HP PCs - HP System Information Frequently Asked Questions
Use the HP System Information app to view information that is specific to your computer, including the product and serial number.
See the frequently asked questions to learn more about the HP System Information app.
Note:
HP System Information is not available on HP Business Desktop PCs.
What is the HP System Information app?
The HP System Information app displays your computer product name and product number. You can use this information to download the correct software and drivers for your computer.
The HP System Information app also lists some of the hardware specifications for the computer, such as processor type and processor speed and amount of memory. If you want more detailed specifications, see Where can I find a product specifications document?.
Note:
For information about updating the HP System Information app, go to HP PCs - Downloading or updating software and drivers.
Note:
If you contact HP or a third-party software manufacturer for assistance in troubleshooting a problem, you might be asked to provide some of the data from the HP System Information app.
How do I open the HP System Information app?
Use these steps to open the HP System Information app.
-
Use one of the following methods to open the HP System Information app:
-
Click Start, and then click the HP System Information app.
-
Type system in the search box, and then select HP System Information.
-
On a notebook PC, press fn + esc.
Note:The keyboard shortcut does not work if typed on an external keyboard or a virtual keyboard.
-
On a consumer desktop PC, press and hold the ctrl and alt keys, and then press the s key.
-
The HP System Information app opens. It might take several moments to scan the computer to verify the current information. To see advanced information, click Advanced.
Note:
On HP Consumer PCs, the keyboard shortcut can be enabled or disabled in HP System Information.
What details does the HP System Information app provide?
The HP System Information app displays several fields containing information specific to your computer.
This information can help answer questions such as the following:
-
Which processor do I have?
-
What is my serial number?
-
How many processors do I have?
-
What is my model number?
The information described in the following table might be required if you contact a customer support representative.
Note:
On HP Business Desktop PCs, this information can be found in the HP Desktop Support Utilities app.
|
HP System Information Field |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Serial Number |
An identifier unique to the individual computer. The product number and the serial number are the two most important pieces of information that you can give to a customer service agent when contacting HP. |
|
Product Name |
The model name of the computer. |
|
Product Number |
An identifier unique to this product line. Use this number to find product specification information and updated drivers on http://www.hp.com/support. The SKU number and the serial number are the two most important pieces of information that you can give to a customer service agent when contacting HP. The SKU number (also known as the product number) usually follows a format similar to 12345#aba. |
|
Software Build ID/Software Build Number |
The specific version of HP software that is installed on the computer. |
|
Total Memory |
The amount of memory (in GB) installed in the computer. |
|
Processor Name |
The name and manufacturer of the processor in the computer. |
|
BIOS/System BIOS |
The specific version of the BIOS that is installed on the computer. |
|
Keyboard Revision |
Identifies the version of the keyboard driver that is installed on the computer. |
|
Motherboard ID (HP Consumer PCs only) |
Identifies the system board. |
|
Feature Byte (HP Business PCs only) |
This is a case-sensitive code that identifies your system board for your operating system. You might need this number when installing a new system board. |
|
BIOS Credential Set (HP Business PCs only) |
Identifies whether there is a BIOS password. |
Note:
The HP System Information app does not show the speed of the memory installed on the computer. To determine the memory speed that was shipped with your computer, see the product specifications for the particular model of computer.
Click the Advanced button to open Windows System Information.
Where can I find a product specifications document?
The HP System Information app lists basic hardware information for your computer. If you want more specific information, you need to know the Product Number displayed in the HP System Information app.
-
Go to http://www.hp.com/support.
-
Type the computer product number in the search field, and then click Submit. If prompted, narrow your search by selecting your specific model from the list.
Note:You can find the computer product number in the HP System Information app.
-
Click Product Information, and then select the product specification document from the list. If there is a product specification document for your product, it is listed on this page.
If there is no product specification document listed, click Manuals, and then click the Maintenance and Service Guide for your computer. See the Specifications chapter.
Note:
The Maintenance and Service Guide contains information that applies to the entire computer series. You can use the HP System Information app to identify hardware components that are specific to your computer.
How do I use the HP System Information app to boot to HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI?
If you need to troubleshoot your computer, use these steps to boot to HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI using the HP System Information app.
Note:
You might need to disable Fast Boot to boot to the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI utility using HP System Information, depending on your BIOS version.
-
In the HP System Information app, click Run System Diagnostics.
-
Click Restart to restart your computer. Your computer restarts into the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI utility.
Important:To prevent loss of data, save your work in all open apps before restarting your computer.
Note:If your computer does not restart automatically, you must manually restart it.
-
Use the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI utility to troubleshoot and run diagnostic tests to determine whether the computer system and components are functioning correctly.
How do I know the capabilities of my USB Type-C ports? (HP Business Notebook PCs only)
To identify the capabilities of your USB Type-C ports, click the USB Type-C Ports button.
Note:
On HP Business Desktop PCs, this information can be found in the HP Desktop Support Utilities app.
|
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
|
USB Devices |
Lists all USB types compatible with the USB Type-C port. |
|
Thunderbolt |
Identifies whether the USB Type-C port supports Thunderbolt technology. |
|
DisplayPort |
Identifies whether the USB Type-C port supports DisplayPort video connections. |
|
Power Provider |
Identifies whether the USB Type-C port can provide power to connected devices. |
|
Power Consumer |
Identifies whether the computer can be charged via the USB Type-C port. |
|
Max Power Output |
Identifies the maximum power output from the USB Type-C port. |
Enter a topic to search our knowledge library
What can we help you with?
Need Help?
Try asking HP's Virtual Assistant.