The China Daily newspaper reported Nadella "extended an olive branch to Chinese regulators" in Beijing on Thursday by saying the company was willing to work with officials.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the visit.
Nadella was quoted by the newspaper as saying that Microsoft has made contributions to the Chinese economy.
"The fundamental success of Microsoft was based on the value we create in every place that we operate in. We were able to come into China and will continue to contribute and cooperate with governments," he said.
China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) said in July it was investigating the US technology firm for "monopoly actions" related to its flagship Windows operating system and Office suite of software.
The head of the SAIC said last month the probe includes the way the US technology giant distributes its media player and browser.
Microsoft has said it complies with Chinese law. It has previously faced anti-trust investigations in other markets for tying the company's Windows system to its other products.
Nadella spoke at Tsinghua University in Beijing on Thursday, China Daily said.
He is scheduled to travel to the southern city of Shenzhen on Friday, the report said. His two-day trip includes meetings with government officials, it said, but did not identify them.
Microsoft is due to offer its Xbox One game console in China on Monday a week delay from the original launch date becoming the first such product to enter the market in 14 years after the government relaxed a ban provided the devices are assembled in the Shanghai free trade zone.
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