How to Find Your Laptop Model Number — Complete Guide

Before you upgrade or repair your laptop, you need to know its exact model number. This guide shows five ways to find it: software, system information, BIOS, and physical labels.

Easiest Method: Settings / System Information

Windows 10/11

1. Right-click Start button and select System
2. Scroll down to “Device specifications”
3. Look for “System model” or “Model” (e.g., “Dell XPS 13”, “HP Pavilion 15”)
4. For more detail, open Settings → System → About and look for additional model codes

macOS

1. Click Apple menu → About This Mac
2. Look for “Model Name” (e.g., “MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023)”)
3. Note the year in parentheses – it’s crucial for finding correct parts
4. For more detail, click “System Report” and check “Model Identifier”

Finding Your Service Tag or Product Code

Most laptop manufacturers print a unique code on the device. Finding this number helps support identify your exact configuration.

Using Service Tag in Windows

1. Press Windows key + R
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter
3. Look for “System SKU” or search the window for “Service Tag”
4. Copy this code to search for your model’s documentation

Physical Label Method (Most Reliable)

The most accurate model information is usually printed on your laptop itself.

Where to Look

• Bottom panel: Flip your laptop over (power off first) and look for a label with model, serial number, and product code
• Battery compartment: If battery is removable, the model number may be inside
• Back of screen bezel: Some models print model info here
• Keyboard area: MacBooks often have serial number printed here

What to Write Down

When you find the label, note:

• Model Name: “Dell Latitude 5000” or “HP EliteBook”
• Model Number: “5520” or “840 G7” (the specific variant)
• Serial Number: Unique to your device
• Service Tag/Product Code: For manufacturer support
• Manufacturing date: Often printed as “Made: [Year]”

BIOS / Firmware Method (Advanced)

If you need absolute detail, the BIOS contains complete system information.

Access BIOS (Windows)

1. Restart your laptop
2. During startup (before Windows logo), press F2, F10, or Delete (varies by brand)
3. Look for “System Information” or “Main” tab
4. Find “System Model” or “Model Number”

Access BIOS (Mac)

1. Shut down
2. Power on and immediately press and hold Command + Option + P + R
3. This opens Firmware Password Utility on older Macs
4. Most Macs show model in System Report instead (easier)

Online Lookup: Using Your Model Number

Once you have your model number, you can find:

1. Compatibility information: Search “[Model number] RAM specifications” or “[Model number] SSD compatibility”
2. Service manuals: Search “[Model number] service manual PDF”
3. Parts availability: Use Amazon or specialist retailers to search your exact model
4. Warranty status: Use manufacturer’s support page to check warranty

Example: Finding a Dell Latitude’s Details

Starting point: You have a Dell Latitude but don’t know the variant.

1. Open System Settings (Windows) → About
2. Find “System model: Latitude 5520” (the 5520 is the key identifier)
3. Go to dell.com/support and enter Service Tag (5-7 character code)
4. Dell shows you: exact configuration (RAM type, SSD type, processor), warranty status, available upgrades
5. Search online: “Dell Latitude 5520 RAM upgrade” to find compatible modules

Comparing Your Model to Others

Model numbers follow patterns:

• Dell Latitude: Model suffix (5520, 7520, 9520) indicates series and features
• HP EliteBook: Screen size and generation matter (840 G7 vs 840 G10)
• Lenovo ThinkPad: X1, T, P series are key; generation (Gen 10, Gen 11) matters for compatibility

When ordering parts, the generation/year is critical—RAM for a 2020 model may not fit a 2024 model even if the series name is the same.

Common Confusion: Model vs Series

When ordering parts, include the year or generation number.

Troubleshooting: Can’t Find Your Model

If System Settings doesn’t show enough detail:

1. Check the physical label on the bottom of your laptop
2. Go to the manufacturer’s support website and enter your Serial Number
3. Search online: “[Manufacturer] [Physical description]” (e.g., “HP silver laptop 15-inch”)
4. Contact manufacturer support with Service Tag; they’ll identify it for you

Related Guides

• Beginner’s Guide to Laptop Upgrades
• Laptop RAM Compatibility Guide
• Laptop SSD Compatibility Guide

FAQ

Recommended Products

Looking for compatible upgrades? Here are our top picks available on Amazon UK:

• Laptop RAM Finder Tool
• NVMe SSD 1TB
• DDR4 SODIMM 16GB
• Precision Screwdriver Set