How to Use Windows Family Safety for Parental Controls

In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to set up and use Windows Family Safety for parental controls. With Windows Family Safety, you can monitor your child's activities, restrict access to certain content, and set time limits for device usage. Let's get started!

Setup Windows Family Safety

Create a Microsoft Family Group: Start by creating a Microsoft Family Group. Visit the Microsoft Family Safety webpage (https://account.microsoft.com/family/) and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click on "Create a family group" and provide the necessary information to set up the group.
Add Child Accounts: Once your family group is created, you can add child accounts. Click "Add a family member" and select "Add a child." Follow the prompts to create a child account for each of your children.
Link Child Account to Windows Device: Make sure your child is using a Windows device that is linked to their Microsoft account. If not, go to the "Family members" page on the Microsoft Family Safety website, select the child's account, and click on "Manage settings." Under "More options," choose "Join a family" and follow the instructions to link the device.

Set Up Parental Controls

Access Family Safety Settings: On your Windows device, open the Start menu and click on the "Settings" gear icon. Select "Accounts" and then click on "Family & other users" from the left menu. Choose the child account you want to manage and click on "Manage family settings online." This will take you to the Microsoft Family Safety website.
Content Restrictions: Under the child's account settings, click on "Content restrictions." Here, you can customize the types of content your child can access. You can set age limitations for apps, games, and media, block inappropriate websites, and control app and game purchases.
Screen Time Limits: To set time limits for your child's device usage, select "Screen time" from the child's account settings. You can set specific time ranges for weekdays and weekends, as well as the maximum amount of time per day. You can also enforce a bedtime schedule and a maximum number of hours for each app or game.
Activity Reporting: Under the child's account settings, select "Activity reporting." Enable this feature to receive weekly reports on your child's screen time, websites visited, and apps and games used.

Supervise Family Safety Features

View Activity Reports: On the Microsoft Family Safety website, you can access the activity reports for each child account. Click on "Activity" from the left menu to see an overview of their screen time, websites, and apps.
Manage App and Game Requests: If your child wants to download an app or game that is blocked or not age-appropriate, they can request permission. As a parent, you will receive an email notification with a direct link to manage the request. Open the email and review the request to either approve or deny it.
Control Spending: To control spending on the Microsoft Store, select "Spending" from the child's account settings. You can enable or disable spending, request approval for purchases, and view purchase history.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Install Windows Family Safety on all Windows devices your child uses to ensure consistent supervision and control.
Regularly review the activity reports and adjust the settings as necessary to align with your child's age and maturity level.
Have open conversations with your child about the importance of online safety and your expectations regarding their device usage.
Windows Family Safety is limited to Windows devices. For additional control and supervision on other platforms, consider exploring third-party parental control solutions.

With Windows Family Safety, you can create a safe and controlled online environment for your child. Use the comprehensive features available to filter content, set time limits, and monitor their activities. Regularly supervise and adapt the settings to ensure a balance between their usage and safety.