How to Easily Search a Hard Drive for a Serial Number?

Knowing how to search a hard drive for a serial number is an essential skill for anyone dealing with computer hardware. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues, filing a warranty claim, or simply keeping an inventory, finding your hard drive’s serial number can be crucial. This article will show you the process step-by-step, ensuring you can quickly and easily locate your hard drive’s serial number using various methods discussed below.

In this article, we will cover multiple techniques/ methods for both internal and external hard drives, so you’re prepared no matter the situation.

A hard drive serial number is a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer to each hard drive. This serial number can be crucial when you need technical support or warranty services, or if you want to track your hardware inventory.

Understanding how to find this number can save you time and prevent potential headaches. Whether you're an IT professional or a technical person, knowing how to locate this information is a valuable skill.

Method 1: Using Command Prompt:

• Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
• In the Command Prompt, type wmic diskdrive get serialnumber and press Enter.
• Your hard drive's serial number will appear on the screen.

Method 2: Using PowerShell:

• Open PowerShell by searching for it in the Start menu.
• Type Get-WmiObject win32_physicalmedia | Format-List Tag,SerialNumber and hit Enter.
• This command will list the serial numbers of all the connected hard drives.

These methods work for both internal and external hard drives connected to your Windows PC.

Method 1: Using Terminal:

• Open Terminal from the Applications > Utilities folder.
• Type system_profiler SPSerialATADataType | grep "Serial Number" and press Enter.
• The serial number of your hard drive will be displayed.

Method 2: System Information:

• Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select About This Mac.
• Click System Report, then navigate to Storage.
• Here, you will find the serial number of your hard drive.

These steps should help Mac users find the necessary information quickly and easily.

If you have an external hard drive, the easiest way to find the serial number is by checking the physical drive itself. Here’s what to look for:

• Check the Label: Most external hard drives have a label on the bottom of the back that includes the serial number.
• Packaging: If you still have the original packaging, the serial number is often printed on the box.

For those who prefer a non-software approach, this method is reliable and straightforward.

It’s a good idea to keep a record of your hard drive serial numbers, especially if you manage multiple drives. Here are some tips:

• Create a Spreadsheet: Use Excel or Google Sheets to list all your drives and their serial numbers.
• Label Your Drives: Physically label your drives with the serial number for easy identification.
• Use Inventory Software: For larger setups, consider using inventory management software to track all your hardware.

By keeping your serial numbers organized, you’ll save time when you need this information in the future.

In some cases, you might struggle to find the serial number using the methods described above. If this happens:

• Check the Manufacturer’s Website: Some manufacturers have tools or support options to help you find the serial number.
• Contact Support: If all else fails, reaching out to the hard drive manufacturer’s support team can help you retrieve this information.

Don’t panic if you can’t find the serial number right away—there are always other options.

Finding your hard drive’s serial number is a simple yet important task. Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, or an external drive, the methods outlined in this guide should cover all your needs. By following these steps, you can ensure you have all the information you need to manage your hardware effectively.

Remember, keeping track of your hard drive’s serial numbers is not just for warranty claims—it’s also a smart way to stay organized. 

If you found this article interesting, make sure to bookmark this guide so you can easily reference it whenever you need to search a hard drive for a serial number.