How to Find the IMEI Number on a Windows 11 Laptop

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that identifies a cellular modem. You may need it to activate a data plan, unlock the modem, or report a stolen device. Here’s the catch: only Windows 11 laptops with built-in cellular (LTE or 5G) support have an IMEI. A laptop that connects only over Wi-Fi and Ethernet doesn’t have one. This guide shows how to check whether your laptop has a modem and how to find its IMEI.

Quick Answer

Open Command Prompt or Terminal, type netsh mbn show interfaces, and press Enter. The Device Id line is your IMEI. If the command reports that there are no mobile broadband interfaces, your laptop has no cellular modem and no IMEI.

First: Does Your Laptop Have Cellular?

• Look for Cellular in Settings > Network & internet. If it’s not listed, there’s no modem.
• Check for a SIM card slot or tray, or an eSIM option.
• Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters. A “Mobile Broadband,” “WWAN,” “LTE,” or “5G” adapter means a modem is present.

Method 1: Command Prompt or Terminal

1. Right-click Start and choose Terminal (or search for cmd).
2. Type netsh mbn show interfaces and press Enter.
3. Find the Device Id line. That 15-digit number is the IMEI.

For more detail, netsh mbn show readyinfo interface="Cellular" shows SIM information such as the ICCID (SIM number), which is different from the IMEI.

Method 2: Windows Settings

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Cellular.
2. Select your cellular connection or Mobile operator settings / Advanced options (wording varies by Windows version and modem driver).
3. Scroll to the Properties section and look for IMEI. Click Copy if the option appears.

Method 3: Check the Hardware and Paperwork

• Label: some laptops print the IMEI on a sticker on the bottom, inside the SIM tray, or under the battery.
• Box or invoice: the original packaging may list the IMEI.
• Manufacturer utility or support site: PC makers’ support apps sometimes list the modem details, and you can look up your laptop’s configuration by serial number.
• Carrier account: if the laptop has an active data plan, your carrier can see the IMEI in your account.

IMEI vs. Other Numbers

Number	What it identifies	Where to find it
IMEI	The cellular modem	netsh mbn show interfaces (Device Id)
ICCID	The SIM card	netsh mbn show readyinfo, or printed on the SIM
Serial number	The laptop	Bottom label, or wmic bios get serialnumber / BIOS
MAC address	A network adapter	getmac or ipconfig /all

Troubleshooting

• “There is no Mobile Broadband interface”: the laptop has no modem, or the modem is disabled. Check Device Manager and enable it, and turn off airplane mode.
• Cellular missing even though the laptop has a modem: update the WWAN driver from your laptop maker’s support site and restart.
• Device Id shows fewer or more than 15 digits: some CDMA-era modems use an MEID instead of an IMEI. Your carrier can confirm which they need.
• Using a USB modem or phone hotspot: the IMEI belongs to that device, not the laptop. Check the modem’s label or the phone’s settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all laptops have an IMEI?

No. Only laptops with a built-in cellular modem have one. Most laptops don’t.

Is it safe to share my laptop’s IMEI?

Share it only with your carrier, the manufacturer, or the police when reporting theft. Avoid posting it publicly.

Can I find the IMEI if the laptop won’t turn on?

Yes, check the label, SIM tray, packaging, or your carrier account.

Summary

1. Confirm your laptop has cellular support.
2. Run netsh mbn show interfaces and read the Device Id.
3. Or check Settings > Network & internet > Cellular properties.
4. Use the label, box, or carrier account as a backup.