> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://devicedaddy.mymagic.page/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to set up Microsoft Family Safety on Windows: screen time, web filters, apps and spending - URL: https://devicedaddy.mymagic.page/windows-family-safety/ - Published: 2026-10-05T12:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-05T12:00:00.000Z - Description: Set up Microsoft Family Safety on a Windows PC: family group, screen time, Edge web filters, app age limits, spending approval and activity reports. - Author: Philip Nixon - Tags: Guides, Windows, #Import 2026-11-09 16:05 # How to set up Microsoft Family Safety on Windows: screen time, web filters, apps and spending > **✅ Verified:** Last checked on **Monday 5 October 2026** against Microsoft's official help pages: *Set up Microsoft Family Safety*, *Add people to your family group*, *How to connect a device to a Microsoft account*, *Set screen time limits across devices*, *Set app and game limits*, *Filter websites and searches using Microsoft Family Safety*, *Filter apps and games with Microsoft Family Safety*, *Spending limits in Family Safety* and *Add money to your family member's Microsoft account* (support.microsoft.com), plus Microsoft's Windows Experience Blog post *Listening to families. Improving Microsoft Family.* (8 September 2026), a Microsoft Q&A support answer on the retired location features, and the UK charity Internet Matters' Microsoft Family Safety guide. Covers **Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs and laptops**, managed from **account.microsoft.com/family** or the **Microsoft Family Safety app** (iPhone and Android). > > *Note: we checked these steps against Microsoft's current written instructions. We haven't tested them on a PC for this edition, so menu names may be a little different after Windows updates.* **⏱ Time to complete:** about 20–30 minutes **🔧 Difficulty:** **Easy to Medium.** The settings themselves are simple. The fiddly part is making sure your child signs in to the PC with **their own child Microsoft account**, as a **standard user** (not an administrator). --- ## The short version (for very busy parents) 1. Go to **account.microsoft.com/family**, sign in with **your** Microsoft account, and **add your child** as a **Member** (or create a new child account with their real date of birth). 2. On the PC, open **Settings → Accounts → Family** and **Allow** your child to sign in. Make sure their account is a **standard user**. 3. Set **screen time** on the **Windows** tab: hours per day and the times they're allowed on. 4. Turn on **Filter inappropriate websites and searches** (for Microsoft Edge) and set an **age limit for apps and games**. 5. Turn on purchase approval under **Manage spending** (or give a small top-up instead of a card), then **test it** from your child's account. --- ## What you'll need - **Your own Microsoft account** (an Outlook, Hotmail, Xbox or Microsoft 365 login works). You'll be the **family organiser**, which is Microsoft's word for the adult in charge. - **A Microsoft account for your child**, or 5 minutes to make one. Use their **real date of birth**. If they're under the age of digital consent (13 in the UK), Microsoft will ask an adult to give consent. - **The Windows PC or laptop** your child uses, switched on and connected to the internet. - **The admin (adult) login for that PC**, so you can add your child and keep their account as a standard user. - **Optional:** the free **Microsoft Family Safety** app on your phone, for approving requests on the go. - **20–30 minutes**, ideally while your child isn't mid-homework or mid-game. --- ## Step-by-step ### Step 1: Create your family group and add your child A **family group** is simply the list of people Microsoft links together, so you can manage your child's settings from your own account. 1. In a browser, go to **account.microsoft.com/family** and sign in with **your** Microsoft account. 2. Select **Add a family member**. 3. Choose the role **Member** (Microsoft says this is usually the best option for a child). **Organizer** is for adults. 4. Enter your child's **email address or phone number**, then select **Next**. If they don't have an account yet, follow the prompts to create one, using their real date of birth. 5. Your child gets an **email invite**. They sign in and accept it. If they're under the statutory age (13 in the UK), they'll be asked to **request adult consent**, which comes back to you to approve. \[Screenshot: account.microsoft.com/family with the "Add a family member" button highlighted\] > **Tip:** You can see whether the invite has been accepted at the bottom of the family page. It shows as **Pending member** until they join. To cancel it, select **More**, then **Cancel invite**. > **Already in another family group?** A Microsoft account can only be in one family group at a time. If your child's account is already in a group (for example, set up by another parent), they'll need to leave or be removed first. --- ### Step 2: Let your child sign in to the PC (as a standard user) This is the step most parents miss. Family Safety only works on devices that are **connected** to your family group, and it only works properly when your child's account is **not an administrator**. 1. On the PC, sign in with **your** adult account. 2. Open **Settings** (press the **Windows key + I**). 3. Select **Accounts**, then **Family**. *(Microsoft's help page calls this section *Family & other people*; on some versions of Windows it's labelled *Family & other users*. Choose whichever you see.)* 4. Under **Your family**, select your child, then select **Allow**. 5. Ask your child to **sign in** on the PC with their own Microsoft account. Once they've signed in, the PC will appear under their **connected devices** in Family Safety. 6. Back in **Settings → Accounts**, check your child's account type says **Standard user**. If it says **Administrator**, change it. \[Screenshot: Windows 11 Settings → Accounts → Family, with the child's account and the Allow button\] > **Why "standard user" matters:** an administrator can change system settings and, in some cases, undo your controls. Microsoft warns that family features "may not work properly" if the child's account is set as an administrator. --- ### Step 3: Set screen time limits for Windows 1. Go to **account.microsoft.com/family** and select **your child's tile**. 2. Select the **Windows** tab. (There are also **Xbox** and **Mobile** tabs. Mobile only applies to Android phones.) 3. If you don't see any limits yet, select **Turn limits on**. 4. Select a **day** to set the **time range** they can use the PC (for example 4pm–7pm) and the **total hours** allowed. 5. Use the tick boxes to copy the same schedule to **other days** or **Every day**. 6. Select **Finished**. \[Screenshot: Family Safety Windows screen time schedule, with a weekday selected\] > **Tip:** If your child also has an Xbox on the same account, you can set limits on each device separately. Remind them to **sign out** of the Xbox when they're not using it. Microsoft says screen time keeps counting while they're signed in. **When time runs out**, your child can send a request for more time. You'll get it by email or in the Family Safety app, and you can approve or decline. Microsoft says (September 2026) that approvals for screen time extensions, app access and purchases now arrive faster than before. --- ### Step 4: Set app and game limits (optional but useful) Use this if one particular game or app is the problem, rather than the whole PC. 1. At **account.microsoft.com/family** (or **family.microsoft.com**), select your child. 2. Choose the **Windows** platform, then the **Apps and games** tab. 3. Turn on the **App and game limits** toggle. 4. Select the **app or game** you want to limit. It needs to have been used on the PC at least once to appear. 5. Set **how long** they can use it each day and **when** they're allowed to. \[Screenshot: App and game limits with a single game selected and a 1-hour daily limit\] > **Heads-up:** time limits don't work on websites. If a game can also be played in a browser, open that app's settings and use **Block related websites** to tick the matching site. > **Seeing the same app twice?** That usually means it's installed on more than one device. Set a limit on each listing. --- ### Step 5: Turn on web and search filters (Microsoft Edge) Microsoft's web filter only works in **Microsoft Edge**, with your child **signed in to Edge** with their Microsoft account. 1. Sign in at **account.microsoft.com**, then select **Family Safety** from the menu on the left. 2. Find your child, select the three dots (**More options**), then **Go to overview**. 3. Select **Edge** as the platform. 4. Turn on **Filter inappropriate websites and searches**. This blocks adult websites and switches on filtered results in **Bing**. 5. Add any sites you want to block under **Blocked sites**, or always allow under **Allowed sites**. 6. For younger children, consider turning on **Only use allowed websites**, so they can only visit sites you've added. **Always allow educational websites** is also available. \[Screenshot: Family Safety Edge content filters with "Filter inappropriate websites and searches" switched on\] > **What about Chrome or Firefox?** When the filter is on, Microsoft says other browsers are **blocked** on the PC, so the filter can't be dodged. If you unblock Chrome in **App and game filters**, it won't be filtered by Microsoft. Your broadband filter (see our BT/EE guide) can help cover that gap. --- ### Step 6: Set an age limit for apps and games 1. In Family Safety, select your child and open **Content filters**. 2. Find the **Apps and games** section and set the **age limit** (for example, "ages 12"). Apps and games rated above that age need your approval. 3. Review any **always allowed** or **always blocked** apps listed here. \[Screenshot: Content filters → Apps and games age limit\] Microsoft says app and game filters only work on **Windows and Xbox**. In the UK, games show **PEGI** age ratings (3, 7, 12, 16, 18). PEGI is the official European age rating for games. > **Not sure of the exact label?** Microsoft's help page explains the age-limit feature but doesn't list every on-screen word. If your screen looks slightly different, look for the age setting under **Content filters → Apps and games**. --- ### Step 7: Control spending You have two choices. You can use either or both. **Option A: Give them a top-up, not a card (simplest)** 1. At **family.microsoft.com**, find your child and select **Add money** (or **Manage spending**, then **Add Money**, if they already have some credit). 2. Choose an amount and select **Next**. 3. Pick your payment method and select **Buy**. 4. Under **Manage spending**, turn on **Get notified about every purchase**. Their account **can't go overdrawn**. Microsoft says they'll still need your approval for anything above their age limit, or when they run out of money. The UK charity Internet Matters notes that money added this way can't be withdrawn again, so keep top-ups small. **Option B: A card on their account, with approval for every purchase** 1. Sign in **as your child** and add the card to their Microsoft account. Then sign out. 2. Sign in to Family Safety as **you**, select your child, then **Manage spending**. 3. Turn on **Require approval for every purchase**. \[Screenshot: Manage spending with "Require approval for every purchase" and "Get notified about every purchase" switched on\] > **Tip:** Microsoft (September 2026) says wallet balances now show correctly after a top-up. Earlier in the year, some parents saw an out-of-date balance. --- ### Step 8: Turn on activity reports 1. In Family Safety, select your child and make sure **Activity reporting** is **on**. 2. Choose to get the **weekly email** summary. You'll see which apps and games they used, how long for, and (in Edge) the websites and Bing searches. Microsoft says (September 2026) activity reports now cover **all apps** used on a child's PC, after some parents found apps missing. \[Screenshot: Family Safety activity report for a Windows PC\] > **Talk about it:** activity reports work best as a weekly chat ("What were you building in that game?") rather than a telling-off. Children are more likely to come to you when something goes wrong if they don't feel watched. --- ### Step 9: Test it (5 minutes) 1. Sign in on the PC as **your child**. 2. In Edge, try visiting a site you've blocked. You should see a block page. 3. Try opening **Chrome** (if installed). It should be blocked, or ask for permission. 4. Try a Microsoft Store purchase. You should get a request. 5. Set a 5-minute screen time limit for today, wait, and check the PC locks. Then put the real limit back. --- ## DeviceDaddy starting points | Setting | What it does | DeviceDaddy starting point | | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Screen time (Windows) | Sets daily hours and allowed times on the PC | Ages 7–11: 1–2 hours on school days, finishing an hour before bed. Ages 12–15: agree it together | | App and game limits | Limits a single app or game | Use for the one game that causes arguments, not everything | | Filter inappropriate websites and searches | Blocks adult sites in Edge; filters Bing | **On** for all under-18s | | Only use allowed websites | Edge can only open sites you've approved | **On** for under-8s; **Off** for older children | | Apps and games age limit | Needs approval for anything rated above this age | Match your child's age (PEGI) | | Require approval for every purchase | You approve every buy on their card | **On** if a card is on their account | | Top-up (Add money) | Fixed pocket money they can't overspend | The smallest amount offered (Internet Matters lists £10, £15, £25 or £50) | | Activity reporting + weekly email | Shows apps, games, time used and Edge browsing | **On** | | Account type on the PC | What they can change on Windows | **Standard user** | --- ## ⚠️ Watch out - **Wrong account = no controls.** If your child uses your login, a sibling's account or a local "offline" account, none of this applies. - **Administrator accounts** can weaken or undo the settings. Keep your child as a **standard user**. - **Web filters are Edge-only.** Other browsers are blocked by default when filtering is on. If you unblock one, it won't be filtered. - **Location features have gone.** Microsoft's support team confirms location sharing, location alerts and driving safety were removed from the Family Safety app on 29 November 2024\. If you need location sharing, look at your phone's own tools instead. - **Games and chat apps have their own settings.** Family Safety doesn't control who your child talks to in Discord, Roblox, Minecraft or Fortnite. Set those up too. - **School laptops** may be managed by the school. Family Safety might not be allowed on them. Ask the school. - **Worried about contact from someone?** Report it in the app or game, and contact **CEOP** (ceop.police.uk) if a child is at risk. --- ## Keep it working (monthly checks) - **Check connected devices.** In Family Safety, make sure the PC still shows under your child's devices. A Windows reset or new laptop means doing Step 2 again. - **Check their account type** is still **Standard user**. - **Read the weekly activity email.** Look for new apps, browsers or games you don't recognise. - **Review screen time** for term time vs holidays. Adjust rather than switching it off. - **Check the age limit** around birthdays. - **Look at spending and balances** under **Manage spending**. - **After big Windows updates**, do the 5-minute test in Step 9 again. --- ## Related guides - Xbox Family Settings \[link to add\] - Minecraft family multiplayer \[link to add\] - BT / EE broadband parental controls \[link to add\] - Discord parental controls and Family Centre \[link to add\] - Android Family Link \[link to add\] --- ## Spotted a change? Tell us Windows and Family Safety menus change. If something doesn't match, **\[report a change: add DeviceDaddy contact form or email link here\]**. Tell us your Windows version, whether you used the website or the app, and what's different. The ✅ stamp shows when we last checked. --- ### Sources (checked 5 October 2026) - Microsoft Support: Set up Microsoft Family Safety — [https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/account-billing/getting-started-with-microsoft-family-safety-b6280c9d-38d7-82ff-0e4f-a6cb7e659344](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/account-billing/getting-started-with-microsoft-family-safety-b6280c9d-38d7-82ff-0e4f-a6cb7e659344?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) - Microsoft Support: Add people to your family group — [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/family-safety/add-people-to-your-family-group](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/family-safety/add-people-to-your-family-group?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) - Microsoft Support: How to connect a device to a Microsoft account — [https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/family-safety/how-to-connect-a-device-to-a-microsoft-account](https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/family-safety/how-to-connect-a-device-to-a-microsoft-account?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) - Microsoft Support: Set screen time limits across devices — [https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/family-safety/set-screen-time-limits-across-devices](https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/family-safety/set-screen-time-limits-across-devices?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) - Microsoft Support: Set app and game limits — [https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/family-safety/set-app-and-game-limits](https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/family-safety/set-app-and-game-limits?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) - Microsoft Support: Filter websites and searches using Microsoft Family Safety — [https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/family-safety/filter-websites-and-searches-using-microsoft-family-safety](https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/family-safety/filter-websites-and-searches-using-microsoft-family-safety?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) - Microsoft Support: Filter apps and games with Microsoft Family Safety — [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/family-safety/filter-apps-and-games-with-microsoft-edge](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/family-safety/filter-apps-and-games-with-microsoft-edge?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) - Microsoft Support: Spending limits in Family Safety — [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/Family-Safety/spending-limits-in-family-safety](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/Family-Safety/spending-limits-in-family-safety?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) - Microsoft Support: Add money to your family member's Microsoft account — [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/family-safety/add-money-to-your-family-member-s-microsoft-account](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/family-safety/add-money-to-your-family-member-s-microsoft-account?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) - Microsoft Q&A (Microsoft Community Support): location and drive safety removed 29 November 2024 — [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5408861/family-safety-stopped-working-for-location-service](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5408861/family-safety-stopped-working-for-location-service?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) - Internet Matters: Microsoft Family Safety how-to guide (UK charity, for the top-up note) — [https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/smartphones-and-other-devices/microsoft-family-safety/](https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/smartphones-and-other-devices/microsoft-family-safety/?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) - Windows Experience Blog: Listening to families. Improving Microsoft Family. (8 September 2026) — [https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2026/09/08/listening-to-families-improving-microsoft-family/](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2026/09/08/listening-to-families-improving-microsoft-family/?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page)