Where to find your laptop model on Windows

The fastest way is to open Settings and look in System Information. Press the Windows key, type "System Information" into the search box, and open the app. Look for the line labeled "System Model" — that is your laptop model number. You will also see "Manufacturer" above it, which tells you whether it is a Dell, HP, Lenovo, or another brand.

If you want to see it without opening Settings, right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer" on your desktop or in File Explorer, then select "Properties". The model name and manufacturer appear near the top of the window that opens.

A third option is to open Command Prompt (search for "cmd"), type wmic csproduct get name, and press Enter. The model name will print on the next line. This method works on any Windows version and is useful if Settings is slow or not responding.

Where to find your laptop model on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac". The window that opens shows "Model Name" near the top — this is your laptop model, such as "MacBook Pro" or "MacBook Air". Below that, "Model Identifier" shows the internal code Apple uses, which is useful if you are looking up technical specifications.

You will also see "Serial Number" in this same window. Write down both the model name and serial number if you need to contact Apple Support or check warranty status, since both are required.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open System Information from the Start menu search and look for "System Model" to see your exact laptop model.
  • On Mac, click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac" to find the model name and serial number in one place.
  • The model number is different from the serial number — the model tells you what kind of laptop you have, while the serial number is unique to your specific device.
  • Knowing your exact model helps you find compatible parts, read the right drivers, and check warranty coverage.

Why you need to know your laptop model

Your model number determines what parts fit inside your laptop and what software works with it. If you need a replacement battery, RAM upgrade, or hard drive, the seller will ask for your exact model to make sure the part is compatible. Ordering the wrong part wastes money and may damage your laptop.

Your model also matters for driver downloads. Manufacturers release updates for graphics, audio, and touchpad drivers specific to each model. Installing a driver meant for a different model can cause crashes or hardware failures. When you visit the support page for your brand, entering your model number takes you directly to the correct downloads.

Warranty coverage and repair options also depend on your model. Some models have known issues that manufacturers cover for free, while others do not. Your model number is the first thing a repair shop asks for, and it is required to check whether your device is still under warranty.

How to find the model if the label is worn or missing

If your laptop is old or the bottom label is damaged, the model information is still stored in the system. On Windows, the Command Prompt method (typing wmic csproduct get name) will always work, even if Windows is damaged. On Mac, "About This Mac" retrieves the model from the system itself, not from any label.

If neither of those works, you can also look at the original box or paperwork that came with the laptop. The model number is printed on the box, the receipt, and any warranty cards. If you no longer have the box, check your email for the original purchase receipt — most retailers include the model number there.

As a last resort, you can describe the laptop's appearance to a technician at a repair shop, and they can often identify the model by looking at the keyboard layout, port arrangement, and overall design. This is slower than checking the system, but it works when nothing else does.

The difference between model number and model name

The model name is the marketing name you see in ads and on the box — examples are "Dell XPS 13", "HP Pavilion 15", or "Lenovo ThinkPad E15". This is what most people mean when they say "what model is your laptop".

The model number is a shorter code that identifies the exact version, often including letters and numbers like "9370" or "20UES00100". Different configurations of the same model name (different screen size, processor, or storage) may have different model numbers. When ordering parts or downloading drivers, the model number is more precise and more useful than the model name alone.

Most support websites ask for the model name first, then narrow down to the model number if you need something specific. For most purposes — checking compatibility, finding drivers, or describing your laptop to someone else — the model name is enough.

Where else to find your model information

The BIOS or firmware screen also displays your model. Restart your laptop and press the key shown on the startup screen (usually Delete, F2, or F12, depending on the brand). The model name appears near the top of the BIOS menu. This method is useful if Windows or macOS will not start, since the BIOS loads before the operating system.

Your original purchase receipt or invoice from the retailer or manufacturer lists the model. If you bought the laptop from Best Buy, Amazon, or directly from Dell, HP, or Lenovo, log into your account on that website and look at your order history. The model is always listed there.

The physical label on the bottom or back of the laptop is the most straightforward place, though it can wear away over time. Manufacturers print the model number, serial number, and regulatory information on a sticker. If the label is still readable, take a photo of it for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the serial number the same as the model number?

No. The model number identifies what kind of laptop you have — for example, all Dell XPS 13 laptops with the same configuration share the same model number. The serial number is unique to your individual device, like a fingerprint. You need the model number to find parts and drivers, and the serial number to prove ownership or check warranty status.

Can I find my model number if my laptop won't turn on?

Yes. The model number is printed on a label on the bottom or back of the laptop, so you can read it without powering on the device. If the label is damaged or missing, you will need to take the laptop to a repair shop, where a technician can identify it by the internal components or by contacting the manufacturer with the serial number.

Do I need the model number to buy a replacement charger?

You should have it, because chargers are specific to each brand and often to each model. A charger meant for a Dell may not work with an HP, and even within Dell, different models use different connector types. The model number helps you find the exact charger that fits your laptop's power port.

What if System Information shows a different model than the label on the bottom?

Trust System Information. Labels can be wrong if the laptop was refurbished or repaired with parts from a different model. The system information is what the operating system actually sees, and it is what matters for drivers and compatibility. Use the model from System Information when downloading software or ordering parts.