To find your PC’s serial number in Windows 11, right-click Start, open Terminal, and run Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumber. The number under SerialNumber is the one your PC maker uses for warranty and support. You can also check the sticker on the bottom or back of the PC, look in Settings > System > About on some brands, open your manufacturer’s support app, or see the BIOS/UEFI setup screen.
This guide covers every way to find the serial number, including when Windows won’t start, plus what to do if the command shows a blank or placeholder value.
Method 1: Use PowerShell or Terminal
- Right-click Start and choose Terminal (or search for PowerShell).
- Type
Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumberand press Enter. - Copy the value under SerialNumber.
To see the model at the same time, run Get-CimInstance Win32_ComputerSystemProduct | Select-Object Vendor, Name, IdentifyingNumber. IdentifyingNumber is usually the serial number.
Method 2: Use Command Prompt
Older guides use wmic bios get serialnumber. WMIC is deprecated and is being removed from Windows 11, so it may not be installed on your PC. If it’s missing, use the PowerShell command above, or run it from Command Prompt with powershell "Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumber".
Method 3: Check Settings
On some PCs, the serial number appears in Settings > System > About, near the top with the device name and model. Whether it shows depends on your manufacturer.
Method 4: Use your manufacturer’s app
- HP – HP Support Assistant, or press Fn + Esc on many HP laptops to show system information.
- Dell – SupportAssist or My Dell shows the Service Tag.
- Lenovo – Lenovo Vantage shows the serial number and warranty status.
- Microsoft Surface – the Surface app shows the serial number, and it’s also in Settings > System > About.
- ASUS and Acer – MyASUS and Acer Care Center show system details.
Method 5: Look at the device
- Laptops – on a sticker on the bottom, under the battery on older models, or printed on the case. Some are laser-etched in small text.
- Desktops – on the back, side, or top of the case.
- Packaging and receipts – on the original box label or invoice.
Method 6: Check the BIOS/UEFI (if Windows won’t start)
- Turn on the PC and press the setup key, often F2, F10, Del, or Esc, depending on the brand.
- Look on the main or system information page for Serial Number or Service Tag.
From Windows, you can also reach UEFI settings via Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
If the serial number is blank or says “To be filled by O.E.M.”
Custom-built desktops and some motherboards don’t store a system serial number. For a custom PC, each component (motherboard, graphics card) has its own serial number on its sticker or box. If a brand-name PC shows a placeholder, the motherboard may have been replaced; contact the manufacturer.
Serial number vs. product key vs. device ID
- Serial number – identifies the hardware for warranty and support.
- Windows product key – activates Windows; not the same as the serial number.
- Device ID and Product ID in Settings > System > About – Windows identifiers, not the hardware serial number.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find the serial number of a PC remotely?
An administrator can run Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS -ComputerName PCNAME on a network with remote management enabled.
Does this work on Windows 10?
Yes. All these methods work on Windows 10.
Is it safe to share my serial number?
Sharing it with the manufacturer or a repair shop is normal. Avoid posting it publicly, since it can be used to look up warranty and ownership details.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He started on a university help desk, spent years as the IT person for small businesses, and has been writing tech guides full time since 2020. Each guide is checked on a device he owns, and re-checked when a menu moves. More about Kermit.