What NAT Type Is and Why It Matters for Gaming and Video Calls

NAT type is a setting that determines how your computer connects to other devices across the internet. NAT stands for Network Address Translation. Your router uses it to translate between your home network's private addresses and the public internet. Most people have either Open, Moderate, or Strict NAT type, and the type you have affects how smoothly online games run and how reliably video calls connect.

Open NAT means your router allows incoming connections freely. Moderate NAT means some connections work but others are blocked. Strict NAT blocks most incoming connections. If you play online games or use video conferencing, Strict or Moderate NAT can cause lag, dropped calls, or matchmaking delays. Changing your NAT type usually means adjusting your router settings, not your Windows PC itself — but this guide covers both.

Key Takeaways

  • NAT type is controlled by your router, not Windows, so you will need to log into your router's settings page to make changes.
  • The most common fix is enabling UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) in your router, which automatically opens ports for your PC.
  • If UPnP does not work, you can manually forward specific ports from your router to your PC's local IP address.
  • You can check your current NAT type in Windows using the Xbox app or by running a port-checking tool online.
  • Restarting your router after making changes can take 5 to 10 minutes to take effect.

Check Your Current NAT Type in Windows

Before you change anything, find out what NAT type you currently have. Open the Xbox app on your Windows PC (it comes built in). Go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right), then select Network. You will see your NAT type listed as Open, Moderate, or Strict.

If you do not use the Xbox app, you can also check NAT type using an online port-checking tool. Search "check open ports" and use a site like CanYouSeeMe.org or canyouseeme.org. These tools test whether your router is blocking incoming connections. Write down your current NAT type — you will want to verify it has changed after you make adjustments.

Enable UPnP on Your Router

UPnP is the easiest way to improve NAT type because it works automatically. When UPnP is on, your PC can ask your router to open ports without you having to do it manually. Most modern routers have UPnP built in, though it is sometimes turned off by default.

Log into your router's settings page. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You will be asked for a username and password (check the sticker on the back of your router if you do not know these). Once logged in, look for a section called UPnP, Universal Plug and Play, or NAT-PMP. Check the box to enable it, then save and exit.

Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for it to fully restart. Then check your NAT type again in the Xbox app. If it has changed to Open or Moderate, UPnP worked and you are done.

Manually Forward Ports If UPnP Does Not Work

If enabling UPnP did not change your NAT type, you can manually forward ports. This tells your router to send traffic from the internet to your PC. First, you need your PC's local IP address — this is different from your public IP address and is only used inside your home network.

Find your local IP address by opening Command Prompt (press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter). Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says IPv4 Address under your network adapter — it will look like 192.168.x.x. Write this down.

Log back into your router's settings page. Look for a section called Port Forwarding, Port Mapping, or Virtual Server. The exact name varies by router brand. You will need to enter a port number and point it to your PC's local IP address. Common ports for gaming are 3074 (Xbox), 1119 (PlayStation), and 27015 (Steam). If you are unsure which port to use, check the game or process's documentation.

Enter the port number in the external port field, set the internal port to the same number, select TCP and UDP as the protocol, and enter your PC's local IP address. Save the settings and restart your router. Check your NAT type again after 10 minutes.

Disable Windows Firewall Temporarily to Test

Windows Firewall can also block incoming connections. If you have forwarded ports but your NAT type has not improved, temporarily disable the firewall to test whether it is the problem. Press Windows key + I to open Settings, go to Privacy & Security, then Windows Security. Click Firewall & network protection, then click on your active network. Toggle Windows Defender Firewall off.

Check your NAT type again. If it improves with the firewall off, you know the firewall is blocking your ports. Turn the firewall back on, then add an exception for your game or process. Go back to Firewall & network protection, click Allow an app through firewall, and find your game in the list. Check both Private and Public boxes next to it, then click OK. This lets the app through without leaving your entire firewall disabled.

Restart Your PC and Router After Changes

After making any changes to your router or firewall, restart both your router and your PC. Unplug your router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for all lights to stabilize — usually 2 to 3 minutes. Then restart your Windows PC. Wait another 5 to 10 minutes before checking your NAT type again, because changes can take time to propagate through your network.

If your NAT type still has not changed after restarting, double-check that you saved your router settings correctly. Some routers require you to click an explicit Save or explore button after making changes. If you are still stuck, write down your router model and the exact NAT type you are seeing, then contact your router manufacturer's support — they can walk you through settings specific to your hardware.

When to Contact Your Internet Service Provider

If you have enabled UPnP, forwarded ports, and disabled the firewall, but your NAT type is still Strict, the problem may be with your internet service provider. Some ISPs use Carrier-Grade NAT, which adds an extra layer of network translation that you cannot control from your home. This is rare but does happen.

Contact your ISP and ask whether they are using Carrier-Grade NAT or double NAT on your connection. If they are, ask whether they can disable it or assign you a public IP address. Some ISPs will do this for free; others charge a small monthly fee. This is the only fix if your ISP is the bottleneck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change NAT type directly in Windows without touching my router?

No. NAT type is controlled entirely by your router, not by Windows. Windows Firewall can block ports, but the actual NAT translation happens at the router level. You must log into your router to change NAT type.

Will changing NAT type improve my internet speed?

NAT type does not affect read or upload speed. It only affects how easily other devices can connect to you. You might notice less lag in online games or more stable video calls, but your speed test results will be the same.

Is it safe to enable UPnP?

UPnP is generally safe for home use. It lets applications open ports automatically instead of you doing it manually. If you are concerned about security, you can disable UPnP after your NAT type improves and manually keep the ports open instead.

What if I do not know my router's password?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually has the default username and password printed on it. If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this will erase all your custom settings.

How long does it take for NAT type changes to take effect?

Most changes take effect within 5 to 10 minutes after you restart your router. Some routers take longer. If you do not see a change after 15 minutes, restart your PC as well and wait another 5 minutes before checking again.