Windows 10 control parental control

Setting up parental controls on Windows 10 is a straightforward process. Log in to your Microsoft Safety account and open the settings menu. There, you can set screen time limits, a web filter, and get detailed activity reports on what your kids are doing on Windows 10.

That said, the Microsoft Family Safety app has its limitations. It only monitors content on the Edge browser, SafeSearch is limited to Bing, its filter lacks categories and isn’t customizable, and tech-savvy kids can relatively easily circumvent it. To overcome these limitations and obtain enhanced, comprehensive capabilities, you might want to check some premium parental control apps.

Microsoft Safety provides basic parental control features for Windows 10, including the ability to set screen time limits, manage content restrictions and control app and game usage. I created an account for two of my children and adjusted the rules based on their age. Then, I monitored their activity through weekly reports. To set up and use Family Safety, follow these steps:

1. Set up a Child Account

• Go to Settings by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
• In the Settings window, choose Accounts.
• Select “Family & other users” from the left sidebar.
• Under “Your family,” click on “Add a family member” or “Add a child.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions to create a child account for your child.

2. Customize Content Restrictions

• In the “Family & other users” settings, click on the child account you created.
• Under the child account, click on “Content restrictions.”
• You can enable options such as blocking inappropriate websites on Edge, turning on SafeSearch for Bing, setting age limits for apps and games, and preventing the purchase and use of mature content.

  

  Enable the Microsoft Safety web filter and SafeSearch for Bing

3. Set Screen Time Limits

• In the “Family & other users” settings, click on the child account you created.
• Under the child account, click on “Screen time.”
• Toggle on the “Set limits for when my child can use devices” option.
• Set specific time limits for weekdays and weekends, and define bedtime hours.

  

  Customize screen time limits with Microsoft Safety

4. Review Activity Reports

• In the “Family & other users” settings, click on the child account you created.
• Under the child account, click on “Activity reporting.”
• Enable activity reporting to receive weekly reports on your child’s computer usage, including websites visited and apps used.

After I set up Microsoft Safety on my kids’ computer, I saw that it wasn’t very good. While these features offer some level of control, I found that they didn’t have advanced web filtering options or decent protection against bypassing or disabling the app.

The web filter, which only works on the Microsoft Edge browser and Bing searches, doesn’t give me the option of blocking or allowing different categories. It just states that it “Filters inappropriate websites and searches” for mature content. This is very vague, and I have no idea, other than porn, what types of websites it will block.

The screen time tools do have general screen time limits and a usage schedule, which is good. However, my son was able to bypass these rules by simply changing the time through the Windows 10 Settings. Another hack my son showed me is that if he does a hard reset of his computer a few minutes before the screen time limits are up, they will reset when he reboots his computer.

During my research I also found several step-by-step guides on Reddit and YouTube on how to disable the Windows 10 parental control protection completely. These resources aren’t always easy, but a tech-savvy child can follow the instructions and block or disable Family Safety completely, giving them unrestricted access to the device.

To overcome these vulnerabilities, you might consider having a premium parental control app. Unlike Microsoft Safety, these cross-platform apps work on all major browsers, have custom web filters so you can choose what categories to block or allow, have app and URL blockers, and are very difficult to bypass.

Try Qustodio Free for 30 Days!

1. Get a parental control app: After comprehensive testing, I found that Qustodio is easy to install and set up, has a comprehensive set of features, and can be managed remotely. You can even try it free for 30 days, no credit card required.
2. Install the app on the computer: Install the app on their Windows 10 computer, and connect it to their profile. This is the only time that you need physical access to the Windows 10 computer.
3. Set up parental controls on Windows 10: Log in to the parental dashboard and set custom rules, including which web categories, URLs and apps to block, screen time limits, and a usage restriction calendar.

Try Qustodio Free for 30 Days!

1. Qustodio: Comprehensive Screen Time Tools and Powerful Web Filter with 30+ Categories

I was looking for a parental control app that would allow me to set up different rules for each of my children’s Windows 10 accounts. After extensive testing, Qustodio proved to be the best choice. In addition to comprehensive parental control features, such as setting screen time limits, web filters, and activity reports, it was very easy to set up and manage.

There are two screen time options:

• Daily Limit: I could easily set the amount of time my child could use the computer each day.
• Restricted Times: I had the ability to block access to the computer during specific time periods, irrespective of the overall screen time used. It’s worth noting that this feature worked in one-hour blocks, so I couldn’t set a more specific time range like 2:30 – 3:00, only 2:00 – 3:00.

I liked that I was able to choose what happens when the screen time limits are maxed out. I could lock the device, which logs my child out of their Windows 10 account, or block the internet connection.

Qustodio has fully customizable screen time rules

The web filter, which has 29 categories, worked seamlessly across various browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, even during private browsing sessions. I had the flexibility to choose which categories to allow, block, or receive alerts for when my child triggered the filter.

Monitoring my child’s activity on Windows 10 was a breeze through the Qustodio dashboard. It provided a detailed breakdown of the time spent on the computer, including a chronological breakdown of every web search and the websites they visited.

Use Qustodio to see exactly what your child is doing on the computer

Overall, my experience with Qustodio for Windows 10 was exceptional. But you don’t have to take my word for it when you can try it yourself. Qustodio offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required, allowing you to monitor your child’s Windows 10 computer usage and create powerful parental control rules.

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2. Norton Family: Manage Screen Time Use and Set Custom Web Filter for Windows 10

Norton Family performed well during my testing process. It offers a range of features designed to promote digital safety and monitoring for children using Windows 10. With its ease of use and comprehensive functionalities, Norton Family gave me peace of mind and the ability to create a safer online environment for my children.

Norton Family is compatible with multiple Windows 10 profiles. I set up and manage the app across various profiles and adjust the restrictions I set for each of my children.

The app includes daily screen time limits and a usage calendar, allowing me to control when my child is on the computer and how long they can use it. The usage schedule has to be created using 30-minute blocks, so you can build it around your child’s daily schedule.

Norton Family goes beyond general screen time limits by offering a School Time feature. When this feature is activated, Norton Family only allows access to specific educational websites and programs, and I can also add websites to the exception list if they are not part of the default list of approved sites.

Norton Family lets you manage how your child can use their computer during remote learning

The web filter has over 40 categories, each of which can be enabled or disabled, and it worked pretty well. I challenged my kids to try and access websites that I knew should be blocked. The only time they were able to bypass the filter was by using a no-name browser. However, Norton Family has a feature that allows me to block these browsers, so my kids have to use one of the supported browsers.

The reports generated by Norton Family offer valuable insights into my child’s online activities. I can view their web activity, browser history, app usage, and time spent on the computer from anywhere by logging into the web-based dashboard.

To experience the benefits of Norton Family firsthand, the app offers a 30-day free trial, allowing parents to explore its features and functionality on Windows 10 without any financial commitment.

Try Norton Family Free for 30 Days!

3. Mobicip – Web Filter with 17 Categories Prevents Inappropriate Websites From Opening

One of the key features of Mobicip is the ability to schedule and limit screen time. I found it easy to set healthy time limits, allowing me to define specific time periods when my kids could use their Windows 10 devices. This feature helped establish a balanced approach to screen time management, promoting healthy habits and ensuring that device usage doesn’t interfere with other activities.

Mobicip also impressed me with its capability to monitor social media interactions. I received alerts regarding any risky interactions that occurred on popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This feature provided an additional layer of protection, allowing me to stay informed about my children’s online social interactions and address any potential concerns promptly.

The web content filtering feature of Mobicip was effective in blocking inappropriate websites and filtering out adult content. I appreciated the peace of mind knowing that my children were safe from accessing harmful or age-inappropriate content while browsing the internet on their Windows devices.

Mobicip’s web filter has 18 categories

The activity summary feature provided a daily snapshot of my children’s device usage. It gave me a quick overview of the apps they used, the websites they visited, and the time they spent on their Windows devices. This helped me stay informed and involved in their online activities, enabling me to initiate discussions about responsible internet usage and address any potential issues that arose.

Mobicip offers a free 7-day trial. This trial period is a great opportunity to explore Mobicip’s capabilities and determine if it aligns with your parental control needs on Windows 10.

Try Mobicip free for 7 Days!

To find the best parental control app for Windows 10, I conducted a thorough and unbiased evaluation of various apps. I purchased each app myself to eliminate any bias and objectively assessed their features, performance, and value. My goal was to find a user-friendly solution that prioritizes online safety and benefits parents seeking to protect their children’s digital experiences. Key factors considered included:

• Screen time management, which promotes a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Robust features empower parents to set limits on device usage, encouraging responsible digital habits.
• Comprehensive web filtering options were crucial for creating a safe browsing environment. Parents could block access to inappropriate content, ensuring their children only encountered age-appropriate websites and had a positive online experience.
• Activity monitoring and reporting provided valuable insights into children’s online behavior. By reviewing web history, search logs, and app usage reports, parents could better understand their children’s digital activities and offer informed guidance.
• App and game restrictions allowed parents to curate age-appropriate content. By limiting access to apps and games based on suitability, parents ensured their children engaged with content aligned with their values and appropriate for their age.
• Considering the value for price and free trials was important. Some apps offered premium features at reasonable costs, while others provided trial periods. This allowed parents to test functionality before purchasing, ensuring the chosen app met their requirements without exceeding their budget.

Based on these evaluations, I identified the most effective parental control apps for Windows 10. These solutions prioritize user-friendly features, performance, and value for money, while also offering free trials to ensure customer satisfaction.

After setting up the Microsoft Family Safety parental control rules on Windows 10, I quickly realized their limitations and began exploring other options. I conducted thorough testing of premium parental control apps, and among the numerous contenders, Qustodio emerged as the clear winner, offering a comprehensive set of features and robust monitoring capabilities.

With its seamless installation process and user-friendly interface, Qustodio provided a hassle-free experience from the start. Its screen time management tools, web filtering options, and detailed reporting features surpassed my expectations, enabling me to set appropriate limits, block unwanted content, and gain valuable insights into my child’s online activities. You can try Qustodio for free for 30 days with no credit card required, so you can install it on Windows 10 and test it for yourself.

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How do Windows 10 parental controls work?

Windows 10 parental controls work by blocking inappropriate online content, limiting screen time, and setting age restrictions for games and apps. Parents can adjust the Microsoft parental controls based on age and interests to improve the safety of their child’s browsing habits.

Setting parental controls for an Android or Mac is a slightly different process. For more, check out our complete guides:

• How to Set Parental Controls on Android Devices

• How to Set Parental Controls on a Mac

How to set parental controls on Windows 10

You can set parental controls on Windows 10 by opening Start > Settings > Accounts. From there, open Family & other users, where you’ll start customizing parental controls. Setting up parental controls on Windows 10 is one of the many ways to create a safe online environment for your children.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for setting parental controls on Windows 10:

Add your child to your family group

1. Open the Windows Start menu, go to Settings, and click Accounts.

   

2. Select Family & other users, then click Add a family member.

   

3. If your child already has a Microsoft account, enter their email address here (you can skip the next section if this is the case).

   

Creating a Microsoft account for your child

1. If your child doesn’t have a Microsoft account, follow the steps in the section above: click the Start menu > Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add a family member > Create one for a child. Then, enter the new email address and click Next.

   

2. Create a password for your child’s account. Follow the next few steps and add your child’s first and last name, fill in your country and region, and add your child’s birthdate.

   

3. Now sign in to your own Microsoft account.

   

4. You will be asked to give consent for your child’s Microsoft account. Once you have read and understood the terms, scroll down and click Yes, I agree.

   

5. You will receive a confirmation email prompting you to connect your child’s device in order to apply family settings. In this email, click Connect a device.

   

6. Next, you can work on setting up parental controls for your child’s account. You have the option to set up controls directly when you add your child’s account to your family group, or you can set controls by clicking Manage family settings online.

   

Locating your parental control settings

Once you have successfully linked your child’s account to your family group, it’s time to start setting parental controls. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Windows Start menu. Select Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Manage family settings online. This will take you to your family’s homepage.

2. Click the Options icon (three dots) on the tile of the child you want to set controls for. Select Go to overview. From there, you can see all the Microsoft parental settings.

   

To make sure that your Microsoft family safety settings are set up for all your child’s devices, add your child’s phone, laptop, and any other devices. You might also want to consider setting up iPhone and iPad parental controls and setting up parental controls on your router in addition to Windows 10 parental controls.

Setting screen time limits on Windows 10

Screen time limits allow you to set how long your child will be allowed to use their device. You have several options you can set. Microsoft 10 parental controls enable you to view your child’s daily screen time and averages, which may give you some idea of where to set the limit.

Here’s how you can set screen time limits on Windows 10:

1. On the left of your child’s profile overview, click Screen time.

   

2. You can choose to set a time limit for each day of the week, or set the time of day the device will be available. For example, you might limit your child to two hours of screen time on weekdays but allow three hours on weekends. To edit the time limit, click the day, select the appropriate time limit, and click Done.

   

3. You can also set a schedule of available times. For example, you could limit screen time to daytime hours to prevent late-night screen time. Or, you can set smaller windows, such as two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening. Then, click Done.

   

4. You can enable Use one schedule on all devices, or you can create separate schedules for different devices.

   

Setting time limits on apps and games

If your child spends a lot of time on certain apps or games, you might want to limit the amount of time they can spend on each one. Microsoft 10 shows you the average amount of time your child spends on apps and games. This might give you a sense of where to cap any time limits.

Here’s how you can set time limits for apps and games:

1. On your child’s profile, go to Screen time in the left panel and click the Apps and games tab.

   

2. Set a time limit on a particular app by clicking the app and selecting Set a limit. Alternatively, you can block an app completely by clicking Block app.

   

3. Select which days you want to limit the use of this app, then choose the maximum amount of time or during which hours your child is allowed to spend on the app. Then click Done.

   

How to set content filters on Windows 10

Setting content filters will ensure that your child will not see mature content when performing web searches. Windows 10 parental controls allow you to see your child’s search activity and the websites that they have visited. While monitoring your child’s online activity might seem intrusive, it might be needed to make sure they’re not exposed to inappropriate content.

Here’s how to set content filters on Windows 10:

1. On your child’s profile, select Content filters in the left panel.

   

2. Scroll down and toggle on Filter inappropriate websites and searches.

   

You can also create an additional online safety net by turning on Google SafeSearch.

How to block websites on Windows 10

There may be specific sites you don’t want your child to use. If so, you can add them to the list of blocked sites. This will help to keep your child safe online. You can do some research about the safety of Snapchat and other social media apps and decide which ones you are comfortable with your child using.

Here’s how to block websites on Windows 10:

1. On your child’s profile, go to Content filters and find Blocked sites.

2. Enter the URL for the website you want to block.

   

Or, you can block all sites apart from an approved list, by going to Allowed sites and entering the URLs for all the websites you’re okay with your child visiting.

How to control online spending on Windows 10

There are several ways Windows 10 enables you to limit your child’s spending online:

• You can choose not to link a credit card to your child’s account.

• You can link a credit card but require approval for every purchase.

• You can add spending money to your child’s account balance.

If you give your child an account balance, they will be able to spend money as they wish without parental approval for specific purchases. But they will not be able to exceed the account balance.

To choose one of the options above, select Spending. Then, you can set the appropriate payment controls.

How to set up Xbox Live parental controls for Windows 10

Connecting your child’s Xbox Live to your Windows 10 family safety settings will let you limit your child’s gaming time.

Here is a step-by-step list of how to set up Xbox Live parental controls for Windows 10:

1. In your child’s profile overview, click How to connect more devices.

   

2. Next, click Xbox consoles.

   

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up parental controls.

   

The Windows 10 parental controls you have already set up will apply to your child’s Xbox Live parameters as well.

What are the benefits of using parental control settings?

Parental control settings are ideal for keeping your child safe online. You can set time limits to ensure your child isn’t spending too many hours on apps or games, monitor and restrict which websites your child is visiting, and keep track of their online spending.

Windows 10 parental control settings allow you to:

• Filter online searches to block mature content.

• Block inappropriate apps, games, and websites, or create a list of approved websites.

• Limit total screen time.

• Limit the amount of time your child is allowed to spend on a specific app or game.

• Monitor the websites they visit.

• Require parental approval before your child can make an online purchase.

• Receive notifications when your child makes a purchase.

• Set up a Microsoft account balance to limit your child’s online spending.

Keep your children safe online with Avast

Windows 10 parental controls help to keep your child safe online, but there are limitations. Avast One protects your child by fighting scams, blocking viruses and malware, and protecting against suspicious websites. Download Avast One today to get comprehensive protection for you and your family.

Control and monitor your child’s computer usage with parental controls

What to Know

• For Windows 10, Start > Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users > Add a Family
  Member > Add a Child > enter email > Close.
• For Windows 8, Windows key + C > Change PC Settings > Accounts > Other Accounts > Add An Account.
• For Windows 7, Start > enter Parental Controls in search > select child account > Enforce Current Settings > configure settings > Close.

This article explains how to enable, change, or disable parental controls in Windows. Instructions in this article apply to Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

How to Set up Parental Controls in Windows 11

Enable Windows 10 Parental Controls

To use the most recent Windows Parental Controls and Microsoft Family Safety features, both you and your child need a Microsoft Account (not a local one). Although you can get a Microsoft account for your child before you configure available parental controls in Windows 10, it’s simpler and more straightforward get the account during the configuration process. Whatever you decide, follow these steps to get started.

Parental Controls, as outlined here, are only applied when the child logs in to a Windows device using their own Microsoft Account. These settings will not prevent what they do on their friends’ computers, school computers, or their Apple or Android devices, or when they access a computer under someone else’s account (even your account).

1. Select Start and choose Settings to launch the Windows Settings app.

2. Select Accounts.

3. In the left pane, select Family & Other Users.

4. Select Add a Family Member if your child does not have a separate account on your device. This step launches a Microsoft Account wizard.

5. Select Add a Child the either enter your child’s email address or select The Person I Want To Add Doesn’t Have An Email Address.

   Complete each page of the wizard. The wizard offers different questions if the child does or doesn’t already have an email address.

6. Read the information offered (what you see here depends on what you selected in Step 5), and choose Close.

If you obtained a Microsoft Account for your child during the process above, you’ll notice that the child has been added to your list of family members in Windows Settings and that the status is Child. Parental controls are already enabled using the most common settings, and the account is ready to use. Have the child log on to their account while connected to the internet to complete the process.

If you input an existing Microsoft Account during the process, you’ll be prompted to log on to that account and follow the directions in the invitation email. In this case, the status for the account will say Child, Pending. The child will need to log on while connected to the internet to complete the setup process. You might also need to apply family safety settings manually, but this depends on several factors.

Find, Change, Enable, or Disable Parental Controls (Windows 10)

There’s a fair chance that the default Windows Family Safety controls are already turned on for your child’s account, but it’s good practice to verify if they meet your needs. To review the setting, configure, change, enable, or disable them, or to enable reporting for a Microsoft Account:

1. Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Family & Other People, and then choose Manage Family Settings Online.

   Alternatively, type family into the search box next to Start. Select Family Options and then choose View Family Settings.

2. Log in if prompted, and then locate the child account from the list of accounts included with your family. Select Screen Time below your child’s name to open the Screen Time tab.

3. Make changes to the default Screen Time Settings using the drop-down lists and daily timelines.

4. Select More Options under your child’s name and choose Content Restrictions.

5. Activate Block Inappropriate Apps And Games and Block Inappropriate Websites. Add any apps or websites you wish to block or allow and select an appropriate age rating.

6. Select the Activity tab and expand Manage. Select Turn On Activity Reporting and Email weekly reports to me to get weekly reports of your child’s activities while online.

   To block inappropriate websites and receive web browsing activity reports, your child must use Edge. You can block other browsers.

7. Continue to explore other settings as desired.

Windows 8 and 8.1 Parental Controls

To enable Parental Controls in Windows 8 and 8.1, you first need to create an account for your child. You do this in PC Settings. Then, from Control Panel, you configure the desired settings for that child account.

1. From the keyboard, hold down the Windows key and press C.

2. Select Change PC Settings.

3. Select Accounts, choose Other Accounts and then select Add An Account.

4. Select Add A Child’s Account.

5. Follow the prompts to complete the process, opting to create a Microsoft Account over a local account if possible.

To configure Parental Controls:

1. Open Control Panel. You can search for it from the Start screen or from the Desktop.

2. Select User Accounts And Family Safety, then choose Set Up Parental Controls For Any User.

3. Select the child’s account.

4. Under Parental Controls, choose Enforce Current Settings.

5. Under Activity Reporting, choose Collect Information About PC Usage.

6. Select the links provided for the following options and configure as desired:

   • Web Filtering to block certain websites and prevent downloads
   • Time Limits to choose when and on what days your child can access the PC
   • Windows Store and Game Restrictions to set age, title, and rating limits on the apps your child can use
   • App Restrictions to set the apps that your child can use

7. You’ll receive an email that includes information about the Microsoft Family Safety login page and what’s available there. If you use a Microsoft Account for your child you’ll be able to view activity reports and make changes online, from any computer.

Windows 7 Parental Controls

Configure Parental Controls in Windows 7 from Control Panel, in a similar manner to what’s outlined above for Windows 8 and 8.1. You’ll need to create a child account for the child in Control Panel > User Accounts > Give Other Users Access To This Computer. Work through the process as prompted.

With that done:

1. Select the Start button and type Parental Controls in the search window.

2. Select Parental Controls in the results.

3. Select the child account.

4.  If prompted, create passwords for any Administrator accounts.

5. Under Parental Controls, select Enforce Current Settings.

6. Select the following links and configure settings as applicable and then choose Close: Time Limits, Games, and Allow And Block Specific Programs.

FAQ

• Does FamiSafe work on Windows?

  Yes. FamiSafe parental control software is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire tablets.

• How do I set up internet parental controls?

Thanks for letting us know!

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