Does your child want to use your computer, but you are worried that he will go to inappropriate sites? Or maybe you don't want your kid to lose track of time and spend too many hours in front of the screen? If you have a Windows 10 device, you can enable PC parental controls. It's a solution that allows you to create a safe environment for your little ones to use the computer. Learn more.
Windows 10 parental controls - what are they?
In Windows 10 parental controls comes in the form of the "Family" feature. This is a practical solution that gives caregivers the ability to decide:
- The amount of time spent in front of the monitor,
- The hours when the kids can use the device,
- Pages that children are not allowed to enter,
- Web sites that toddlers can visit.
In addition, thanks to parental controls for the computer with Microsoft Windows 10 the parent has a say in whether the child can use the computer longer than planned. At the same time, the kid can't approve the request himself - the parent has to do it personally through his Microsoft account. As a result, she can, for example, unlock the computer even if she is not near it.
What's more, a caregiver can transfer money to a Microsoft account to purchase games and other programs on Windows and in the Xbox store. This way there is no need to add a credit card. In addition, if a child turns on the "location sharing" option on his or her phone, for example, family members will be able to find him or her through Microsoft.
Windows 10 Home OEM - A modern operating system for the devices in your home
Parental control on the computer - how to enable it?
Enabling parental protection on your computer is not difficult. To start, create a Microsoft account. You will do this via microsoft.com. In the form, you will need to provide, among other things, your date of birth, as well as your first and last name. To activate the account, log into your email and confirm by clicking on the link sent in the email.
Then click "Start" or press the Win key. Go into settings and log into your Microsoft account on your computer. This will connect your device to your profile. The next step is verification. The system must confirm your identity. You will do this in three ways:
- validation of the request in the Microsoft Authenticator application,
- Using a verification code from the mobile app,
- application of a pin sent to a phone number or email address.
Once this is done, under the "Accounts" tab you will find a list with various functions under "Account Settings." Select the "Family" tab, and then:
- Click the "Add family member" or "Add person" button;
- A window with the title "Microsoft account" will open. There you will find a bar into which you should enter the e-mail address of the person you want to add. If your child does not have his own account, create one;
- Select the role to be assigned to the new person. If you are adding a comforter, select the "member" option;
- The system will send an invitation to the email address provided. The child must accept it after logging in to their account;
- After accepting the invitation, the system will ask you to log back into your Microsoft account. Do it;
- your browser will display account.microsoft.com/family. Through it, further configure your child's access to the computer;
- Select the "Activity" tab and set the amount of time your kid can spend using the computer or other devices, such as an Xbox console;
- Go to the "Schedule" tab and decide on which days your toddler can use the devices. Keep in mind that the allocated limits may vary depending on the selected day. This allows you to adjust the time spent online, for example, according to your kid's responsibilities. In addition, in this tab you can impose limits on selected programs or sites;
- select the "Apps, games and multimedia" tab and determine which apps, websites or programs are allowed and which are completely blocked;
- Add cash to your Microsoft account. Your child will be able to buy the desired games or apps without using a credit card. This makes it so that there is no risk that your kid will spend all the money!
Windows 10 Parental Lock is a great tool for developing healthy computer use habits. It will come in handy if your kid often uses the computer when you are not at home, for example. Thanks to the "Family" feature, there is no risk of your child spending too much time in front of the screen, which could negatively affect their health.
Are you interested in Windows 11 parental controls? In this system there is also a "Family" function. It is turned on identically to the description above.
Windows 10 parental control without a Microsoft account - how to do it?
Wondering if it's possible to enable parental controls without creating a Microsoft account? It is possible. There are many programs on the market that help limit the time children spend using the Internet. Among them you can mention, for example:
- Qustodio - with the help of this program you can create a schedule at what times and on what days your kid can use the computer. This way you don't have to worry about your toddler spending too much time in front of the screen. What's more, Qustodio has two valuable features. One is the "block navigation" option, which turns off the Internet, but not the device. As a result, you can still use, for example, office tools while doing homework. At the same time, the child is not distracted and does not visit websites. The second important feature is "lock device." This option shuts down the computer completely at a certain time. This prevents the child from using the device at bedtime.
- Mobicip - is a program that allows you not only to control the time you spend in front of the screen. With its help you can impose a filter and block a variety of websites, games or applications. Thanks to this, there is no risk that your child will browse sites that are not suitable for her age. It is worth remembering, however, that Mobicip in its full version is paid. However, you can test the program for free for 7 days.
Keep in mind that these are only sample suggestions for systems to control time in front of the computer. You will find many more of them on the Internet. It is worth trying them out in practice to find the best option for you.
How to remove parental control computer?
Your child has reached adulthood and you want to remove parental controls from his device? Nothing difficult. To do so:
- Press the Win key or click the "Start" button,
- type "Task Manager" in the search engine and open the tool as administrator,
- Click the "Services" tab,
- Find the item "WpcMonSvc" in the list, the description of which reads "Parental control",
- Right-click on it and select "Stop" from the list,
- Go to the "Processes" tab,
- Look for the "Microsoft Family Features" program and press the right mouse button,
- Select "Finish the task" from the list.
Once you have completed the above tasks, you will gain full access to all pages without time limits.
Parental controls are a tool that can help develop healthy computer use habits. With this solution, you don't have to worry about your child spending too much time in front of the screen. However, it's worth remembering that it can also come in handy for adults. Setting limits on Internet use can help fight Internet addiction. Take this into consideration!