Windows 10 backup / serial number

[ma112345]

I just bought a new PC and want to backup my Windows 10 onto my new PC. My old PC does not offer the option to backup, I need to “add a drive” and nothing will load for me to use. I am trying to find help online but everywhere needs my serial number. I found it on the back of my PC but no where will accept it. I have tried every combination possible (changing 8 to B and O to 0). When I try to find my SN on the PC, nothing happens (I’ve tried function + esc ; command prompt). The virtual assistant can’t help me at all unless I can give them a serial number and I have no idea who to contact 

[Max3Aj]

@ma112345, Welcome to the HP Support Community – it’s great to have you here!

I appreciate you taking the time to share your question. I'm more than happy to assist with this and provide a solution that works for you.

I understand you're trying to back up Windows 10 from your old PC to your new one, and you're facing issues with both the backup drive setup and locating a valid serial number. Let's walk through both concerns step-by-step:

Backing Up Windows 10 (Old PC to New PC)

If your old PC doesn’t show any available drive when you try to “Add a drive” in Backup Settings, it likely means no external or secondary drive is connected or recognized. Here's what you can do:

Option A: Use File History Backup

1. Connect an external USB drive or portable SSD to your old PC.
2. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
3. Click Add a drive and select the connected drive.
4. Turn on Automatically back up my files.

Option B: Create a System Image

1. Open Control Panel > Backup and Restore
2. Click Create a system image on the left.
3. Choose your external drive as the destination.
4. Follow the prompts to back up your system.

Finding and Using Your Serial Number

HP serial numbers are typically 10 characters long and do not contain the letters O or I to avoid confusion with 0 and 1.

Ways to Find Your Serial Number:

On the back or bottom of the PC (look for “S/N”).

Using HP Support Assistant:

• Download from HP Support Assistant | HP® Support
• Open the app and go to My devices to view your serial number.

Using Command Prompt:

• Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
• Type:wmic bios get serialnumber
• Press Enter. Your serial number will be displayed.

If you're still stuck, we suggest you please visit the nearest HP authorized service center, the service team will check and assist you. 
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode) 
 

I hope your issue is now resolved. If not, feel free to reply and we’ll continue helping until everything’s sorted!

If the post helped, please click “Accepted Solution” to help other users easily find it. And if you’d like to say thanks, just tap the “Yes” button!

Cheers,

Max3Aj

HP Support