How To Check Nat Type On Pc : Using Command Prompt Instructions

Your NAT type determines how freely your computer can communicate with other players and servers in online games. If you’re experiencing lag, disconnections, or trouble joining friends, learning how to check NAT type on PC is the essential first step to fixing it.

This guide provides clear, step-by-step methods for checking your NAT type across different games and Windows itself. We’ll also explain what NAT is, why your type matters, and how to change it for a smoother online experience.

How To Check Nat Type On Pc

There are several reliable ways to check your NAT type on a Windows PC. The method you choose often depends on whether you want a general system check or a game-specific result.

Method 1: Check NAT Type In Windows Network Settings

Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in tool that can sometimes display your NAT type, particularly useful after using the network troubleshooting tool.

Click the Start menu and open the Settings app (the gear icon).
Navigate to “Network & Internet” and then select “Status.”
Click on “Network troubleshooter” and run the tool. After it completes, it may report your NAT type under “Incoming Connections.”

Note that this method doesn’t always show the NAT type explicitly, so the following options are often more reliable.

Method 2: Check NAT Type Using Command Prompt

This technical method uses Windows commands to probe your network and infer the NAT type.

Press the Windows Key + R, type “cmd,” and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
Type the command netstat -an | find "UDP" | find "3074" and press Enter. (Port 3074 is commonly used for Xbox and some game services).
Observe the results. A state of “ESTABLISHED” typically indicates an open NAT, while seeing nothing or “CLOSE_WAIT” might suggest a stricter type. This method requires some interpretation.

Method 3: Check NAT Type In Popular PC Games

Most modern multiplayer games will display your NAT type directly in their network settings menus. This is often the most accurate reading for that specific game.

Checking NAT Type In Call Of Duty

In recent Call of Duty titles (Warzone, Modern Warfare, Vanguard):

Launch the game and go to the main menu.
Open the “Options” or “Settings” menu.
Navigate to the “Account” or “Network” tab.
Your NAT Type will be displayed on this screen, usually as “Open,” “Moderate,” or “Strict.”

Checking NAT Type In Destiny 2

In the game, open your Director (the map/menu screen).
Navigate to the “Settings” tab.
Select “Gameplay.”
Your NAT type will be listed at the bottom of this menu.

Checking NAT Type In Fortnite

From the Fortnite lobby, click on the main menu (three lines icon).
Click the gear icon for Settings.
Select the “Game” tab.
Your “Network Connection Status” will show your NAT type.

Method 4: Use Your Router’s Admin Page

Your router’s configuration page often has the most definitive information about your NAT configuration and firewall settings.

Find your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). You can find this by typing ipconfig in Command Prompt and looking for “Default Gateway.”
Enter this IP address into your web browser’s address bar.
Log in with your router’s admin credentials (often found on a sticker on the router itself).
Look for sections like “Security,” “Firewall,” “NAT,” or “WAN Settings.” The terminology varies by brand (Linksys, Netgear, ASUS, TP-Link).

Here, you can often see the NAT type or the specific rules that define it, such as “Symmetric NAT” or “Full Cone NAT.”

What Is Nat And Why Does Your Nat Type Matter

NAT stands for Network Address Translation. It’s a process used by your router to allow multiple devices in your home (your PC, phone, tablet, etc.) to share a single public IP address provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Think of your public IP as your apartment building’s address, and your router’s NAT as the building manager. The manager (router) takes mail (data packets) for the building (your network) and delivers them to the correct apartment (your PC). This conserves the limited number of available IPv4 addresses and adds a layer of security.

The Three Main Nat Types Explained

Your NAT type defines how restrictive or permissive your router is when handling incoming connection requests from the internet, which is crucial for peer-to-peer gaming connections.

Open NAT (Type 1)

This is the ideal setting for online gaming. With an Open NAT, your console or PC can freely communicate with other players and game servers. You can host games, join games easily, and generally experience the fewest connectivity issues. Your device is essentially fully accessible.

Moderate NAT (Type 2)

This is a common and often acceptable setting. Your router allows unsolicited incoming traffic only from specific sources or through specific ports that have recently been used. You can join most games and play with others, but you might occasionally have trouble connecting to players with a Strict NAT, and hosting games may not work reliably.

Strict NAT (Type 3)

This is the most restrictive setting. Your router blocks most unsolicited incoming traffic. This can severely limit your ability to play online games. You will likely experience long matchmaking times, frequent disconnections, an inability to join friends, and you will almost never be able to host a game session. Voice chat may also fail.

How To Change Your Nat Type On Pc

If you’ve checked your NAT type and found it to be Moderate or Strict, you can take steps to change it to Open. This usually involves configuring your router. Always consider security implications; opening ports does make a specific device slightly more exposed.

Enable UPnP On Your Router

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is a protocol that allows devices on your network to automatically request the router to open the ports they need.

Access your router’s admin page (as described in Method 4 above).
Find the UPnP setting. It’s often under “Advanced Settings,” “Network,” or “Security.”
Enable UPnP and save the changes. Your router will reboot.
Restart your PC and game to see if your NAT type has improved.

Note: While convenient, some security experts advise disabling UPnP due to potential vulnerabilities. For gaming, it’s generally considered safe on a home network.

Set Up Port Forwarding Manually

Port forwarding is a more precise and secure method than UPnP. You manually tell your router to send all traffic for specific ports directly to your PC’s local IP address.

Find your PC’s local IP address. Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. Look for the “IPv4 Address” under your active connection.
Access your router’s admin page.
Locate the Port Forwarding section (sometimes called Virtual Servers or NAT Forwarding).
Create a new rule. You will need to enter:
- Your PC’s local IP address.
- The specific port numbers required by your game (e.g., for Call of Duty, you might need TCP: 3074, 27014-27050; UDP: 3074, 3478, 4379-4380, 27000-27031, 27036). Always check the game developer’s support site for the correct ports.
- The protocol (TCP, UDP, or Both).
Save the rule and reboot your router. Restart your PC and check your NAT type in-game again.

Place Your Pc In The Dmz

The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is a router setting that places one device completely outside the router’s firewall. This will guarantee an Open NAT type for that device but removes all firewall protection, so it should be a last resort.

Find your PC’s local IP address (using ipconfig in Command Prompt).
Access your router’s admin page.
Find the DMZ settings (often in Security or Advanced settings).
Enter your PC’s IP address and enable DMZ for that device.
Save and reboot the router.

Warning: Only use this temporarily for troubleshooting, and be sure your PC has a robust software firewall and antivirus enabled.

Check Your Windows Firewall And Antivirus

Sometimes, the local firewall on your PC can block game traffic, mimicking a Strict NAT.

Go to Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
Click “Allow an app through firewall.”
Ensure your game’s .exe files (and sometimes the game client, like Steam or Battle.net) are checked for both Private and Public networks.
Also check your third-party antivirus software for a built-in firewall or gaming mode that might be blocking connections.

Common Nat Type Problems And Solutions

Even after trying the standard fixes, you might still encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions.

NAT Type Keeps Resetting To Strict

If your NAT type reverts to Strict after you’ve set up port forwarding or UPnP:

Your PC’s local IP address may be changing. Set a static IP address for your PC in your router’s DHCP settings or on the PC itself.
Your ISP might be using a restrictive “Carrier-Grade NAT” (CGNAT). Contact your ISP and ask if they can provide you with a public IP address, which may require a business plan.
You might have multiple routers on your network (a modem/router combo and a separate router). This creates a “double NAT” scenario. You should enable bridge mode on one of the devices to eliminate the conflict.

Double Nat Issues

A Double NAT occurs when two routers are performing NAT on the same network. This is common if you have a modem from your ISP that also has routing capabilities, and you’ve connected your own router to it.

To fix this:

Log into the first router (usually the ISP modem/router combo).
Enable “Bridge Mode.” This turns off its routing and firewall functions, making it act only as a modem. The exact term varies (might be called “Passthrough Mode”).
Let your personal router handle all the NAT and DHCP duties. You will then configure port forwarding only on your personal router.

ISP Restrictions And Carrier Grade Nat

Some ISPs, especially mobile and satellite providers, use Carrier-Grade NAT to manage their own IP address shortages. This places you behind an additional, uncontrollable layer of NAT at your ISP’s end.

Solutions include:

Contacting your ISP to request a public IP address. There may be an additional fee.
Using a quality VPN service that supports port forwarding. This can sometimes bypass CGNAT restrictions, though it may add latency.
Considering a switch to an ISP that provides a direct public IP, like most cable or fiber providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Easiest Way To Check My NAT Type?

The easiest way is to check within the network settings of the online game you are playing. Most games like Call of Duty, Destiny 2, and Fortnite display it clearly in their settings menus.

Can I Check My NAT Type Without A Game?

Yes, you can use your router’s admin page or the Windows Network Troubleshooter, though the results may be less specific than a game’s direct readout. Third-party tools also exist but are less common now.

Is Open NAT Safe?

For gaming, an Open NAT achieved through UPnP or specific port forwarding is generally safe on a home network. Placing your PC in the DMZ is less secure and not recommended for long-term use.

Why Is My NAT Type Strict Even With Port Forwarding?

Common reasons include: entering the wrong PC IP address or port numbers, not saving/rebooting the router, a Windows firewall blocking the connection, or your ISP using Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT). Double-check all your settings and contact your ISP if you suspect CGNAT.

Does A VPN Change My NAT Type?

It can. A VPN routes your traffic through a different server, which will have its own NAT type. This can sometimes improve a Strict NAT caused by your ISP’s CGNAT, but it can also make it worse or add lag. Some VPNs offer dedicated IPs or port forwarding features for gaming.