Windows already allows you to create Different types of accounts and their use on your computerK. But if you're creating an account for your child, you want to ensure they have the best possible computing experience. This is where setting up parental controls on Windows 11 can help. Here are the best parental control settings to use on Windows 11.
Parental controls help you limit your child's screen time and spending time online, and protect them from inappropriate content while browsing the web. In this article, we've compiled some of the best parental control settings you should know about in Windows 11. So, let's get started.
How to set up parental controls on Windows 11
First, let's start with how to set up parental controls for a child on a PC. To do this, you need to sign in with a Microsoft account on your PC. From there, here's how to set up your child's account on Windows 11.
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to launch the Settings app and use the left pane to navigate to the Accounts tab. Then, go to Family & other users.
Step 2: Click Add Account next to “Add Family Member.”
Step 3: If your child already has a Microsoft account, you can use that. Or, click "Create an account for your child" and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new account.
Once you create an account for your child, it will be linked to your Microsoft account. From there, you're all set to manage it. Here are some of the best parental control settings you can use on Windows 11.
1. Set Screen Time
Setting up Screen Time lets you control how much time your child can spend on the computer and during what hours of the day. Here's how to set it up.
Step 1: Open the Settings app, go to the Accounts tab and go to Family & other users.
Step 2: Now click "Manage family settings online or remove an account." This will open a browser tab where you'll be taken to the Microsoft Family Safety section.
Alternatively, you can also sign in to your Microsoft account directly and go to Family Safety settings.
Step 3: Switch to the Screen Time tab on your left. Then, turn on the "Use one schedule across all devices" option under "Devices."
Step 5: Now, use the slider to specify the number of hours they can spend using the computer on that particular day. Additionally, you can set a schedule to determine the period during which they can use it.
Finally, click Done.
2. Restrict the use of apps and games
In addition to setting screen time limits, you can further control which apps and games your child can access during screen time. Here's how.
Step 1: Open Family Safety settings online and go to your child's account.
Step 2: Go to the Screen Time tab on the left. Now go to the Apps & Games tab and toggle the App & Game Limits option.
Step 3: Select an app or game from the list and click the Set Limit button. Alternatively, you can also click the Block app button to revoke access to a specific app or game.
Step 4: Now, set a time limit for the app or game and outline a schedule for when your child can use it. Finally, click Done.
3. Content filters
Whether your child is playing games or browsing the internet, it's important to filter out any inappropriate content. Setting up a content filter allows you to set age restrictions so Windows 11 can keep your child away from such content. Here's how.
Step 1: Open Family Safety settings online and go to your child's account.
Step 2: Switch to the Content Filters tab and scroll down to Filter Settings. Here, toggle the switch for "Filter inappropriate websites and searches."
You can also enable “Use only allowed websites” to restrict your child's access to allowed websites.
Like websites, you should also consider setting age restrictions for your child to filter out inappropriate apps, games, and media. To do this, switch to the "Apps & Games" tab and use the drop-down menu to set an age restriction.
4. Monitor spending
With parental controls, you can set up money or add a credit card for your child to give them the freedom to make independent purchases while putting some restrictions in place to prevent them from making any shameful purchases.
In the Spending tab, you can set up approvals for any purchases and enable pending notifications to stay up to date on any purchase.
For a better tomorrow
So, these were some of the best parental control settings on Windows 11. You can use them to protect your child from inappropriate activities and possibly create a safer computing environment for them.
