Command to Find Serial Number on Windows, Mac, and Linux

Need your computer's serial number for warranty, IT inventory, or support? Here are the commands for every operating system.

Windows

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:

wmic bios get serialnumber

Output shows serial number immediately.

Alternative method:

wmic csproduct get identifyingnumber

PowerShell method:

Get-WmiObject win32_bios | Select-Object SerialNumber

All three commands return the same serial number from BIOS.

Mac

Open Terminal and run:

system_profiler SPHardwareDataType | grep Serial

Or shorter version:

ioreg -l | grep IOPlatformSerialNumber

Serial number appears in output.

Linux

sudo dmidecode -s system-serial-number

Requires sudo/root access. Returns serial number from DMI/SMBIOS.

Alternative without sudo:

cat /sys/class/dmi/id/product_serial

May require root depending on permissions.

Virtual Machines

VMs often have generic or empty serial numbers because they're not physical hardware.

VMware:

sudo dmidecode -s system-uuid

VirtualBox: Check VM settings, hardware tab for assigned serial.

When Serial Number Shows Empty

Desktop PCs: Some motherboards don't have serial numbers programmed.

Custom-built PCs: Builder may not have set serial number in BIOS.

Cloned systems: Imaging can sometimes lose serial data.

Solution: Check physical label on device (bottom of laptop, back of desktop case).

Why You Need Serial Number

Warranty claims: Manufacturers require serial to verify coverage.

IT asset tracking: Inventory management needs unique identifiers.

Support tickets: Tech support asks for serial to look up device specs.

Theft recovery: Police and insurance need serial for stolen device reports.

Hardware identification:确认准确的设备型号和配置。

Other Useful Hardware Commands

Windows - Get all system info:

systeminfo

Mac - Full hardware report:

system_profiler SPHardwareDataType

Linux - Detailed hardware info:

sudo lshw

Finding Serial on Physical Device

If commands don't work, check physical labels:

Laptops: Bottom panel, battery compartment, under keyboard

Desktops: Back or side panel, sometimes on motherboard

Monitors: Back panel, usually near inputs

Network equipment: Bottom or back label

Serial typically labeled as "S/N" or "Serial Number."

Bottom Line

Quick commands to find serial number:

Windows: wmic bios get serialnumber Mac: system_profiler SPHardwareDataType | grep Serial Linux: sudo dmidecode -s system-serial-number

Takes 5 seconds. Write it down or save to your password manager for when you need it.

Physical label is backup if commands return empty.