Windows PC
Our age is 10, with controls. Caution because of an open platform where web filtering only works in Microsoft Edge.
Checked October 2026.
- Our rating
- Use Caution
- Controls
- Microsoft Family Safety
- Made by
- Various (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, etc.)
- Setup
- 10 stops, about 20 minutes
Do these three first
- Add your child to the PCSettingsAccountsFamilyAdd someoneGive your child their own sign-in on the Windows computer.
- Set screen time limitsFamily SafetyYour childWindowsYour child can ask for more time, and you approve or decline it in the app.
- Turn on web filteringFamily SafetyYour childContent filtersWeb and searchBlock mature websites and filter Bing searches in Microsoft Edge.
About Windows PC
What is a Windows PC?
Windows PCs are the most common computers in homes and schools. They're used for homework, gaming, web browsing, and entertainment. Microsoft Family Safety provides parental controls, though the open nature of computers means they require more oversight than mobile devices.
Pros for Child/Teen Use
Educational Necessity
Often required for schoolwork, especially in higher grades.
Microsoft Family Safety
Free, comprehensive parental controls.
Typing and Productivity Skills
PCs develop important life skills.
Gaming Capability
Can handle school needs and entertainment.
Shared Family Option
Can be a shared family computer with separate accounts.
Cons for Child/Teen Use
Open Platform
Unlike phones, PCs can access almost anything online.
Gaming Addiction Risk
PC gaming can be particularly immersive and addictive.
Installation Risks
Programs can be installed that bypass controls.
Private Use
Easily used in private (bedroom, late night).
Key Safety Features
Comprehensive parental control system.
Screen time limits, app restrictions, web filtering, activity reports, and spending controls. Location sharing was removed on November 29, 2024.
Separate Windows account with restrictions.
Child logs into their own account with parental controls applied.
Age Recommendations
Under 10: Shared family computer only, in common area, with supervision.
Ages 10-12: Own login with strict Family Safety controls, common area location.
Ages 13-15: More independence with continued monitoring, privacy discussions.
Ages 16+: Graduated trust with ongoing accountability.
The complete guide includes:
- Microsoft Family Safety setup
- Web filtering configuration
- Screen time and scheduling
- Gaming controls (Steam, Epic, Xbox)
- Age-specific configurations
Talk about it
- Which games and apps do you want on the computer?Starting from their list makes it easier to agree on what gets installed and why.
- Do you know the filter only works in Microsoft Edge?Being upfront about how the setup works builds trust and explains why other browsers are blocked.
- How should we split computer time between homework and games?A PC is used for both, and agreeing on the split heads off arguments later.
- If a download or pop-up asks you to install something, what will you do?Practices a pause-and-ask habit that protects the computer as well as your child.
The full route: 10 stops, about 20 minutes
- Add your child to your Microsoft family
- Add your child to the PC
- Set screen time limits
- Set app and game limits
- Turn on web filtering
- Keep other browsers blockedoptional
- Check Xbox settings (if they play)optional
- Require approval for purchases
- Turn on activity reporting
- Test the setup
Start the setupFree to follow. With Family, your progress is saved for each child.
The complete Windows PC parent guide, with age-by-age settings, is part of the Family plan.
The full guide
Windows PCs offer solid parental controls through Microsoft Family Safety. Whether for homework or gaming, this guide helps you set up a PC your child can use safely. The steps are for Windows 11; Windows 10 stopped getting regular security updates in October 2025.
Microsoft Family Safety Overview
Microsoft Family Safety provides:
- Screen time limits
- Web and search filtering
- App and game restrictions
- Spending controls
- Activity reports
Location sharing was removed from Family Safety on November 29, 2024.
Family Safety settings apply across Windows PCs, Xbox, and Android devices connected to your family group.
Setting Up Family Safety
Create Microsoft Accounts
Both you and your child need Microsoft accounts.
Go to account.microsoft.com to create accounts if needed.
Add Your Child to Family
Visit family.microsoft.com and sign in.
Select "Add a family member," enter your child's email (or create a new account for them), and choose the "Member" role. Your child accepts the invitation from their email or at account.microsoft.com/family.
Set Up Child's Account on PC
On the Windows PC:
Sign in with your child's Microsoft account. Keep their account a Standard user, not an administrator.
Download Family Safety App (Optional)
Get the Microsoft Family Safety app on your phone for easier management:
- App Store (iPhone)
- Google Play (Android)
Screen Time Controls
Setting Time Limits
At family.microsoft.com or in the Family Safety app:
On the web, choose the Windows tab; if nothing shows, select "Turn limits on." Then pick a day and set:
- Total hours: How long the PC can be used that day
- Time ranges: When the PC can be used
Apply the same settings to other days or to "Every day."
Recommended Limits
| Age | Weekday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| 8-10 | 1-2 hours | 2-3 hours |
| 11-13 | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours |
| 14+ | 3-4 hours | 4-5 hours |
Time Schedule
Block PC use during certain hours:
- School nights: Available 3 PM - 8 PM
- Weekends: Available 8 AM - 9 PM
What Happens at the Limit
- Time counts down whenever your child is signed in, even if the PC sits idle, so remind them to sign out when they're done
- When time is up, they're locked out
- They can ask for more time, and you approve or decline the request
Granting Extra Time
Approve time requests in the Family Safety app or by email. Microsoft said in September 2026 that these approvals now go through faster.
Web Filtering
Enable Web Filtering
Turn on "Filter inappropriate websites and searches" to block mature sites and filter Bing searches. For the strictest setup, also turn on "Only use allowed websites" so your child can only visit sites you've approved. "Always allow educational websites" is a separate option.
Safe Search
- Bing: Filtered automatically by the web filter
- Google: Not covered by Family Safety; turn on SafeSearch in their Google settings if they use it
Web filtering only works in Microsoft Edge. While the filter is on, Family Safety blocks other browsers such as Chrome and Firefox so the filter can't be skipped. If you unblock another browser, sites in that browser aren't filtered.
Other Browsers
Leave other browsers blocked for younger children. You can unblock a specific browser under Content filters → Apps and games if you decide to allow it.
Allowed/Blocked Sites
Customize filtering:
- Allowed sites: Specific educational sites you want to allow
- Blocked sites: Specific sites you want to block
App and Game Restrictions
Age-Based Filtering
Choose the age your child's apps and games are rated for ("Allow apps and games rated for"). In the US, this follows ESRB ratings for games, so setting age 11 allows E10+ games but not Teen or Mature ones. When your child wants something rated higher from the Microsoft Store, you get a request to approve.
Block Specific Apps
Block individual apps already installed:
- Open your child's app and game activity in Family Safety
- Find the app
- Choose "Block app"
App Limits
Set time limits for specific apps:
Turn on "App and game limits," pick an app, then set how long and when it can be used. Examples:
- Minecraft: 60 minutes/day
- Roblox: 45 minutes/day
- Steam: 90 minutes/day
App limits work inside the overall PC limit. If the PC limit is 2 hours and Minecraft's limit is 1 hour, Minecraft stops at 1 hour even if PC time remains. App limits don't apply to websites.
Gaming on PC
Steam
Steam has its own parental controls through Steam Families (which replaced the older PIN-based Family View in 2024):
- On the Steam store, open Account Details → Family Management
- Select Create a Family and add your child's account as a child member
- Set parental controls: choose which games they can play and restrict access to the Store, Community, and chat
- Approve playtime and purchase requests from your own account
Combine with Microsoft Family Safety for comprehensive control.
Epic Games (Fortnite)
Epic Games has parental controls:
- Sign in at epicgames.com or in the Epic Games Launcher
- Open the Parental Controls page (epicgames.com/account/parental-controls)
- Set a six-digit Parental Controls PIN, then choose your restrictions
Xbox App (PC)
If using Xbox Game Pass on PC, Family Safety restrictions apply to Xbox app games.
Game Rating Systems
| Rating | ESRB | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone | E | All ages |
| Everyone 10+ | E10+ | 10+ |
| Teen | T | 13+ |
| Mature | M | 17+ |
| Adults Only | AO | 18+ |
Spending Controls
Microsoft Store Purchases
Options:
- Require approval for every purchase: Every purchase needs your OK
- Notifications: You're told when your child asks to buy something
- Spending activity: Review recent purchases
Your child always needs your approval for anything above their age limit or when their account balance runs out.
Payment Methods
Don't store credit cards on your child's account. Options:
- Add money to their Microsoft account balance (the balance now shows in Family Safety)
- Use gift cards for controlled spending
- Require approval for every purchase
Privacy Settings
Activity Reporting
View:
- Websites visited
- Apps and games used
- Search queries
- Screen time patterns
Turn on "Activity reporting" to see these. Since September 2026, Microsoft says reports cover the full range of apps your child uses on the PC.
Weekly Email Reports
Receive weekly summaries of your child's PC activity.
Local Account Considerations
If your child uses a local Windows account (not Microsoft account), Family Safety won't work. Options:
- Convert to Microsoft account (recommended)
- Use local restrictions (limited)
Converting Local to Microsoft Account
Windows Local Restrictions
If not using Family Safety, basic local controls:
Standard Account
Ensure your child has a "Standard" account, not "Administrator":
Standard accounts can't install software or change system settings.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
Enable SmartScreen to warn about dangerous downloads.
Bypassing Prevention
Multiple Accounts
Prevent creating additional accounts:
- Don't share your admin password
- Disable guest account
BIOS/Boot Device
Tech-savvy teens might try booting from USB. Consider:
- Setting BIOS password
- Disabling USB boot
School vs. Home
Homework Time
Consider allowing more time/access for homework:
- Turn on "Always allow educational websites" in the web filter
- Allow educational sites during study hours
- Consider separate "homework" time allowance
School-Provided Laptops
If your child has a school laptop, it likely has its own restrictions. Focus Family Safety on home devices.
Troubleshooting
Filtering Not Working
- Ensure child is signed into Microsoft account
- Verify using Microsoft Edge browser
- Check family.microsoft.com for settings
- Restart PC
Screen Time Not Tracking
- Confirm signed into Microsoft account
- Check internet connectivity
- Verify Activity reporting is enabled
Child Bypassing Controls
- Check for additional accounts
- Block alternative browsers
- Review installed software
- Consider physical access limits
Age-Based Recommendations
We suggest a Windows PC from 10, with Microsoft Family Safety set up. If a younger child already uses one, these are the settings for their age.
Ages 8-10
- 1-2 hours screen time
- Strict web filtering
- Only approved apps/games
- Block all other browsers
- No admin access
- All purchases require approval
Ages 11-13
- 2-3 hours screen time
- Moderate web filtering
- Age-appropriate games (E10+)
- Edge only, unless you choose to unblock another browser (it won't be filtered)
- Activity reports reviewed weekly
Ages 14-17
- 3-4 hours screen time
- Basic web filtering
- Teen-rated games allowed
- Focus on trust and communication
- Gradual responsibility increase
Quick Setup Checklist
Additional Resources
Your Windows PC is now configured for safe use. The Family Safety app makes ongoing management easy from your phone.