Computer serial number

A serial number is used to identify a computer. It is also used for ownership identification and for warranty purposes. The device serial number collectively ties up all of the other components that have individual serial numbers. When you purchase a computer, the serial number is usually part of the financial transaction, and is indicated in the official receipt and warranty card. If you purchase a computer with a credit card, this serial number is also tied to you through the credit card information. In addition to the serial number assigned to your fully assembled computer by the company that produced the final product, there are serial numbers in parts of the computer, such as the main processor (CPU) or the hard disk drive, that may be registered with the company from which you bought your computer. As a result, these numbers can be linked back to you. For example, software running on your computer may use these serial numbers to detect multiple installations of commercial software that you only have a license to install once. Similarly, these unique identifiers can be used to link multiple online accounts back to you, and to keep tracking you even if you reinstall your computer's operating system.

Last Updated: 21 Sep 2015

A serial number is used to identify a computer. It is also used for ownership identification and for warranty purposes. The device serial number collectively ties up all of the other components that have individual serial numbers. When you purchase a computer, the serial number is usually part of the financial transaction, and is indicated in the official receipt and warranty card. If you purchase a computer with a credit card, this serial number is also tied to you through the credit card information.

In addition to the serial number assigned to your fully assembled computer by the company that produced the final product, there are serial numbers in parts of the computer, such as the main processor (CPU) or the hard disk drive, that may be registered with the company from which you bought your computer. As a result, these numbers can be linked back to you.

For example, software running on your computer may use these serial numbers to detect multiple installations of commercial software that you only have a license to install once. Similarly, these unique identifiers can be used to link multiple online accounts back to you, and to keep tracking you even if you reinstall your computer's operating system.