How to Check and Change NAT Type in Windows

This guide explains how to check your current NAT type on Windows and how to change it to improve online gaming and peer-to-peer connections. You’ll learn to use built-in Windows tools and router settings to switch from Strict or Moderate to Open NAT.

What You’ll Need

• Administrator access to your Windows PC (to change network settings).
• Access to your router’s admin page (usually via a web browser).
• Your router’s default gateway IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
• Your router’s admin username and password (often printed on the router or in its manual).
• If your PC uses a mobile hotspot, you may not be able to change NAT type—some carriers restrict it.

Step-by-Step

1. Check your current NAT type. The easiest way is through the Xbox Game Bar: press Win + G, click the Settings gear, then go to the “Network” tab. It will display your NAT type (Open, Moderate, or Strict). Alternatively, check within the game or app you’re using (e.g., Call of Duty, Party Chat).
2. Find your router’s gateway IP. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter. In the Command Prompt, type ipconfig and look for “Default Gateway” under your active network adapter. Note that IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
3. Log into your router. Open a web browser and enter the gateway IP in the address bar. Enter your router’s admin username and password. If you don’t know them, check the router’s label or manual.
4. Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play). In your router’s settings, look for UPnP in the “Advanced” or “Network” section. Enable it and save the settings. UPnP lets devices automatically open the ports they need, which often changes NAT to Open.
5. If UPnP isn’t enough, enable Port Forwarding. Find “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” in your router. You’ll need to forward specific ports to your PC’s local IP address. Common ports for gaming: for Xbox Live, forward UDP 88, UDP 3074, TCP 3074, and UDP 53; for PlayStation Network, forward TCP 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480, and UDP 3478, 3479. Check your game’s documentation for exact ports.
6. Set a static IP address on your PC. Because port forwarding points to a specific IP, you need to make sure your PC always has that same IP. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet, click your connection, then “Edit” under IP assignment. Change it to Manual, enable IPv4, and enter a static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100), subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0), and gateway (your router’s IP). Save.
7. Restart your PC and router. After making changes, restart both your PC and your router to ensure the settings take effect.
8. Re-check your NAT type. Use the Xbox Game Bar network tab again to see if it now shows Open.

Common Mistakes

• Enabling UPnP but not saving settings. Always click Apply/Save after changing any router setting.
• Forwarding ports to the wrong IP. If your PC’s IP changes, port forwarding won’t work. That’s why a static IP is essential.
• Using a mobile hotspot or carrier-grade NAT. Many mobile networks use CGNAT, which makes it impossible to change NAT type from your side.
• Not restarting devices. Some changes only take effect after a reboot.
• Mistaking the router’s admin password for your Wi-Fi password. They are often different.

Tips

• If you play on multiple devices, consider enabling UPnP rather than port forwarding, as it’s simpler and works for all devices.
• Keep your router’s firmware updated to avoid bugs that can cause NAT issues.
• If you have a dual-band router, make sure your PC is on the same network (2.4GHz or 5GHz) as the device you’re testing with.
• Some games have built-in network tests that tell you your NAT type—use those for a more game-specific check.
• If you’re on a corporate network, you may not have access to the router; contact your IT department.

Troubleshooting

• NAT still shows Strict after enabling UPnP. Try disabling UPnP and manually port forwarding the specific ports your game needs. Also, check if your router has a “NAT filtering” or “SIP ALG” setting—disable it if present.
• Can’t access the router admin page. Make sure you’re connected to the network and typing the correct IP. Try another browser or use an Ethernet cable.
• Forgot router password. Look for a reset button on the router, press and hold it for 10 seconds to restore factory defaults. Then use the default credentials from the label.
• Port forwarding doesn’t work. Double-check that you’ve entered the correct port numbers and protocol (TCP/UDP). Also, verify that your PC’s firewall isn’t blocking the ports—temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall to test, then re-enable it.
• NAT type changes randomly. This can happen if your PC’s IP changes or if UPnP is unstable. Set a static IP and ensure UPnP is consistently on.
• Still not working. Try contacting your internet service provider—they may be using CGNAT, which requires a public IP address to fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does NAT type actually mean? NAT (Network Address Translation) controls how your device communicates with other devices. Open NAT means your device can connect to anyone, Moderate means some restrictions, Strict means limited connections.
• Why is my NAT type Strict? Usually because your router’s firewall is blocking incoming connections, or you’re behind a carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) from your ISP.
• Is it safe to enable UPnP? Generally yes, but it can be a security risk if you have untrusted devices on your network. Use it only when needed, and consider port forwarding as a more secure alternative.
• Can I change NAT type without a router? If you’re using a mobile hotspot or a public network, you usually can’t. On a PC with a direct modem connection, you might be able to use Windows Internet Connection Sharing, but it’s not recommended.
• How do I know my PC’s local IP address? Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. Look for “IPv4 Address” under your active adapter.
• Will changing NAT type improve my ping? No, NAT type affects connectivity, not latency. A Strict NAT can cause connection issues, but ping is determined by your internet speed and distance to the server.

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