How to Find Your Laptop’s Serial Number: Comprehensive Guide and Tips
As a frequent user of a laptop, whether it be an HP, a Microsoft Surface, or any other brand, it is important to know how to locate your laptop’s serial number. This unique identifier is crucial for various tasks, including software upgrades, warranty checks, and support troubleshooting. Here, we will guide you through the process of finding the serial number on an HP laptop and other types of computers using various methods.
Locating the Serial Number on an HP Laptop
For HP laptop users, finding your serial number can be done through the following methods:
Method 1: Check the Bottom of the Laptop
Turn the laptop over and look for a label on the bottom. The serial number is usually printed on a sticker along with other information like the model number.
Method 2: BIOS
Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the appropriate key (usually Esc, F10, or F2) immediately after powering on. In the BIOS menu, navigate to the System Information section, where you should see the serial number listed.
Method 3: Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt by searching for the term. Type the following command and press Enter:
wmic bios get serialnumberThis will display the serial number on the screen.
Method 4: HP Support Assistant
If you have HP Support Assistant installed, open the application. Click on My Devices and you should see the serial number listed under your device details.
Method 5: Original Packaging or Documentation
If you still have the original box or documentation, the serial number is often printed there as well.
Additional Methods for Finding the Serial Number
In cases where you don’t find the laptop label or if it has been scratched or obscured, consider using software such as Belarc Advisor. When you run the installed Belarc Advisor, it will open in a browser showing specifications and details of your laptop, including the serial number.
Steps to Find the Serial Number on Windows 10
To find the serial number on Windows 10, you can use the following methods:
Method 1: Check the Sticker on the Bottom of the Laptop or Desktop
Typically, the serial number is printed on a sticker attached to the bottom of the laptop or the backside of a desktop computer.
Method 2: Check the Sticker on the Box or Email Receipt
If the sticker has become faded, you might find the serial number on the box or email receipt. For laptop purchases made online, the serial number is often available on the email receipt.
Method 3: Check Registration and Warranty Documents
The serial number should be available on registration and warranty documents if you registered or received a warranty certificate from the manufacturer.
Method 4: Check the Battery Compartment and Case
For laptops with removable batteries, the serial number might be present on the sticker attached to the battery compartment. For desktop computers, you may find the serial number on a sticker inside the computer case.
Microsoft Surface Devices
For Microsoft Surface devices, the serial number (also known as a Microsoft Serial Number) is usually 12 digits long, containing only numbers. You can find this serial number using the following methods:
Method 1: Packaging
On the packaging in which your Surface device was delivered, you should be able to find the serial number.
Method 2: Surface App
Open the Surface app, click on the Feedback button, and on the next screen, “Your Surface,” you will find the Microsoft Serial Number listed. This number should also be available on the sticker attached to the body of the Surface device.
Additional Tips
If you cannot find the sticker at the bottom or sides, check the bottom edge of the Surface clipboard that attaches to the keyboard and also check the bottom of the Surface keyboard. For Surface Pro models, flip out the kickstand and look for a string of numbers near its base.
Conclusion: Finding your laptop’s serial number is a straightforward process, which can greatly help in various situations such as software updates, warranty validation, and support inquiries. Employ one of the methods outlined above to find your laptop’s serial number, ensuring you have the necessary information for any future tasks.