own serial number.

So:

• Model number = identifies the product model
• Serial number = identifies the individual physical device

6. Service Tag

A Service Tag is a manufacturer-specific identifier. Dell, for example, commonly uses a Service Tag to identify individual computers for support and warranty purposes.

A Service Tag may serve a similar practical purpose to a serial number, but the terminology and format depend on the manufacturer.

Why Does This Difference Matter?

Knowing which identifier you need can prevent confusion when contacting technical support.

If a support technician asks for your PC serial number, provide the manufacturer’s serial number rather than the Windows Device ID, Product ID, or Windows product key.

Likewise, if a troubleshooting guide specifically asks for a Device ID, don’t substitute the computer’s serial number unless the instructions explicitly say to do so.

What Is the Difference Between a Computer Serial Number and a Laptop Serial Number?

There is generally no fundamental difference between a computer serial number and a laptop serial number. Both are unique identifiers assigned by the manufacturer to identify a specific physical device.

The main difference is where you find the serial number and what terminology the manufacturer uses. A laptop serial number is commonly printed on the bottom of the device, while a desktop computer serial number may be found on the rear or side of the case.

Common Terms for a Serial Number

Depending on the manufacturer, you may see the computer’s serial number labeled as:

• Serial Number
• Serial No.
• S/N
• Service Tag
• Product Serial Number
• System Serial Number

For example, Dell commonly uses the term Service Tag, while other manufacturers may simply use Serial Number or S/N.

How to Find Either Serial Number

Whether you’re looking for a computer serial number or laptop serial number, you can usually use PowerShell:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

You can also check the physical device, BIOS/UEFI, manufacturer’s support application, original packaging, invoice, or warranty documents.

In short: A laptop serial number is simply the manufacturer’s serial number for a laptop, while a computer serial number can refer to the serial number of a laptop, desktop, or other computer. The identifier serves the same basic purpose: identifying a specific physical device.

Can System Information Show the PC Serial Number?

Yes, System Information in Windows may display your computer’s serial number, but this depends on your PC’s hardware, BIOS/firmware, and how the manufacturer has configured the device. Therefore, you shouldn’t assume that every Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC will show a usable serial number in System Information.

How to Check the Serial Number Using System Information

You can check System Information as follows:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type:

msinfo32

• Press Enter.
• Wait for the System Information window to open.
• Look through the System Summary section for available hardware information.
• If your system exposes the information, you may see an entry such as System Serial Number or a related identifier.

The exact fields displayed can vary between computers.

What If the Serial Number Isn’t Listed?

Don’t worry if you don’t find a PC serial number in System Information. The absence of a serial-number field doesn’t necessarily mean your computer doesn’t have a serial number. The information may simply not be exposed through this Windows interface.

For a more direct command-line method, use PowerShell:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

You can also use:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS |

Select-Object -ExpandProperty SerialNumber

These commands query the Win32_BIOS information and request its SerialNumber property.

System Information vs. PowerShell

Which Method Should You Use?

If you simply want to browse your PC’s hardware information, System Information is worth checking. However, if your goal is specifically to find the computer serial number, PowerShell is a more direct approach:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

If PowerShell returns “To Be Filled By O.E.M.”, a blank value, or another generic value, check the physical device label, BIOS/UEFI, manufacturer’s support application, original packaging, or warranty documents.

Important: System Information does not guarantee that the serial number will be displayed on every Windows PC. Its availability depends on the information provided by the hardware and firmware, so PowerShell should remain the primary command-line method in this guide.

How to Find the Serial Number in BIOS or UEFI

You can also find your PC serial number directly in the computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware. This method is particularly useful if Windows isn’t starting properly or you cannot use PowerShell or Command Prompt.

The exact steps and BIOS/UEFI interface vary by computer manufacturer, but the general process is similar.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Save your work and restart the PC.

As soon as the computer starts, repeatedly press the appropriate BIOS/UEFI key. Common keys include:

• F2
• F10
• F12
• Delete
• Esc

The correct key depends on your computer manufacturer and model. If one key doesn’t open BIOS/UEFI, check your manufacturer’s documentation for the correct startup key.

Step 2: Open System Information

Once you’re inside the BIOS/UEFI interface, look for a section such as:

System Information → Serial Number

The wording can vary. You may see entries such as:

• Serial Number
• System Serial Number
• Serial No.
• S/N
• Service Tag

Some computers display the serial number directly on the main BIOS screen.

Step 3: Record the Serial Number

Write down the serial number or take a photo of the screen if necessary.

Avoid confusing the serial number with other information such as:

• Model number
• Product number
• BIOS version
• Asset tag
• UUID

These identifiers serve different purposes.

What If the BIOS Serial Number Is Blank or 0?

If Windows or BIOS/UEFI reports the BIOS serial number as:

(blank) or: 0 (zero) or

To Be Filled By O.E.M., the system firmware may not contain a usable manufacturer-provided serial number.

This is particularly common with some custom-built computers and systems where the manufacturer hasn’t properly populated the BIOS serial-number field.

What Should You Do If the BIOS Serial Number Is Missing?

If you can’t find a usable serial number in BIOS/UEFI, try these alternatives:

• Check the physical label on your laptop or desktop.
• Use PowerShell:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

• Check the manufacturer’s support application.
• Check the original computer box.
• Look at your purchase invoice or warranty documents.
• Contact the manufacturer with your model and other available device information.

BIOS/UEFI vs PowerShell

Both methods can retrieve the serial number of this PC, but they work differently.

BIOS/UEFI lets you view the information directly from the firmware, making it useful when Windows won’t boot.

PowerShell is more convenient when Windows is running:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

If PowerShell and BIOS/UEFI both show the same blank, 0, or “To Be Filled By O.E.M.” value, the manufacturer may not have stored a usable serial number in the system firmware.

Tip: The BIOS/UEFI interface varies considerably between manufacturers, so don’t assume every PC will have a menu named exactly System Information → Serial Number. Look for the closest equivalent hardware-information section.

Where Is the Serial Number on a Laptop?

If you’re wondering where your laptop serial number is, the exact location depends on the manufacturer and model. Most laptops have the serial number printed on the device itself, while others may provide it through BIOS/UEFI or the manufacturer’s support software.

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Look for labels containing Serial Number, Serial No., S/N, Service Tag, or Product Serial Number.

Laptop: Where to Check

1. Bottom Panel

Turn the laptop over and inspect the bottom panel. Many manufacturers place a sticker, printed label, or engraved information containing the laptop’s serial number.

Look for:

• Serial Number
• Serial No.
• S/N
• Service Tag

This is usually the first physical location to check when you need to find your laptop serial number.

2. Underside Label

Some laptops have a dedicated underside label containing the serial number along with the model number, product number, regulatory information, or barcode.

Don’t confuse the model number with the serial number. The model identifies a product family, while the serial number identifies your specific laptop.

3. Battery Compartment on Older Laptops

On some older laptops with removable batteries, the serial number may be located inside the battery compartment.

Shut down the laptop, disconnect the charger, remove the battery if it is designed to be removable, and check the compartment for a label containing S/N or Serial Number.

This method is uncommon on newer laptops because most modern laptops have built-in batteries.

4. Rear Panel

Some laptops, mini PCs, and other portable computers may have identifying information on a rear panel or another external surface.

Check around the edges and rear portion of the device for a manufacturer’s label or engraving.

5. Engraved Chassis

Some manufacturers may engrave or print the serial number directly onto the laptop chassis rather than using a removable sticker.

Look carefully around the bottom cover, rear edge, or other less-visible areas of the device.

Where Is the Serial Number on a Desktop PC?

For a desktop computer, the computer serial number is usually found somewhere on the case.

Check the following locations:

1. Rear of the Case: The rear panel is one of the most common locations. Look near the power connector, ports, or manufacturer’s identification label.
2. Side Panel: Check the side panel of the desktop case. Some manufacturers attach a barcode sticker containing the serial number, model number, and other device information.
3. Top or Bottom of the Case: Depending on the computer design, the manufacturer may place the serial-number label on the top or bottom of the case.

If the desktop is positioned under a desk, check all sides carefully before assuming the serial number isn’t present.

Manufacturer’s Sticker

Look for the manufacturer’s identification sticker. It may contain several numbers, including

• Serial Number
• Serial No.
• S/N
• Service Tag
• Product Number
• Model Number
• Asset Tag

If you’re providing the information to technical support, make sure you give them the serial number rather than the model or product number.

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Where to Find the Serial Number on the Original Packaging

If you can’t access the computer, the original packaging may provide another way to find the serial number.

1. Barcode Label: Check the barcode label on the laptop or desktop box. The serial number is often printed alongside the barcode. Look for terms such as S/N, Serial Number, or Serial No.
2. Computer Box: Inspect all sides of the original box, particularly labels containing product and shipping information.
3. Invoice: Your purchase invoice or receipt may contain the serial number, especially if you purchased the computer from a retailer or business supplier.
4. Warranty Documentation: Check your warranty card, registration documents, or service paperwork. The device serial number may have been recorded when the product was purchased or registered.

Can’t Find the Serial Number on Your Laptop or Desktop?

If you don’t see a serial number anywhere on the physical device, you can still try Windows.

1. Use PowerShell: Open PowerShell and run:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

Or

2. Check BIOS/UEFI

Restart the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI using the appropriate startup key, such as F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc. Look for Serial Number, System Information, or a similar hardware-information section.

If both methods return a blank value, 0, or “To Be Filled By O.E.M.”, the manufacturer may not have stored a usable serial number in the system firmware.

Quick tip: If you’re searching for “where is my laptop serial number,” start by checking the bottom panel or underside label. If you can’t find it there, PowerShell is usually the quickest way to check whether Windows can retrieve the PC serial number from the BIOS.

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

wmic bios get serialnumber

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Find the Serial Number of This PC

Final Thoughts

Finding the serial number of this PC is usually a simple task. If Windows is working, the fastest modern option is PowerShell:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS).SerialNumber

If you’re specifically looking for the popular wmic bios get serialnumber command, it can still work on systems where WMIC is available, but Microsoft has deprecated WMIC and recommends PowerShell/CIM instead.

If neither command returns a useful value, check your laptop or desktop’s physical label, BIOS/UEFI, original packaging, or manufacturer’s support application.

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Knowing your PC’s serial number can save time when requesting technical support, checking warranty information, registering a device, or maintaining an inventory of computers.