How to Set Up Parental Controls on Windows with Microsoft Family Safety

Microsoft Family Safety is a free service from Microsoft that lets you set up parental controls on Windows computers and Xbox consoles. If you have grandchildren or children using a Windows PC, Family Safety lets you limit how long they use the computer, block inappropriate websites, require Microsoft Store app approvals, and set spending limits.

The system works through Microsoft accounts. You need a Microsoft account (like an Outlook or Hotmail address), and the child needs to use their own Microsoft account on the computer — not yours. Once you add them to your Family group, you become the organizer and can manage their settings from anywhere via the Family Safety app on your phone.

Here's a quick summary of what Family Safety can control: - **Screen time limits** — Set daily or weekly time limits and quiet hours (like no games after 8 PM) - **Website and search filters** — Block adult content automatically, or manually allow/block specific sites - **App and game filters** — Allow only age-appropriate apps and games based on content ratings - **Spending limits** — Require your approval before the child can buy anything in the Microsoft Store - **Activity reporting** — See a weekly summary of how long they spent on the PC and what sites they visited - **Location sharing** — See your child's location if they also use the Family Safety app on a smartphone

Setup takes about 20 minutes and everything is managed online at account.microsoft.com/family or through the free Microsoft Family Safety app.