Your motherboard serial number is one of the most important pieces of information about your computer’s hardware. Whether you are filing a warranty claim, checking compatibility, requesting technical support, or verifying system authenticity, knowing how to locate this number accurately can save significant time and prevent costly mistakes. Because motherboard manufacturers and computer vendors use different labeling conventions and software tools, the process varies slightly depending on your system configuration. This guide explains reliable, safe, and professional methods to find your motherboard serial number using both software and physical inspection.
TLDR: You can find your motherboard serial number using built-in tools like Command Prompt (WMIC), PowerShell, BIOS/UEFI firmware, and third-party system information software. If software methods fail, you can physically inspect the motherboard for a printed serial label. Each method has pros and cons depending on system access and technical comfort level. Always double-check the format to ensure you’re capturing the correct serial and not the product model number.
Why the Motherboard Serial Number Matters
The motherboard serial number is a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer. It differs from:
- Model number – Identifies the motherboard type (e.g., ASUS B550-PLUS).
- SKU – Used for retail and inventory tracking.
- Product key – Software licensing identifier.
Situations where you may need the serial number include:
- Warranty claims and RMA requests
- Technical support cases
- Hardware asset management
- Enterprise system audits
- BIOS updates verification
Providing the wrong identifier can delay service or result in incorrect firmware updates, so precision is critical.
Method 1: Using Command Prompt (WMIC Command)
This is one of the fastest and most reliable methods for Windows users.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type cmd and press Enter.
- In Command Prompt, type:
wmic baseboard get serialnumber
- Press Enter.
- Your motherboard serial number will appear below the command.
Important Notes:
- If the result shows “To be filled by O.E.M.”, your BIOS may not expose the serial number.
- This command works in most Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.
- No administrative privileges are typically required.
Best For: Quick access without opening the computer case.
Method 2: Using Windows PowerShell
PowerShell provides similar functionality with modern syntax.
Steps:
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Windows Terminal or PowerShell.
- Enter the following command:
Get-WmiObject win32_baseboard | Format-List SerialNumber
- Press Enter to display the serial number.
Advantages:
- More flexible scripting capability.
- Preferred in enterprise IT environments.
- Can be used remotely via administrative scripts.
Method 3: Checking Through BIOS or UEFI Firmware
Your motherboard’s BIOS/UEFI firmware often stores hardware identification information.
Steps:
- Restart your computer.
- Press the BIOS access key during startup (commonly DEL, F2, F10, or ESC).
- Navigate to the Main or System Information tab.
- Locate the entry labeled Serial Number.
When to Use This Method:
- If Windows does not boot.
- If command-line tools fail.
- When verifying data directly from firmware.
Caution: Do not change BIOS settings unless you understand their impact.
Method 4: Using System Information Tools
Several professional tools retrieve motherboard serial numbers and other hardware identifiers.
- CPU-Z
- Speccy
- HWiNFO
- Belarc Advisor
These programs display detailed system data in a user-friendly format.
General Steps:
- Download the tool from its official website.
- Install and launch the application.
- Navigate to the Motherboard or System Summary section.
- Locate the serial number field.
Comparison Chart of Popular Tools
| Tool | Free Version | Shows Serial Number | User Friendly | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU-Z | Yes | Sometimes | High | Quick motherboard model checks |
| Speccy | Yes | Yes (most systems) | Very High | Home users |
| HWiNFO | Yes | Yes | Medium | Advanced diagnostics |
| Belarc Advisor | Yes (personal use) | Yes | High | Full system audit reports |
Recommendation: For professional diagnostics, HWiNFO provides the most comprehensive reporting.
Method 5: Physically Inspecting the Motherboard
If software methods fail or return incomplete data, checking the motherboard directly is the most definitive approach.
Before You Begin:
- Power off the computer completely.
- Disconnect the power cable.
- Press and hold the power button for 5–10 seconds to discharge residual power.
- Use an anti-static wrist strap if available.
Steps:
- Remove the side panel of your desktop case.
- Locate the motherboard.
- Look for a white or silver sticker containing a barcode.
- Identify the string labeled Serial Number, S/N, or similar.
The serial number is usually located:
- Between PCIe slots
- Near the RAM slots
- Along the motherboard edge
- Near the 24-pin power connector
Important: Laptops may require partial disassembly to access the motherboard, which may void warranty coverage. In such cases, consult the manufacturer first.
Common Problems and Solutions
1. “To Be Filled by O.E.M.” Message
- The BIOS does not contain a programmed serial number.
- Common in custom-built PCs.
- Solution: Physically inspect the board.
2. Serial Number Field Is Blank
- Motherboard firmware may not expose the field to Windows.
- Update BIOS (only if necessary and with caution).
3. Confusing Serial Number with Model Number
- Serial numbers usually contain longer alphanumeric strings.
- Model numbers are shorter and standardized.
Desktop vs. Laptop Considerations
Desktop Systems:
- Easier physical access.
- Serial located directly on motherboard PCB.
- Often retrievable via WMIC.
Laptops:
- System serial number may differ from motherboard serial.
- Some manufacturers embed motherboard ID internally.
- BIOS method often safest.
Many laptop manufacturers tie the motherboard serial number to the device service tag, meaning separate identification may not always be accessible.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Your motherboard serial number is part of your system’s hardware fingerprint. While not as sensitive as financial information, it can:
- Be used for warranty verification.
- Assist in system identification.
- Be logged in enterprise asset databases.
Never publicly share your serial number unless necessary for verified support channels.
When You Should Contact the Manufacturer
You should reach out to the motherboard manufacturer or PC vendor if:
- You cannot retrieve the serial number through any method.
- The sticker is damaged or unreadable.
- You require official documentation for compliance.
Provide model number, purchase proof, and system details to expedite assistance.
Final Recommendations
For most users, the Command Prompt WMIC method is the fastest and most efficient way to retrieve the motherboard serial number. If that fails, BIOS access is typically the second-most reliable option. Professional users and IT administrators may prefer PowerShell scripts or hardware auditing tools for batch reporting. Physical inspection remains the most definitive but intrusive method.
Always verify that the number you record is clearly labeled as the serial number and not confused with a model identifier. Store the information securely for future warranty, upgrade, or service needs.
By following the structured methods outlined above, you can confidently and accurately locate your motherboard serial number without unnecessary risk or guesswork.