How to Use WMIC BIOS Get SerialNumber Command: Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Finding your computer’s serial number is essential for warranty claims, asset management, and technical support. The WMIC BIOS get serialnumber command provides a quick method to retrieve this information directly from Windows Command Prompt. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about using this command effectively.

What is WMIC BIOS Get SerialNumber Command?

The WMIC BIOS get serialnumber command is a Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line utility that retrieves the serial number stored in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware. This command accesses the hardware-level information directly from the motherboard, providing the manufacturer’s assigned serial number for your system.

WMIC stands for Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line, a powerful administrative tool that allows users to access system information through command-line interfaces. When combined with BIOS parameters, it becomes an efficient way to gather hardware details without opening your computer case or navigating through multiple system menus.

Understanding WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation Command)

Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) serves as a command-line interface for Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). This Microsoft technology provides a standardized way to access management information across Windows operating systems.

WMIC operates by querying WMI classes that contain system information. The BIOS class specifically contains hardware details stored in the system’s firmware. When you execute WMIC commands, you’re essentially requesting specific data from these predefined classes.

The tool supports various output formats, filtering options, and remote system queries, making it versatile for both individual users and network administrators. However, Microsoft has deprecated WMIC in favor of PowerShell cmdlets, though it remains functional in current Windows versions.

Why Check Your Computer’s Serial Number?

Your computer’s serial number serves multiple important purposes in system management and support scenarios. Understanding when and why you need this information helps you appreciate the value of quick retrieval methods.

Warranty verification represents the primary use case for serial numbers. Manufacturers require serial numbers to validate warranty status, process repair claims, and provide technical support. Having this information readily available can expedite support processes significantly.

Asset management in corporate environments relies heavily on serial number tracking. IT departments use these unique identifiers to maintain inventory records, track equipment deployment, and manage software licensing. The ability to quickly retrieve serial numbers through command-line tools streamlines these administrative tasks.

Insurance claims and theft reporting also require serial number documentation. Law enforcement and insurance companies use these identifiers to track stolen equipment and process claims. Maintaining accurate records of your computer’s serial number can prove invaluable in unfortunate circumstances.

Step-by-Step Guide to Execute WMIC BIOS Get SerialNumber

Opening Command Prompt

To execute the WMIC BIOS get serialnumber command, you need to access Windows Command Prompt with appropriate permissions. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, then type “cmd” and press Enter. For administrative tasks, right click on Command Prompt in the Start menu and select “Run as administrator.”

Alternative methods include pressing Windows key + X and selecting “Command Prompt” or “Windows PowerShell” from the power user menu. You can also search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu search bar.

Running the Command

Once Command Prompt is open, type the following command exactly as shown:

wmic bios get serialnumber

Press Enter to execute the command. The system will query the BIOS information and display the serial number in the command window. The process typically takes only a few seconds to complete.

Understanding the Output

The command output displays a simple table format with “SerialNumber” as the header and your computer’s serial number below it. The format may vary depending on your system manufacturer, but the information remains consistent.

Some systems may display additional formatting characters or spacing. If you see blank spaces or special characters, this is normal behavior depending on how the manufacturer stored the information in the BIOS.

Alternative Methods to Find Computer Serial Number

Using System Information Tool

Windows includes a built-in System Information tool that provides comprehensive hardware details. Press Windows key + R, type “msinfo32,” and press Enter. Navigate to the System Summary section where you’ll find the serial number listed under “System SKU” or “Serial Number.”

This graphical method offers a user-friendly interface for users who prefer visual navigation over command-line tools. The System Information tool also provides additional context and related hardware information.

PowerShell Commands

PowerShell offers modern alternatives to WMIC commands with enhanced functionality. Open PowerShell and use the following command:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumber

PowerShell commands provide better formatting options and integration with other system management tasks. As Microsoft transitions away from WMIC, PowerShell becomes the recommended approach for system administration.

Registry Editor Method

Advanced users can access serial number information through the Windows Registry. Press Windows key + R, type “regedit,” and navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DESCRIPTION\System\BIOS

Look for entries related to system serial numbers. This method requires careful navigation and should only be used by experienced users familiar with registry editing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Command Not Recognized Error

If Windows doesn’t recognize the WMIC command, verify that you’re using a supported Windows version. WMIC is available on Windows XP and later versions. Check your system’s PATH environment variable to ensure WMIC is accessible.

Restart Command Prompt with administrative privileges if you encounter permission related errors. Some systems may require elevated permissions to access BIOS information through WMIC.

Access Denied Problems

Access denied errors typically indicate insufficient permissions to query BIOS information. Right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator” to elevate your privileges.

Corporate environments may have group policies that restrict WMIC access. Contact your system administrator if you encounter persistent access denied errors in managed environments.

Empty or No Serial Number Results

Some systems may return empty results or display “To be filled by O.E.M.” This occurs when manufacturers don’t properly populate the BIOS serial number field during production.

Virtual machines often display generic or placeholder serial numbers since they don’t have physical hardware serial numbers. In these cases, use alternative identification methods or check with your virtualization platform documentation.

WMIC BIOS Commands and Variations

Getting All BIOS Information

To retrieve comprehensive BIOS information, use the following command:

wmic bios get *

This command displays all available BIOS properties, including manufacturer, version, release date, and serial number. The output provides a complete overview of your system’s firmware information.

Formatting Output for Better Readability

WMIC supports various output formats for improved readability. Use the following command for table format:

wmic bios get serialnumber /format:table

For CSV output that’s easier to process or import into other applications:

wmic bios get serialnumber /format:csv

Security Considerations and Best Practices

Serial numbers contain sensitive information that could be used for unauthorized purposes. Avoid sharing serial numbers publicly or in unsecured communications. When providing serial numbers for support purposes, use secure channels and verify the recipient’s legitimacy.

Network administrators should implement proper access controls for WMIC usage in corporate environments. Consider using group policies to restrict WMIC access to authorized personnel only.

Regular auditing of serial number access helps maintain security compliance in managed environments. Log WMIC usage where appropriate and monitor for unauthorized access attempts.

WMIC Deprecation and Future Alternatives

Microsoft has deprecated WMIC in favor of PowerShell cmdlets and other modern management tools. While WMIC continues to function in current Windows versions, users should transition to PowerShell for long-term compatibility.

PowerShell’s Get-WmiObject and Get-CimInstance cmdlets provide equivalent functionality with enhanced features. These modern alternatives offer better error handling, output formatting, and integration with other PowerShell workflows.

Plan migration strategies for scripts and processes that rely on WMIC commands. Update documentation and training materials to reflect the transition to PowerShell based system management.

Batch Scripts and Automation

WMIC commands work well in batch scripts for automated system information gathering. Create batch files that execute WMIC commands and save output to text files for later analysis.

Example batch script:

@echo off
wmic bios get serialnumber > serial.txt
echo Serial number saved to serial.txt

Combine WMIC with other system commands to create comprehensive system information gathering scripts. These automated approaches save time in environments where you need to collect information from multiple systems.

Network Administration Uses

Network administrators can use WMIC to query serial numbers from remote systems. The command supports remote execution with appropriate credentials and network connectivity.

Remote WMIC syntax:

wmic /node:computername bios get serialnumber

This capability enables centralized asset management and inventory tracking across network environments. Combine with scripts to automate serial number collection from multiple systems simultaneously.

Comparison Table: Different Methods to Get Serial Number

Method	Ease of Use	Speed	Additional Info	Administrative Rights Required
WMIC BIOS	Easy	Fast	Minimal	Sometimes
System Information	Very Easy	Medium	Extensive	No
PowerShell	Medium	Fast	Customizable	Sometimes
Registry Editor	Hard	Fast	Technical	Yes
Physical Label	Very Easy	Slow	None	No

Conclusion

The WMIC BIOS get serialnumber command provides a quick and efficient method to retrieve your computer’s serial number through Windows Command Prompt. While Microsoft has deprecated WMIC in favor of PowerShell alternatives, this command remains functional and useful for immediate serial number retrieval needs.

Understanding multiple methods to access serial number information ensures you can adapt to different situations and system configurations. Whether you’re managing a single computer or multiple systems in a network environment, these techniques provide reliable access to essential hardware identification information.

As technology evolves, staying informed about both current tools and their modern replacements helps maintain effective system management practices. Transitioning to PowerShell based approaches while maintaining familiarity with WMIC ensures continuity in your system administration capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does WMIC BIOS get serialnumber command do?

The WMIC BIOS get serialnumber command retrieves the serial number stored in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware. It accesses hardware level information directly from the motherboard, providing the manufacturer’s assigned unique identifier for your system through Windows Command Prompt.

Why do I get “To be filled by O.E.M.” instead of a serial number?

This message appears when computer manufacturers don’t properly populate the BIOS serial number field during production. It’s common with some budget systems, custom-built computers, or certain OEM configurations. Check your computer’s physical label or use alternative methods to find the actual serial number.

Can I use WMIC to get serial numbers from remote computers?

Yes, WMIC supports remote queries using the /node parameter. Use the command “wmic /node:computername bios get serialnumber” with appropriate credentials and network access. This feature is valuable for network administrators managing multiple systems centrally.

Is WMIC BIOS get serialnumber command safe to use?

The command is safe to use as it only reads information from your system’s BIOS without making any changes. However, be cautious about sharing serial numbers publicly, as they contain sensitive information that could be used for unauthorized purposes or warranty fraud.

What should I do if WMIC commands stop working in future Windows versions?

Since Microsoft has deprecated WMIC, transition to PowerShell alternatives like “Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumber” or “Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumber”. These modern commands provide equivalent functionality with enhanced features and long-term support.