What Is My Laptop Model? Find It Fast

This guide shows you exactly how to find your laptop’s model number on Windows, macOS, and even Linux. You’ll learn the quickest built-in methods, where to look on the physical device, and how to identify the model when the operating system won’t boot. No technical skill required—just follow the steps for your system.

Why You Might Need Your Laptop Model

Your laptop model is a specific identifier that tells you the exact product you own, such as “Dell XPS 13 9310� or “MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021).� It’s different from the brand (Dell, HP, Apple) and the serial number. You need the model when:

• Downloading drivers or BIOS updates from the manufacturer’s website.
• Checking warranty status or filing a support claim.
• Buying replacement parts like a battery, keyboard, or RAM.
• Looking up specs to see if your laptop meets a game’s requirements.
• Selling or trading in the device—buyers always ask for the model.

Without the model, you might download the wrong driver or buy an incompatible part, wasting time and money.

How to Find Your Model on Windows

Windows has several built-in ways to reveal the model. The most reliable is the System Information app.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
3. Look for “System Model� in the System Summary section. It will show something like “Dell XPS 15 9570� or “HP Spectre x360 Convertible 13-aw0xxx.�

If you prefer a faster method, open Command Prompt (or PowerShell) and type:

wmic csproduct get name

Press Enter and you’ll see the model name. Another quick way is to go to Settings > System > About and scroll down to “Device specifications.� The “Device name� is usually the model, but not always—some users rename their PC, so the System Information method is more accurate.

For laptops that came with Windows preinstalled, the model shown is almost always the manufacturer’s model. If you built your own desktop, it might show “System Product Name� or a generic string—that’s normal.

How to Find Your Model on macOS

On a Mac, the model is easy to find in the “About This Mac� window.

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Select About This Mac.
3. A window appears showing the model name and year, such as “MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports).�

For even more detail, click the “System Report…� button to open System Information. Under “Hardware Overview,� you’ll see the Model Identifier (like “MacBookPro17,1�) and the Serial Number. The Model Identifier is useful when searching for compatible parts or checking coverage.

If your Mac won’t boot, you can find the model by turning it over and looking for the regulatory label printed on the bottom. It usually says “Model A2345� or similar. You can then look up that “A� number online to get the marketing name.

How to Find Your Model on Linux

Linux users can find the model using the terminal or system settings.

• Open a terminal and run: sudo dmidecode -s system-product-name (you may need to install dmidecode first).
• Or run: cat /sys/class/dmi/id/product_name – this works without sudo on most systems.
• In the GUI, go to Settings > About (on GNOME) or System Settings > Details (on KDE) to see the device name.

These commands read the same DMI data that the BIOS provides, so they’re accurate.

Physical Labels and Stickers

If the operating system won’t start, the model is often printed on the laptop itself. Look for:

• A sticker on the bottom panel (common on Dell, HP, Lenovo).
• Text etched into the metal or plastic near the keyboard or screen hinge (common on MacBooks).
• A label under the battery (on older laptops with removable batteries).

The label may show the model name (e.g., “ThinkPad X1 Carbon�) and a “Model No.� or “P/N� (part number). Don’t confuse the model with the serial number (often labeled “SN� or “Service Tag�). The model identifies the product line; the serial identifies your specific unit.

If the sticker is worn or missing, try removing the battery (if possible) and looking inside the compartment. On some ultrabooks, the only label is on the bottom and may be very small.

Using the BIOS/UEFI

Another way to get the model without booting the OS is to check the BIOS or UEFI setup screen.

1. Restart your laptop.
2. Press the setup key during startup (usually F2, F10, Del, or Esc—watch the screen for a message).
3. Look for a “System Information� or “Product Information� page. It will list the product name and serial number.

This method works even if Windows is corrupted, as long as the hardware is functional.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Many people confuse the model with the serial number or the “Device name� in Windows. The Device name can be anything—it’s just a label for the network. The model is a product identifier. Also, some laptops have a “series� name (like “Dell XPS�) and a specific “model� (like “9310�). The series tells you the family; the model tells you the exact configuration. For drivers and parts, you need the specific model, not just the series.

Another mistake is trusting third-party “system info� apps that sometimes show a generic name like “To be filled by O.E.M.� That’s a sign the motherboard isn’t reporting correctly—use the manufacturer’s own tool instead.

If you can’t find the model anywhere, check the original box, receipt, or the manufacturer’s website where you can enter your serial number to look up the model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my laptop model shows “To be filled by O.E.M.�?

This usually happens on custom-built desktops or laptops where the motherboard doesn’t have a proper product name. It’s not a real model. Look for the motherboard model instead (often printed on the board itself) or check the chassis label.

Is the model number the same as the serial number?

No. The model identifies the product type (e.g., “Latitude 7400�), while the serial number is unique to your specific unit. You need both for warranty claims, but for drivers and parts, the model is enough.

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

Yes. Turn the laptop over and look for a sticker or etched text. If the battery is removable, check under it. If you still can’t find it, look up the “Regulatory Model� number (often on the bottom) on the manufacturer’s site to translate it to the marketing name.

Why does Windows show a different model than the one on the sticker?

Sometimes the BIOS reports a generic name (e.g., “HP Notebook�) while the sticker shows a more specific model. In that case, trust the sticker or the manufacturer’s support site using your serial number.

Do I need the model to update drivers?

Yes, for most laptops. The model lets you download the correct drivers from the manufacturer’s support page. Using the wrong driver can cause hardware issues, so always match the model exactly.

How do I find the model on a Chromebook?

On ChromeOS, go to Settings > About ChromeOS and look for “Device name.â€� You can also press Ctrl+Alt+T to open a terminal and type shell, then sudo dmidecode -s system-product-name. The model is often printed on the bottom too.

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