How to Set Up Parental Controls and Web Restrictions on Windows: Step-by-Step

The internet is an incredible tool for learning and entertainment—but for children, it can also pose risks. From inappropriate content to excessive screen time, it's essential to protect your kids while still giving them access to the digital world. Thankfully, Windows offers built-in parental control features that make it easy for parents to monitor, limit, and restrict access.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to set up parental controls and web restrictions on Windows, step by step.

Step 1: Create a Child Account on Windows

To begin, you need a Microsoft account for your child.

How to Create a Child Account:

Open Settings on your Windows computer.
Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
Click Add a family member.
Choose Add a child and enter their Microsoft email. If they don't have one, click Create one for a child.
Follow the prompts to finish the setup.

✅ Tip: Make sure your child's account is set as a Standard User—not an Administrator.

Step 2: Sign In to Microsoft Family Safety

Now that your child’s account is added, manage settings using Microsoft Family Safety.

Access Microsoft Family Safety:

Go to family.microsoft.com.
Sign in with your Microsoft account (the parent account).
Select your child’s profile to access control options.

Step 3: Set Screen Time Limits

Control how long and when your child can use their device.

To Set Screen Time:

On your child’s profile, go to the Screen time tab.
Choose the device (e.g., Windows 10 PC).
Set limits for each day of the week or use the same schedule for all.
You can also set specific hours (e.g., 4 PM to 8 PM).

📌 Bonus: You can also schedule breaks and restrict nighttime access.

Step 4: Set App and Game Limits

You can block specific apps or limit time spent on them.

To Limit Apps/Games:

Go to Content filters > Apps and games.
Set an age restriction (e.g., only apps rated for ages 10+).
View installed apps and manually allow/block or set daily usage limits.

Step 5: Enable Web Filtering and Safe Browsing

Block adult content and restrict access to certain websites.

To Set Web Restrictions:

Go to Content filters > Web and search.
Toggle “Filter inappropriate websites and searches” to ON.
Add specific websites to the Always allow or Always block list.
Optionally, block all websites except those you allow.

🌐 These settings work best in Microsoft Edge. If your child uses Chrome or Firefox, consider switching browsers or using third-party software.

Step 6: Turn On Activity Reporting

Get weekly reports of your child’s device usage, browsing history, and more.

To Enable Activity Reporting:

Go to your child’s profile on Microsoft Family Safety.
Turn ON Activity reporting.
Choose to receive weekly emails summarizing their online activity.

Step 7: Use Third-Party Software for Advanced Controls (Optional)

If you need more control or want to monitor other browsers and devices, consider tools like:

Qustodio
Net Nanny
Norton Family
Bark

These offer more advanced content filtering, social media monitoring, and real-time alerts.

Bonus Tips

Use strong passwords for both parent and child accounts.
Regularly review your child’s online activity.
Talk to your kids about online safety and boundaries—tech tools work best with open communication.

Final Thoughts

Setting up parental controls on Windows doesn't require advanced tech skills. With just a few clicks, you can protect your children from harmful content, manage screen time, and encourage healthy digital habits. Whether you're a concerned parent or a tech-savvy guardian, these steps provide a solid foundation for internet safety in your home.

✅ Take action today—set up those controls and give your child a safer, smarter way to explore the digital world.

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Friday, May 30, 2025