How to set up a kid-friendly Windows 10 device with a child account

You can set up a much safer and controlled computing environment for your children, and in this guide, we’ll show you the steps to complete this task on Windows 10.

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On Windows 10, you canset up multiple accountsto share a laptop or desktop computer with other family members. If you have children, they can also have a personal space in a more controlled environment to ensure they have the safest experience possible while browsing the internet, using apps, and playing games.

It’s all possible using the option to create a child account onWindows 10, which you can then manage in many ways through the “Family” settings in your Microsoft account. These tools allow you to review reports of your children’s online activities or limit the time they spend with their or shared devices. You can also restrict age and screen time for apps and games to ensure they don’t end up loading sites that are not suited for them.

In this Windows 10 guide, we will walk you through the steps to set up a child account and manage its parental control settings.

How to create a child account on Windows 10

To create and set up a child account on Windows 10, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, a standard account with limited access will be created for the child, and the new member will be able to sign in immediately.

Signing in the first time

To complete the setup of a child account, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the next time your kid signs in, the account will appear as the user’s name, and they can sign in directly to the desktop.

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How to manage a child account on Windows 10

Once the account has been set up, you can use the “Family” setting in your Microsoft account online to view activity reports and limit screen time for apps and games. You can enforce ratings for content, apps, and games and add money to allow the young person to make small purchases in the Microsoft Store.

To manage an account for a family member, use these steps:

Alternatively, you can sign into yourMicrosoft accountin your web browser and open theFamilytab.

While in the family dashboard, you can view activity reports and manage various aspects of the account, such as screen time for the entire device and apps and games, block inappropriate websites, and much more.

View recent activities

The activity reports allow you to view the user’s recent web and searches, spendings, apps and games, Xbox online gaming, and screen time of a user.

To enable and view the family member recent activities, use these steps:

Once the option is enabled, you can see the websites they’ve been visiting, the apps and games they have been downloading and playing, and the time they’ve spent on their devices.

Limit screen time

The screen time limit is a feature that lets you specify how much time someone can spend on the computer and a during what periods of the day.

To limit the time a family member spends on the computer, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, your children will only be able to use their devices during the time you specify.

Limit apps and games limits

The Family settings also include settings to enforce screen time limits for apps and games to promote a healthier and safer lifestyle for young members.

To add limits for app and game, use the steps:

Once you complete the steps, the app will only be available during the specified hours. Outside the limits, the user won’t be able to launch the application.

Apply content restrictions

TheContent filterstab includes the settings to set an age limit to restrict inappropriate apps and games. Also, you can enable web filtering to block websites and search results that are known to be not suited for young people. In addition, you can restrict or specify the set of sites your child can access.

Set age restriction

To specify an age restriction, use these steps:

If you want to block an app, you can do this from the “Apps and games limits” tab, selecting the app and clicking theBlock appbutton.

If you want to allow the app, confirm “yes” when they try to launch the app and ask.

Set web filtering

To control which websites a family member can access, use these steps:

It’s worth noting that if you want to use web filtering, inappropriate searches will be more effective using Microsoft Edge andBing as the default search engine.

If you want to restrict your child from using another search engine, which may not have safe search enabled, it is a good idea to add those sites to the blocked list, including Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, and others.

Also, this feature only works with Microsoft Edge. As a result enabling “Web browsing” will block other browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, to help to keep your kids safer when surfing the internet. However, if you want to allow the use of another browser, you can unblock them from theApps and gamessection under “Blocked apps.”

Adding money to the account

TheSpendingtab allows you to add money to your kid’s Microsoft account to buy anything they want without breaking the bank.

This feature works in combination with theContent restrictionssettings to block the products they shouldn’t buy, such as games rated for a much older audience.

Ask to buy

To configure approval requests for buy stuff from the Microsoft Store, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, they will require authorization to purchase apps, games, and entertainment in the Microsoft Store without adding funds.

Adding funds

To add money they can spend in the Microsoft Store without permission, use these steps:

This process is not refundable. If you are unsure how it will work, start with a small amount, or use the “Ask to buy” option. In addition to adding money, you can also view your child’s purchase history at the bottom of the family settings pane.

How to fix common child account problems on Windows 10

The settings should apply immediately after setting up a child account on Windows 10 and configuring the parental controls. However, sometimes, you may come across some problems getting screen time and family activities working correctly.

To avoid or to get around common problems, make use to remember these tips:

As soon as the child account has been created, you want to verify the account on Windows 10 onSettings>Accounts>Your info. Click theVerifylink and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If the settings are not working, connect the device to the internet, and restart the computer to update the system settings.

Sometimes, problems can also occur as a result of missing updates. If this is the case, make sure to check for new updates manually onSettings>Update & Security>Windows Update, and click theCheck for updatesbutton.

We’re focusing this guide on Windows 10, but using the Microsoft family settings, you can also manage other compatible devices, such as Xbox One and Android phones, including additional features like “Find your Child,” and more.

More Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.