How to Check Computer Serial Number
In today’s digital age, computers have become an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s for personal or professional use, knowing the serial number of your computer is crucial for various reasons. This unique identifier can help you track your device, register it with the manufacturer, or even prove ownership in case of theft. In this article, we will guide you through the process of checking the computer serial number on different operating systems.
Checking the Serial Number on Windows
If you are using a Windows operating system, there are several methods to check your computer’s serial number:
1. System Information: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “msinfo32” and press Enter. The System Information window will display your computer’s serial number under the “System Summary” section.
2. Command Prompt: Press the Windows key + R, type “cmd” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. In the Command Prompt window, type “wmic bios get serialnumber” and press Enter. The serial number will be displayed in the command prompt window.
3. BIOS: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup by pressing a specific key (usually F2, F10, or Delete) during the boot process. Look for a section labeled “System Information” or “Serial Number” to find your computer’s serial number.
Checking the Serial Number on macOS
For macOS users, there are a few ways to find the serial number of your computer:
1. About This Mac: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, select “About This Mac,” and then click the “System Report” button. In the System Report window, navigate to “Summary” and look for the “Serial Number” field.
2. System Preferences: Open the Apple menu, go to “System Preferences,” and select “Software Update.” Click the “About” button in the lower-left corner, and you will find the serial number under the “Serial Number” section.
3. Apple Menu: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, select “About This Mac,” and then click the “Serial Number” button to view your computer’s serial number.
Checking the Serial Number on Linux
Linux users can find their computer’s serial number using the following methods:
1. dmidecode: Open a terminal and type “sudo dmidecode -s system-serial-number” (without quotes) and press Enter. The serial number will be displayed in the terminal window.
2. lshw: Open a terminal and type “sudo lshw -C system” (without quotes) and press Enter. The serial number will be listed under the “serial” field for the “system” category.
By following these methods, you can easily check the serial number of your computer on different operating systems. Remember that the serial number is a unique identifier and should be kept confidential to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information.
