Windows 11 Already Has Parental Controls. Here’s How to Use Them. Keeping Kids Safe Online

Microsoft Family Safety, free and built in

If your family uses a Windows 11 computer, you already have a free set of parental controls. It’s called Microsoft Family Safety, and you manage it from your own phone or computer. It also covers Xbox and Android apps, all from one family account.

What It Does

• Sets a daily screen time limit or a schedule, so the computer shuts off at bedtime
• Limits time on individual apps and games
• Filters websites and search results when your child uses Microsoft Edge
• Sets age limits on apps and games from the Microsoft Store
• Lets your child ask for more time, and you say yes or no from your phone
• Sends a weekly activity report by email

How to Find It

On the computer, open Settings, then Accounts, then Family. You can also visit family.microsoft.com from any device. Look for the Family Safety icon if you install the phone app. Microsoft also has an official Family Safety page.

How to Set It Up

1. Create a free Microsoft account for yourself if you do not have one.
2. Go to family.microsoft.com, sign in, and choose Add a family member.
3. Add your child. Each child needs their own Microsoft account, and children under 13 need a parent to approve it.
4. Have your child sign in to the Windows 11 computer with that account. Keep it a standard account, not an administrator account.
5. Back at family.microsoft.com, choose your child’s name and turn on Screen time and Content filters. Settings reach the computer within a few minutes.

Do this from your own device, not your child’s. The whole process usually takes about ten minutes.

Why It’s Worth Starting Here

Family Safety is made by Microsoft, the same company that makes Windows, so it works with the system instead of around it. It also works on Windows 11 Home, so there is no upgrade to buy. It is free, and one family account can cover a Windows computer, an Xbox, and Android apps.

The Catch

• Web filtering works in Microsoft Edge. Microsoft blocks other common browsers while the filter is on, but test it yourself to be sure your child cannot find a way around
• A local Windows account will not work. Your child needs a real Microsoft account
• No message or social media monitoring
• A tech-savvy teen may find a workaround, so keep your administrator password private

Bottom Line

If your family uses a Windows 11 computer, start with Family Safety. It is free, it is official, and it covers screen time and web filtering well for younger kids. Add a paid tool only if you need something it does not offer.

Need a Hand Setting This Up?

If you have a Windows 11 or Linux Mint computer from give IT. get IT., our free Help Desk is here for you. We will walk you through each step, whether you are brand new to this or just want a second set of eyes. No question is too small.

• Email: helpdesk@giveitgetit.org
• Phone: (207) 322-9555
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 am to 7 pm ET
• Online: Request Training or Technical Support

Most issues can be solved remotely, by phone, by email, or with direct access to your device. No driving, no waiting rooms. Learn more about our Help Desk.

Please note: the Help Desk supports the computers we provide. give IT. get IT. does not provide or support Apple or Android devices.

Need a Computer? Apply Through give IT. get IT.

give IT. get IT. provides warrantied, refurbished computers, with free user support, to eligible individuals and families. Every system comes with Windows 11 or Linux Mint, plus access to our Help Desk.

• Who can apply: legal residents of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont whose household income and goals fit our program guidelines
• Good to know: this program is not free. There is a participation fee, and sponsors or grants may help cover it. If cost is a concern, call (207) 338-4233 and select Option 3 before you apply
• A tip for families with kids: desktop computers are the easiest to supervise. Choose a laptop only if you need to carry it

Ready? Apply for a computer at giveitgetit.org

Parent & Teacher Resources for Online Safety

• FTC Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) guidance: what apps are legally required to do with a child’s data
• Common Sense Media: age-based reviews of apps, games, and shows
• NetSmartz (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children): internet safety lessons for kids and classroom-ready materials for teachers
• Common Sense Education: free digital citizenship curriculum for classrooms
• AAP Family Media Plan: a tool for building household media rules together

Related Reading: Safety Guides for Every Device

Every guide in this series is written for beginners. Pick the one that matches your device.

• Android Users: Your Free Screen Time Tools: Google Family Link for Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks
• Apple Users: Your Free Screen Time Tools (iPhone and iPad): Apple Screen Time on iPhone and iPad
• Apple Users: Your Free Screen Time Tools (Mac): Apple Screen Time on a Mac
• Windows 11 Users: Your Free Family Safety Tools: Microsoft Family Safety, built into Windows 11 (you are here)
• Linux Mint Users: Your Free Screen Time Tools :: Free tools for the Linux Mint computers we provide
• Kids360 Review: Is It Worth Paying For?: What a paid app adds, and where it falls short

More from give IT. get IT.

• We’re With You Every Step of the Way: The give IT. get IT. Help Desk
• Understanding Your Computer: A Plain-English Guide for Beginners
• Back to School, Back to Basics: 5 Ways Students Can Stay Secure Online
• Your Guide to Scam Prevention Resources

give IT. get IT. helps families navigate technology safely, regardless of budget. Reach out to our team for a free digital literacy session. Learn more at giveitgetit.org.