Change NAT Type on PC: Simple Guide & Tips

NAT, or Network Address Translation, plays a crucial role in connecting your PC to the internet. It involves translating private IP addresses to a public IP address, allowing communication between devices. To ensure a smooth online experience and improve connectivity, it’s essential to understand how to change the NAT type on your PC.

Changing your NAT type can have a significant impact on your online gaming performance, reducing lag and enhancing overall gameplay. In this guide, we’ll explore different methods you can use to modify the NAT type on your PC, enabling you to enjoy seamless online experiences.

Method 1: Turn on UPnP on the router

One of the methods to change your NAT type on a PC is by turning on UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on your router. UPnP allows devices to connect and applications to automatically forward ports, improving network connectivity and online gaming performance.

To enable UPnP on your router, follow these steps:

1. Access your router’s advanced network settings by entering your router’s IP address into your browser and logging into the settings.
2. Once you’re in the advanced settings, look for the option to enable UPnP.
3. Activate UPnP to allow devices on your network to communicate with each other and automatically configure port forwarding.

However, it’s important to note that enabling UPnP can pose security risks. It opens up your network to potential vulnerabilities, as devices and applications have automatic access to forward ports without manual configuration. To mitigate these risks, make sure to keep your router firmware up to date and regularly check for any security patches provided by the manufacturer.

By turning on UPnP, you can simplify the process of configuring ports and improve connectivity for online gaming and other applications that rely on port forwarding.

Method 2: Port forwarding

Port forwarding offers a more precise approach to changing your NAT type. Unlike UPnP, which automatically opens ports, port forwarding allows you to manually select and open specific ports that you need for your applications or games. This method grants you greater control over your network settings, ensuring optimal connectivity.

Before proceeding with port forwarding, it’s important to know the specific port numbers required by your game or application. Once you have this information, you can access your router’s configuration page to initiate the port forwarding process.

Steps to set up port forwarding:

1. Access your router’s configuration page by entering your router’s IP address into your web browser.
2. Login to the router’s settings using your credentials.
3. Locate the port forwarding option within the router’s settings.
4. Add a new port forwarding rule and enter the necessary port number details.
5. Save the changes and exit the router’s settings.

By manually controlling the ports, you can ensure that the required ports are open and properly directed to your device, resulting in improved connectivity and a more favorable NAT type.

Method 3: Turn on Network Discovery on Windows 10

Network Discovery is a powerful feature on Windows 10 that enhances local network connectivity and fosters seamless communication between devices. Enabling Network Discovery can remarkably improve your NAT type and lead to increased internet speed, resulting in a smoother online experience.

To activate Network Discovery on your Windows 10 system, you need to access the network and sharing settings within the control panel. From there, navigate to the Network Discovery option and toggle it on. This nifty feature functions as a computer-side version of UPnP, providing similar benefits when it comes to optimizing your NAT type and overall network performance.

However, it is essential to exercise caution when enabling Network Discovery, as well as other network configuration methods. While they can enhance your connectivity, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons, as these modifications can expose your computer to potential security risks. Take the time to consider the implications and ensure you make informed choices that align with your specific needs.