How to see what laptop you have

There are several ways to find your laptop model. Any method that gets you to your laptop model number and its configuration will help you ask for the right kind of support or get updated drivers and software. Brands print the laptop model numbers on the carton, etch them on the body, or mention it in any manual that comes with the computer. But if you can’t find them there, there are other ways too. 

How to Tell How Old Your Computer Is

Let’s look at two of the simplest and quickest ways to locate the laptop model on your Windows computer. You can use the Command windows and PowerShell too, but they take slightly more effort than the two simple methods described below. 

Use System Information to See the Laptop Model

System Information on a Windows PC will include information like the manufacturer’s name, custom system name, system model, and system type. 

  1. Open Start.

  2. Type and search for System Information and click the top result to open the native Windows app.

    How to see what laptop you have
    How to see what laptop you have

  3. Select System Summary.

    How to see what laptop you have
    How to see what laptop you have

  4. Find the laptop model number of your device under the Values column for the System Model Item on the right panel.

    How to see what laptop you have
    How to see what laptop you have

Tip:

System Information also includes a handy search field. Use it to look up some specific details about your laptop. Enter the search term in the Find What field and then select Find.

Use Settings to Find Device Specifications

Microsoft also lists device specifications for your laptop on the About screen under Settings. Follow these steps to get to that screen in as few clicks as possible.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select System. 

    How to see what laptop you have
    How to see what laptop you have

  2. Check the laptop model written in a larger font under Device specifications on the About screen. 

    How to see what laptop you have
    How to see what laptop you have

Other information included under the laptop mode consists of the customizable device name, the processor type, the installed RAM, the device ID, the product ID, the system type, and Pen and Touch compatibility.

How to Find the Model of a MacBook

MacBook’s have good resale value. The model of a MacBook and the year of manufacture are necessary details to mention for any trade-ins. You will also need to know the specific model to check its compatibility with the latest Mac operating system or any other software or hardware.

Here are two common and quick ways to identify the MacBook model.

Use About This Mac

About This Mac is a menu item on all macOS computers, and it displays the specifications and Apple logo in a small window.

  1. Go to the Apple menu on the top-left corner of the screen. Select About This Mac.

  2. The Overview tab displays the model’s name, the year it belongs to, the model, serial number, and other details. 

    How to see what laptop you have
    How to see what laptop you have

Use System Information

Like all Windows laptops, Apple’s MacBook also summarizes every system specification about the laptop’s hardware, software, external devices, and network settings. 

  1. Press and hold the Option key and select Apple menu > System Information.

  2. Alternatively, select the Apple menu > About This Mac. Select the System Report button.

  3. The System Report screen lists the Model Name and the Model Identifier with other details. The model identifier is precise enough to help identify the exact MacBook. 

    How to see what laptop you have
    How to see what laptop you have

How to Find a MacBook Model Number

FAQ

  • Why is my laptop so slow?

    A slow laptop could be a sign that your system has malware or viruses. It could also be loading too many apps during startup, or perhaps its running out of hard drive space. If none of these solutions help, it might be time for a hardware upgrade.

  • How do you clean a laptop screen safely?

    Turn your laptop off and unplug it, then gently wipe the screen with a microfiber cloth. You can use a damp sponge for more challenging grime, but don't use standard tap water! Filtered or distilled water is best.

  • What's the difference between a Chromebook and other laptops?

    The biggest difference between a laptop and a Chromebook is the operating system. Chromebooks run Chrome OS, which uses the Chrome web browser as it's primary interface. This means that most of its apps are cloud-based.

  • How do you connect a laptop to a monitor?

    Determine which output your laptop supports (HDMI, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, etc.), then connect the laptop to your monitor using the appropriate cable. If you're on Windows 10, use the keyboard shortcut Fn+8 to switch between the laptop screen and the monitor. On macOS, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays > Arrangement to change displays.

    How do I find out what laptop model I have?

    Click the Start button, and then type System Information in the search box. In the list of search results, under Programs, click System Information to open the System Information window. Look for Model: in the System section.

    How do I find out what laptop I have Windows 10?

    Find operating system info in Windows 10.
    Select the Start button > Settings > System > About . Open About settings..
    Under Device specifications > System type, see if you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows..
    Under Windows specifications, check which edition and version of Windows your device is running..