How to Check and Change NAT Type on PC and Windows 11
Check NAT type on a Windows PC, understand Windows 11 NAT results, and fix Strict NAT by checking firewall, VPN, UPnP, ports, Double NAT, and CGNAT.
Windows does not have one universal NAT type switch. A PC game, Xbox app, or NAT checker may report Open, Moderate, Strict, Restricted, or Symmetric depending on the router, firewall, VPN, and upstream ISP path. Use this guide to check NAT type on PC first, then fix the part of the path that is actually causing the restriction.
How to Check NAT Type on PC or Windows 11
Start with a test result before changing Windows settings. IPConfig shows local network details, but it does not prove whether outside peers can reach your PC.
Run a NAT check from the PC network
Use the NAT checker in the same browser and network where the game problem happens. Do not compare a phone on cellular data with a PC on home Ethernet.
Know the Xbox Networking caveat
Older Windows guides mention Xbox Networking settings. Current Windows 11 builds may not show the same screen, so use game tests and router checks instead of relying on that label.
Confirm inside the affected game
Some PC games use their own relay, matchmaking, or port rules. If only one game reports Strict NAT, check that game's ports and firewall prompts.
Understanding Windows NAT Types
Windows NAT types determine how your network handles incoming and outgoing connections. Understanding these types is essential for optimizing your online gaming and application connectivity.
| NAT Type | Description | Connection Quality |
|---|---|---|
Open Internet | Direct connection to the internet with no NAT restrictions | Excellent |
Full Cone NAT | Most open NAT type, all external hosts can send packets to internal host | Excellent |
Restricted NAT | Only allows connections from hosts you have previously sent packets to | Good |
Port Restricted NAT | Like Restricted NAT, but also checks the source port number | Moderate |
Symmetric NAT | Most restrictive, uses different external port for each destination | Poor |
What Can Make PC NAT Strict
Changing DNS or reinstalling a network driver rarely changes NAT by itself. For PC NAT problems, check the local firewall first, then the router and ISP path.
Windows Firewall or security suite
Allow the game or server app on Private networks. If the app is listening on UDP, make sure the firewall rule is not TCP-only.
VPN, proxy, or game booster
VPNs often change the public IP and block inbound peer traffic. Disable them before treating a NAT result as a router problem.
UPnP on the router
Many PC games request temporary mappings through UPnP. If UPnP is off or blocked by another router, NAT can stay Strict.
Manual port forwarding
Forward only the ports and protocols the game requires, and point the rule to a stable local IP for the PC.
Double NAT or CGNAT
If the router does not have a real public IPv4 address, Windows changes will not make inbound connections work.
Step 1: Get Network Information
First, open the Start menu, search for and run cmd (Command Prompt). Enter the ipconfig command and press Enter. Record your IPv4 Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway. Keep this window open for the next steps.
- 1Open Start menu and search for "cmd", then open Command Prompt
- 2Type ipconfig and press Enter
- 3Record IPv4 Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway values
ipconfigStep 2: Manually Configure Network Adapter
Configure your network adapter with static IP and DNS settings for better control over your connection.
- 1Open Start menu, search for "View network connections" and open it
- 2Find your current network adapter (usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi), right-click and select Properties
- 3Double-click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)"
- 4Select "Use the following IP address" and enter your IP, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway from cmd
- 5For DNS, use Google Public DNS (Preferred: 8.8.8.8, Alternate: 8.8.4.4), then click OK
Preferred DNS Server
8.8.8.8Alternate DNS Server
8.8.4.4Step 3: Restore Internet Advanced Settings
Reset Internet Options to ensure clean network settings.
- 1Open Start menu and search for "Internet Options"
- 2Switch to the Advanced tab and click "Restore advanced settings"
- 3Click Apply, then OK
Step 4: Reinstall Network Adapter Driver
Reinstalling the network adapter driver can resolve driver-related connectivity issues.
- 1Open Start menu and search for "Device Manager"
- 2Expand "Network adapters" and find your network driver (e.g., Realtek or Intel Ethernet Adapter)
- 3Right-click the adapter and select "Uninstall device". After uninstalling, click "Scan for hardware changes" in the toolbar
- 4After installation, right-click the adapter again and select "Update driver" → "Search automatically for drivers"
If PC NAT Is Still Strict
Move upstream instead of repeating Windows changes. The next useful checks are router mappings, Double NAT, and CGNAT.
Verify Your NAT Type
After completing all steps and restarting your computer, use our free online tool to verify your new NAT type:
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Always restart your computer after making all these network changes.
- Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for more stable and consistent NAT results.
- If you still have issues, check your router settings for UPnP or port forwarding options.
Conclusion
After completing all the steps above, please restart your computer. This should successfully change your NAT type, thereby improving the connection performance of online games and network applications. If you continue to experience issues, consider configuring port forwarding on your router or contacting your ISP.