That little string of letters and numbers known as the serial number is your laptop’s unique fingerprint. While it might seem like just another code on a sticker, it’s incredibly important. You’ll need it for everything from checking your warranty status and registering your device to getting technical support or filing an insurance claim. If you ever need to prove ownership, the serial number is the key piece of information.
Checking the Physical Laptop
The first place to look for your serial number is on the laptop itself. Most manufacturers place a sticker on the bottom case. You might need to turn the laptop over to find it. If it’s not there, try looking inside the battery compartment after safely removing the battery. On some newer models with non-removable batteries, check the edges or near the hinge. The serial number is often abbreviated as S/N or Serial No.
Finding the Serial Number in Windows
If the sticker is worn off or you can’t physically access the laptop, don’t worry. Windows has built-in tools to find this information. The quickest way is to use the Command Prompt. Simply type cmd in the Windows search bar, open Command Prompt, and then type wmic bios get serialnumber and press Enter. Your serial number will appear right on the screen.
Locating the Number on macOS
For MacBook users, the process is just as simple. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac. The window that appears will show your computer’s overview. Your serial number will be listed clearly there. You can also find it on the original packaging or on the receipt if you purchased it directly from Apple.
Why Keeping a Record is a Good Idea
Once you’ve found your laptop’s serial number, take a moment to save it in a secure place. You could write it down in a notebook, take a clear photo of the sticker with your phone, or save it in a note on your cloud storage. Having this information readily available will save you a lot of time and hassle if you ever need to contact support or make a claim.
Knowing where to find your laptop’s serial number is a small piece of tech knowledge that can make a big difference. With these simple methods, you can quickly locate this crucial identifier, whether you have the device in hand or are working within its operating system.
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