How to Use Windows Live Family Safety

Windows Live Family Safety is an essential tool for parents who want to ensure their children have a safe and secure experience while using a Windows computer. It grants parents the ability to monitor and control their child's online activities, limit screen time, and protect them from inappropriate content. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting up and using Windows Live Family Safety on your Windows computer.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

• A Windows computer (Windows 7 or later)
• A Microsoft account for yourself and your child
• Administrative privileges on the computer

Step 1: Install Windows Live Family Safety

1. Open your web browser and visit the Windows Essentials website.
2. Click on the "Download now" button.
3. Save the setup file to your computer.
4. Locate the downloaded file and double-click on it to begin the installation process.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
6. Once the installation is finished, launch Windows Live Family Safety from the Start menu.

Step 2: Set up Family Safety for your child

1. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
2. Click on "Add a child" under the Family Safety section.
3. Enter your child's email address and click "Next".
4. If your child doesn't have a Microsoft account, select "The person I want to add doesn't have an email address" and follow the prompted steps to create a new Microsoft child account.
5. Customize the Family Safety settings according to your preferences. You can manage web filtering, time limits, and app restrictions.
6. After configuring the settings, click "OK" to save the changes.

Step 3: Monitor and manage your child's activities

1. Launch Windows Live Family Safety.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
3. Under the child's profile, you will find various options to monitor and manage their activities.
   • Activity Reporting: View recent computer and web activities, including websites visited, blocked apps, and search terms.
   • Web Filtering: Manage web content based on your child's age or specific limitations.
   • Time Limits: Set time restrictions for computer usage to prevent excessive screen time.
   • App Restrictions: Control the access and usage of specific apps and games.
   • Windows Store Restrictions: Manage app and game downloads from the Windows Store.
   • Request Activity: Request more information about your child's activity or request permission for them to access specific websites.
4. Make adjustments to the settings as needed and explore the different options available.

Step 4: Respond to activity reports and requests

1. Regularly review the activity reports provided by Windows Live Family Safety.
2. If you come across any inappropriate activity or websites, take appropriate actions to discuss and educate your child about online safety.
3. If your child requests permission to visit a blocked website, open Windows Live Family Safety and click on "Respond to Request".
4. Review the website and make a decision to allow or block it. You can also leave comments to explain your decision.
5. Click "Allow" or "Block" accordingly.

Step 5: Remove Family Safety restrictions (optional)

1. Launch Windows Live Family Safety.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
3. Under the child's profile, click on "Remove this person's restrictions".
4. Confirm the removal by clicking "Yes".
5. The Family Safety restrictions will be removed, and your child will regain full access to the computer.

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to use Windows Live Family Safety to protect and monitor your child's online activities on a Windows computer. Remember to regularly review your child's online behavior and engage in conversations about digital safety.