Where to find your laptop model on Windows

The fastest way is to open Settings and look at your system information. Press the Windows key and type "System information" into the search box, then click the result. A window opens showing your computer name, manufacturer, and model number — usually listed as "System Model" or just "Model".

If that window is confusing, try the simpler route: right-click the Start button, select "System", and scroll down. You will see "Device name" at the top and "System type" below it. The model is often shown on this same screen, though sometimes you need to click "Advanced system settings" on the left side to see it clearly.

A third option works if you have the original paperwork or box: the model number is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop, near the serial number. If you are looking at the device itself, flip it over and look for a label that says "Model:" followed by letters and numbers.

How to check your model on a Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac". The window that opens shows your model name at the top — it will say something like "MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020)" or "MacBook Air (M1, 2021)". This is your model.

Below the model name you will also see "Serial Number" and "Model Identifier". The model identifier is a code like "MacBookPro17,1" that some support pages ask for, but the plain-language model name at the top is what most people need.

If you want to know more details — like how much memory your Mac has or which processor it uses — that same "About This Mac" window shows all of it. Everything you need is on that one screen.

Finding your model on Linux

Open a terminal window. Type sudo dmidecode -s system-product-name and press Enter. Your laptop model will print on the next line. You may need to enter your password when prompted.

If that command does not work, try cat /sys/class/dmi/id/product_name instead. Different Linux distributions store this information slightly differently, but one of these two commands will show your model on almost any system.

If you are not comfortable with the terminal, you can also open your system settings and look for a section called "About" or "System Information". The exact location varies by which Linux desktop you use, but most have this option somewhere in the settings menu.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings and search for "System information" to see your model number listed clearly.
  • On a Mac, click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac" — your model name appears at the top of the window.
  • On Linux, open a terminal and type sudo dmidecode -s system-product-name to display your model.
  • If you have the physical laptop, flip it over and look for a sticker on the bottom that shows the model number.
  • Your model number is different from your serial number — the model tells you what kind of laptop you have, while the serial number identifies your specific device.

Why you need to know your laptop model

Your model number is the first thing support staff ask for when you contact them with a problem. It tells them exactly which hardware you have, which drivers you need, and which fixes apply to your machine. Without it, troubleshooting takes much longer because the same error can have different causes on different models.

You also need your model when buying replacement parts — a battery or keyboard for one model will not fit another, even from the same manufacturer. Knowing your exact model prevents ordering the wrong part and wasting money.

If you ever need to reinstall your operating system or update your BIOS, you will need your model number to download the correct version. Using the wrong version can damage your laptop or leave it unable to start.

The difference between model number and serial number

Your model number describes what kind of laptop you own — like "Dell XPS 13" or "HP Pavilion 15". Multiple people own the same model. Your serial number is unique to your individual device, like a fingerprint. It proves you own that specific laptop if you ever need to claim warranty service or report it stolen.

Support staff usually ask for your model number first because it tells them what they are dealing with. They ask for your serial number only if they need to verify that the device is under warranty or to look up your specific repair history.

What to do if you cannot find your model

If the system information window is blank or shows only generic text, restart your laptop and try again. Sometimes the system information takes a moment to load properly.

If restarting does not help, check the physical device. Flip your laptop over and look for any stickers or labels on the bottom, back, or sides. The model is usually printed there in small text. You may need a flashlight to read it clearly.

If there is no sticker and your system information is not showing the model, contact the manufacturer's support line with your serial number. They can tell you what model you own based on that number alone. You can usually find the serial number on the same sticker where the model would be, or in your system information under "Serial Number".

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my model number the same as my product name?

Usually yes. Your product name and model number are the same thing in most cases — like "Dell XPS 13" or "Lenovo ThinkPad E15". Some manufacturers use slightly different formats, but they refer to the same device. If you see both listed, either one will work for finding drivers or support information.

Do I need my model number to update my drivers?

Yes. When you go to the manufacturer's website to download drivers, you enter your model number to find the correct versions. Using drivers meant for a different model can cause hardware to stop working or behave unpredictably. Always match the model number exactly.

Can I find my model number if I forgot my password?

Yes. The model number is printed on a sticker on the bottom of your laptop, so you can read it without logging in. You can also restart the laptop and look at the startup screen — some manufacturers display the model number there before Windows or Mac fully loads.

What if my laptop shows two different model numbers?

This sometimes happens when a manufacturer uses both a marketing name and an internal model code. For example, you might see "MacBook Pro" as the model name and "MacBookPro17,1" as the model identifier. Both are correct — use whichever one the support page or driver download asks for.