Changing Your NAT Type on Windows 11: A Quick Walkthrough
Getting your NAT type sorted on Windows 11 can really improve your online gaming experience and make sharing files a whole lot easier. It’s not the most thrilling task, but tweaking these network settings can make a big difference when it comes to lag and connection stability. Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward — just a bit of a process to get through.
Checking Your Current NAT Type
First up, find out what NAT type your PC is using. Head into Windows Settings, go to Network & Internet, then click on Status. From there, look for either Network and Sharing Centre or Advanced network settings to see the details. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, press Windows + G to open the Xbox Game Bar, then navigate to Settings > Network. That’ll display your NAT type — whether it’s Open, Moderate, or Strict. If you’re stuck with Strict NAT, it can cause connection hitches and make matchmaking a pain.
Logging Into Your Router
Next, it’s time to access your router’s setup page. Open a web browser and type in your router’s IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Hit Enter and you’ll see the login screen. If you’re not sure what your IP address is, open Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Start menu, then run ipconfig — your default gateway is your router’s address. Enter your username and password — these are often on a sticker on the back of the router or in the user manual. Once inside, you’ll be ready to tweak some network settings — think port forwarding, UPnP, or DMZ.
Finding the Port Forwarding Section
After logging in, look for the Port Forwarding section. It might be under menus labelled Advanced, Security, or occasionally Virtual Server. For routers from brands like TP-Link, it’s often tucked away in Advanced > NAT > Virtual Servers. Proper port forwarding is key, because it opens the direct lines of communication between your console or PC and gaming servers — something that can help shift your NAT type from Strict or Moderate to Open, making online gaming so much smoother.
Setting Up Port Forwarding Rules
Now, it’s time to set up those port forwarding rules. You’ll need to specify the ports used by your games or apps — common ones include 3074 (for Xbox Live or similar), or ports like 80 and 443 for web traffic. Select the protocol (TCP, UDP, or both), and link these ports to your PC’s local IP address. If your PC doesn’t have a static IP, set one in Windows by heading to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Hardware and connection properties. Check your game’s documentation for the exact ports required — websites like Steam or Xbox support pages are good sources too.
Enabling UPnP or DMZ
Many modern routers support UPnP, which automatically manages port forwarding for compatible devices. You can enable it by going into your router settings under Advanced > UPnP and switching it on. Alternatively, if you’re troubleshooting or want to be more aggressive, throwing your PC into the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) opens all ports to your device. Just head to DMZ Settings, enter your PC’s static IP, and turn it on. Use this as a last resort — it can reduce security since all ports are exposed, so be cautious.
Saving Changes and Restarting
Once you’ve set up port forwarding, enabled UPnP, or configured DMZ, make sure to save your settings. It’s crucial — then restart both your router and your PC to apply the changes. Rebooting these devices ensures your new settings take effect. You can usually restart your router via its web interface or by pressing the physical reset button. To refresh your network connection on Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings, disable your active connection, then enable it again. This often helps your NAT type move towards open, reducing lag and stabilising your network for gaming and file sharing alike.
If things don’t change immediately, don’t sweat it! Sometimes routers need a nudge or two. Rebooting everything — modem, router, PC — can work wonders. A little patience goes a long way with these setups.
And if all goes well, you should be ready to jump into your games without the annoying lag or connection issues. Pretty dependable trick, and one that’s worked across many setups!