How to Find a Serial Number on a Windows Desktop Computer

One of the first things you should do after purchasing a new computer is write the serial number down, but many people forget.

Fortunately, it's easy enough to recover your desktop computer’s serial number, even if you don't have the computer on hand. The following guide applies to Windows desktop computers from brands like Dell, Lenovo, HP, ASUS and more.

3 Ways to Find Your Desktop Computer’s Serial Number

1. Look on the Packaging or Physical Device

You can find your serial number printed on a sticker attached to the box your computer originally came in. There's also a similar sticker attached to the rear side or back of your device. The location of the sticker varies from brand to brand.

Your computer may have multiple components — a CPU tower, monitor, keyboard and mouse, for instance. If you are trying to find the serial number of the “computer,” you probably need the serial number that is stamped on the CPU tower. The number on the back of the monitor, in that case, is the serial number for the screen only.

However, many desktop computers these days are all-in-one models that come without a CPU tower. In that case, the serial number you need is the one on the back of the device.

2. Find It on the Computer

If you threw the box away or removed the device sticker, you can still recover the serial number on a Windows computer by performing a WMIC command prompt.

Right-click on the “Start” icon and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”

Enter this code on the pop-up screen: wmic bios get serialnumber

Hit the enter key. You should see your serial number appear below the code.

Although this method works for most computers, it might not find your serial number if the manufacturer didn't store it in your device's firmware.

3. Look Through the Paperwork

If a WMIC prompt doesn't work or you don't have your computer on hand, you can try checking your documentation. Your computer’s serial number should appear on your warranty and registration documents.

... for other CPU Towers guides will come soon