How Do I Find Out What My Laptop Is Called? | Model Name Now

Your laptop’s model name shows in system settings, on a chassis label, and in BIOS/UEFI product fields.

You don’t need a tech background to figure out what your laptop is called. You just need the right place to look. Brands use a few different “names” at once: a family name (like ThinkPad), a model name (like X1 Carbon), and a longer code (like 20A7-0035US). When you buy a charger, download drivers, or sell the device, that longer code can matter as much as the marketing name.

This walkthrough helps you pull the name people recognize, plus the identifiers that parts lists and driver pages match. Pick the section that fits your device, then copy the results into a note so you can reuse them later.

What counts as “what my laptop is called”

Most laptops carry three layers of identity. Seeing all three cuts down mix-ups with look-alike models.

• Brand line: The product family, such as Inspiron, Pavilion, ThinkPad, or ZenBook.
• Model name: The model inside that family, such as Inspiron 15 3520 or ThinkPad T14 Gen 4.
• Model code: A longer string like “Product Number,” “Type,” “SKU,” or “Service Tag.” Parts and driver pages match against this.

If you’re ordering parts or drivers, grab the model name and the model code. If you just want a plain description, the brand line plus model name is enough.

Finding your laptop model name fast on any system

Start with the method that takes the fewest clicks. If it doesn’t show a clear model name, move to the next one. You’re looking for a line that reads like a product, not a CPU or graphics chip.

Check the physical label first

Flip the laptop over and scan the bottom panel. Many brands print the model, product number, and serial in small type near the hinge or a vent cutout. Some use a sticker, others etch it into the chassis.

• Look for labels like Model, Product, P/N, Type, SKU, or Service Tag.
• Copy the full string, including dashes.
• If the label is worn, take a photo with your phone, then zoom in.

Use settings next if the laptop turns on

Operating systems usually show a “model” field. It may be a friendly name, a code, or both. If you only see a chipset name, use the deeper tools later in this article.

How Do I Find Out What My Laptop Is Called? On Windows

Windows gives you two solid paths: the Settings “About” screen for quick info, and System Information for a deeper readout.

Method 1: Settings → System → About

Open Settings, choose System, then select About. You’ll see a device name, and on many laptops you’ll also see a model line right under it. Microsoft’s Windows learning page lists this “System > About” path as a standard way to pull device details. How to check PC specs includes the same Settings steps and the msinfo32 shortcut.

• Device name (handy for Bluetooth and file sharing)
• Model (if shown)
• System type (32-bit or 64-bit)

Method 2: System Information (msinfo32)

Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter. In the System Summary pane, look for:

• System Manufacturer
• System Model
• SKU (on some brands)

The System Model line is often the cleanest “what it’s called” answer on Windows laptops. If it’s a short family code, pair it with the SKU for a match on the vendor’s driver page.

Method 3: Command prompt for a short model string

Open Command Prompt and run:

wmic csproduct get name

This often returns a short model name that lines up with a sticker. If your system blocks WMIC, the Settings and msinfo32 routes still get you there.

How to find your laptop name on macOS

On a MacBook, the simplest place is “About This Mac.” It shows the model name, and it also shows the serial number that Apple uses to identify the exact unit.

Method 1: Apple menu → About This Mac

Click the Apple menu (), then pick About This Mac. Copy the model name at the top. Next, copy the serial number from the details area.

Method 2: Model Identifier for generation checks

From the same window, open System Report (or System Information, depending on macOS). Look for a Model Identifier like MacBookPro16,1. That identifier helps when parts vary by generation.

Method 3: Use the serial on Apple’s checker

If you have the serial number but you’re not sure the marketing name is exact, enter the serial on Apple’s official coverage checker. AppleCare & Warranty coverage checker can return the model tied to that serial.

ChromeOS and Chromebooks

Chromebooks can be tricky because the name on the lid is not always the model you need for parts. Start with the label, then confirm in settings.

• Check the bottom label for the maker and model number.
• Open ChromeOS Settings and search for “About ChromeOS.”
• Copy any “model” or “board” line you see, since accessories may be sold under that label.

Linux laptops: quick model checks

Linux can read the hardware identity tables that the laptop firmware exposes. That’s where the maker and product name are stored.

Method 1: Read the system product name

Open a terminal and run:

sudo dmidecode -s system-product-name

If that field is blank, try:

sudo dmidecode -t system

Then scan for Product Name and SKU Number.

Method 2: Pull the same data from /sys

On many distros you can read model fields without extra tools:

cat /sys/devices/virtual/dmi/id/product_name

Where to look when the sticker is gone

Old stickers peel, ink fades, and bottom panels get swapped. When the outside gives you nothing, you can still get a match through firmware, packaging, or online purchase records.

BIOS/UEFI product fields

Restart the laptop and open BIOS/UEFI setup (often by tapping F2, Del, Esc, or F10 right after power-on). Look for a Product Name, Model, or System ID field on the main page. Jot it down, then exit without changing settings.

Original box, receipt, or warranty email

Retail boxes often print the full model code near the barcode. Receipts may also carry a product number. If you bought online, search your email for the order line item and copy the model string shown there.

Common places the name hides

When you’re staring at a wall of specs, it helps to know which fields are worth copying. This table maps the spots that usually hold the right label.

Where you check	What it shows	When it helps
Bottom label or chassis etching	Model, product number, serial, service tag	Parts, chargers, resale listings
Windows Settings → About	Device name, model (often), Windows build	Fast answer when the laptop boots
Windows msinfo32	System manufacturer, system model, SKU	Driver matching and service requests
macOS About This Mac	Model name and serial number	MacBook identity in one screen
macOS System Information	Model Identifier (MacBookPro16,1)	Parts by generation
Linux dmidecode	Product name and SKU number	Inventory and remote troubleshooting
BIOS/UEFI main page	Product name, system ID, serial	When the OS won’t start
Box/receipt/order history	Full retail model code	Confirms the exact configuration sold

How to write the name so it matches parts and drivers

Once you find the model, record it in a way that stays useful. A clean note now saves you from repeat digging later.

Copy three lines into a note

• Model name: The friendly name you’d say out loud.
• Model code: SKU, product number, type, or service tag.
• Serial number: Handy for warranty checks and theft reports.

Store the note in a password manager secure note, your phone notes app, or a printed card in your laptop bag.

Watch for “series” names that aren’t specific enough

Some screens show only a series name, like “HP Notebook” or “ASUS Laptop.” That label is too broad for parts. In that case, rely on the product number, type, or SKU.

What those labels mean when you see them

Brands reuse the word “model” for different fields. This table helps you pick the right one for your task.

Label you might see	Plain meaning	Best use
Model name	Human-friendly product name	Resale listings, casual ID
System model	Firmware-reported model string	Driver pages, service requests
Product number / P/N	Exact sales configuration code	Parts, warranty, charger match
SKU	Stock keeping unit used by the brand	Accessory fit and variant matching
Type	Model family code on some brands	Short ID when model names repeat
Service tag	Vendor lookup code tied to a record	Spec sheet match on vendor sites
Serial number	One-of-one ID for that unit	Warranty, inventory, theft report

Fixing the common “I can’t find it” problems

When the model name won’t show up, the issue is often a generic OEM string, a custom device name, or a label that uses a different naming style.

Problem: Windows shows a motherboard name, not the laptop

Some tools report the baseboard name. If you see a board code, switch to msinfo32 and use System Model and SKU instead.

Problem: The device name is custom

Windows lets you rename the device, so “John’s Laptop” is not a model. Treat the device name as a networking label only.

Problem: The laptop won’t boot

Use the chassis label, then BIOS/UEFI, then your purchase records. If the laptop is dead and you need a part, the product number from the box or receipt is often enough for a match.

Problem: You need the exact charger

Chargers vary by wattage and plug size even inside one model family. Use the product number or service tag to pull the power spec, then match the wattage and connector shape.

One-page checklist you can reuse

Run this in order and stop when you have a clear model name plus a model code.

1. Check the bottom label for model, product number, and serial.
2. On Windows, open Settings → System → About, then msinfo32 if needed.
3. On macOS, open About This Mac, then System Information for Model Identifier.
4. On Linux, run dmidecode or read product_name from /sys.
5. If the laptop won’t start, check BIOS/UEFI product fields.
6. Save three lines: model name, model code, serial number.

Once you’ve saved that note, you can shop for parts, pull the right drivers, and write accurate resale listings without guesswork.