How do I pull up a serial number?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

To pull up a serial number, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt: Start by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard and simultaneously tapping the letter X. This will open a menu where you can access various system tools, including the Command Prompt.

2. Access the Command Prompt: From the menu, select “Command Prompt” or “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open the Command Prompt window.

3. Enter the command: Once the Command Prompt window is open, you can enter the command to retrieve the serial number. Type the following command exactly as written: `WMIC BIOS GET SERIALNUMBER` and press enter.

4. View the serial number: After entering the command, the system will process it and display the serial number associated with your device. If your serial number is coded into your BIOS, it will appear on the screen. You can then make a note of the serial number for future reference or use.

It’s important to note that not all devices have their serial numbers coded into the BIOS, so there is a possibility that the command may not return any results. In such cases, you may need to look for alternative methods to retrieve the serial number, such as checking the back or bottom of your device, the packaging it came with, or any documentation provided.

If you are specifically looking for the serial number of a different component or peripheral, such as a printer or external hard drive, the process may vary. In such cases, you can refer to the manufacturer’s documentation or support resources for the specific device to find instructions on how to retrieve the serial number.

Using the Command Prompt to pull up a serial number is a quick and convenient method, especially if it is coded into your device’s BIOS. However, if the serial number is not available through this method, exploring alternative options or contacting the manufacturer’s support may be necessary.