How to Limit Screen Time in Windows 10 with a Microsoft Account

It’s easier than you may think to limit screen time in Windows. All you need is a Microsoft account. Microsoft gives the option to create family groups which include all of your family accounts, including children. From there, you can actually set limits on your child’s devices. Instead of worrying about device usage late at night or while you’re busy working, your child can only use their device during the hours you set.

Also read:How to Set Up a New Windows 10 PC

Limiting Screen Time

It’s hard to constantly monitor your child’s screen time. They can easily use a computer after you go to bed or while you’re at work. However, many parental control apps and software aren’t cheap or easy to use. You don’t have to just hope your kid will do what you ask. Using the free control provided by Microsoft, you get control over what your child does on any device they log into using their own Microsoft account.

Microsoft Family Account

Every member of your family can have their own Microsoft account. You can then create a family group to manage all of the accounts. If you already have a family group, the process of limiting screen time is even easier. Log in to your family account to get started.

If you don’t have a family group yet, you can set one up using your current Microsoft login. Visit the Microsoft Family page to start the process. Click “Create a family group” and follow the prompts. Once the group is set up, it’s time to add members. In your Family account, choose “Add a family member.” Select “Member” and enter their email address to invite them. They have to accept your invitation to join the group.

Setting Up a Child Account

To limit screen time in Windows, you’ll need to create a child account for your child to join the family group. If your child already has an email address, open your Microsoft Family account and choose “Add a child.” Enter their email address. If you know their password, select “Sign my child in.” If not, select “Send invitation” and ask your child to accept the invitation.

If your child doesn’t have an email address, click “Create a new email address for your child.” When you create the account and choose your child’s age, you’ll receive a notification in your own Microsoft account to approve it since your child’s a minor.

Once you confirm your child’s account using any of the three methods, you’ll receive a confirmation and be able to start managing their screen time.

Also read:How to Password-Protect Files and Folders in Windows 10

Setting Limits for Windows 10

Once everything else is set up, it’s time to start setting limits. In your Microsoft account, go to “Your Family.” You’ll see all family members listed. Under your child’s name, select “Screen Time.” You’ll also notice that each family member has a number of devices, too. When setting screen time, you can set it for all devices or individual devices.

To set the same schedule, choose “Use one schedule for all devices”. Set times by choosing the allowed usage times beside the row for each day of the week. Use the drop-down box beside each day to set the maximum number of hours per day. For instance, you may set Friday’s time usage for four hours within the time range of 1:00 PM to 8 PM.

When it comes to Xbox, you’ll have to add your child to your Xbox from the Xbox. You’ll set up your child’s account, then once added, the restrictions you set in your Microsoft account apply to the Xbox too as long as the schedule applies to all devices. You can set device restrictions individually in your Microsoft account as well.

Ensure you set a password for your Xbox account so your child doesn’t change anything or simply use your account to play. Also, if you don’t want your child to access certain websites, try blocking the websites with the hosts file.