Windows 10 Parental Controls – How to Turn Them On and Set Them Up?

Does your child want to use your computer, but you're worried they'll visit inappropriate websites? Or maybe you don’t want your child to lose track of time and spend too many hours in front of the screen? If you have a device running Windows 10, you can enable PC parental controls. This solution allows you to create a safe environment for your children to use the computer. Learn more.

Windows 10 Parental Controls – What Are They?

In Windows 10, parental controls are available through the "Family" feature. This practical solution allows parents and guardians to decide on:

• the amount of time spent in front of the screen,
• the times when children can use the device,
• websites that children are not allowed to visit, 
• websites that young children can visit.

In addition, thanks to parental controls on a computer running Microsoft Windows 10, parents can determine whether their child can use the computer longer than planned. At the same time, the child cannot approve the request on their own—the parent must do so personally through their Microsoft account. As a result, the parent can, for example, unlock the computer even if they are not nearby. 

What’s more, a parent or guardian can add funds to a Microsoft account to purchase games and other software on Windows and in the Xbox Store. This eliminates the need to add a credit card. Additionally, if a child enables the “share location” feature on their phone, for example, family members will be able to find them through the Microsoft system.

Windows 10 Home OEM – a modern operating system for devices in your home

Parental controls on a computer – how do I enable them?

Enabling parental controls on your computer is easy. First, create a Microsoft account. You can do this on microsoft.com. In the form, you’ll need to provide your date of birth, first name, and last name, among other details. To activate your account, log in to your email and confirm by clicking the link sent in the email. 

Next, click "Start" or press the Win key. Go to Settings and sign in to your Microsoft account on your computer. This will link the device to your profile. The next step is verification. The system needs to confirm your identity. You can do this in three ways:

• approving the request in the Microsoft Authenticator app,

• using the verification code from the mobile app,
• using a PIN sent to a phone number or email address.

Once you've done that, go to the "Accounts" tab and look under "Account Settings" for a list of various features. Select the "Family" tab, and then:

• click the "Add family member" or "Add person" button;
• A window titled "Microsoft Account" will open. There you'll see a field where you should enter the email address of the person you want to add. If the child doesn't have their own account, create one;
• Select the role you want to assign to the new person. If you're adding a child, select the "member" option;
• The system will send an invitation to the provided email address. The child must accept it after logging into their account;
• After accepting the invitation, the system will ask you to sign in to your Microsoft account again. Please do so;
• The account.microsoft.com/family page will appear in your browser. Use this page to complete the setup of your child's access to the computer;
• Select the "Activity" tab and set the amount of time your child can spend using a computer or other devices, such as an Xbox;
• Go to the "Schedule" tab and decide on which days your child can use the devices. Keep in mind that the limits you set may vary depending on the day you select. This allows you to adjust the time spent online, for example, to fit your child's schedule. Additionally, in this tab, you can set limits on specific apps or websites;
• Select the "Apps, Games, and Media" tab and specify which apps, websites, or programs are allowed and which are completely blocked;
• Add funds to your Microsoft account. Your child will be able to buy the games or apps they want without having to use a credit card. This means there’s no risk of your child spending all the money!

Windows 10 Parental Controls is a great tool that helps foster healthy computer usage habits. It’s perfect if your child frequently uses the computer when, for example, you’re not home. Thanks to the "Family" feature, there’s no risk that your child will spend too much time in front of the screen, which could negatively impact their health. 

Are you interested in parental controls in Windows 11? This operating system also includes a "Family" feature. You can enable it in exactly the same way as described above. 

Windows 10 Parental Controls Without a Microsoft Account – How Do I Set It Up?

Are you wondering if you can enable parental controls without having to create a Microsoft account? It is possible. There are many programs on the market that help limit the amount of time children spend online. These include, for example:

• Qustodio – with this program, you can set a schedule specifying the times and days your child can use the computer. This way, you don’t have to worry that your child will spend too much time in front of the screen. What’s more, Qustodio has two valuable features. One of them is the “Block Browsing” option, which disables the internet but not the device. As a result, they can still use office tools, for example, while doing homework. At the same time, the child isn’t distracted and doesn’t visit websites. The second important feature is “block device.” This option completely shuts down the computer at a specified time. This prevents the child from using the device during bedtime.
• Mobicip is a program that does more than just monitor screen time. You can use it to apply filters and block various websites, games, and apps. This ensures your child won’t come across content that isn’t age-appropriate. It’s worth noting, however, that the full version of Mobicip is a paid service. You can, however, try the program for free for 7 days. 

Keep in mind that these are just a few examples of systems for managing your screen time. You’ll find many more online. It’s worth trying them out to find the best option for you.

How do I remove parental controls from my computer?

Has your child reached adulthood and you want to remove parental controls from their device? It’s easy. To do so:

• press the Win key or click the "Start" button,
• type "Task Manager" into the search bar and open the tool as an administrator,
• click the "Services" tab,
• Find the entry "WpcMonSvc" in the list, which is described as "Parental Controls",
• right-click on it and select "Stop" from the list,
• Go to the "Processes" tab,
• Search for the "Microsoft Family Features" program and right-click it,
• Select "End Task" from the list.

Once you've completed the tasks above, you'll have full access to all pages with no time limits.

Parental controls are a tool that can help foster healthy computer usage habits. With this solution, you don’t have to worry that your child is spending too much time in front of a screen. However, it’s worth remembering that they can also be useful for adults. Setting limits on internet use can help combat internet addiction. Keep that in mind!