He was born in Bückeburg the son of Philipp II, Count of Schaumburg-Lippe, and his second wife Princess Juliane of Hesse-Philippsthal (1761–1799).

He succeeded his father as Count of Schaumburg-Lippe on 13 February 1787, but due to his age his mother Princess Juliane acted as regent.

The Imperial Court in Vienna however ruled in favour of Georg Wilhelm and ordered Landgrave William IX to withdraw, which he did after a two-month occupation.

Georg Wilhelm died at Bückeburg and was succeeded as Prince by his son Adolf.

Georg Wilhelm was married on 23 June 1816 at Arolsen to Princess Ida of Waldeck and Pyrmont (1796–1869); they had nine children: