
Is this possible on Windows 10set up multiple accountsshare a laptop or desktop computer with other family members. If you have children, they can also have a personal space in a more controlled environment to ensure the greatest possible safety when browsing the web, using apps and playing games.
Everything is possible with the option to create a child accountwindow 10, which you can manage in a variety of ways through the "Family" settings in your Microsoft account. With these tools, you can review reports of your kids' online activities or limit the time they spend on their devices or share them. You can also age and screen time limit apps and games to ensure they don't load websites that aren't suitable for them.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to set up a child account and manage parental control settings.
- How to Create a Child Account in Windows 10
- How to Manage a Child Account in Windows 10
- How to Fix Common Child Account Issues in Windows 10
How to Create a Child Account in Windows 10
To create and set up a child account in Windows 10, follow these steps:
- OpenIdeas.
- click inSatisfied.
- click infamily and other users.
- In the Your family section, click the buttonAdd a family memberI like.Quick note:If the teen already has an account, they can enter it in the email field to proceed with setup.
- click on itCreate one for a childPossibility.
- Confirm the email address of the young person you want to add.
- click on itNextI like.
- Create a new password for the child's account.
- click on itNextI like.
- Confirm the person's name.
- click on itNextI like.
- Confirm the person's birthday.
- click on itNextI like.
- Confirm the newly created email account.
- click on itNextI like.
- Confirm the Password.
- click on itRegisterI like.
- Confirm parental or guardian consent.
- click on itContinueI like.
- Check your parent or guardian's email account.
- click on itNextI like.
- Sign the Microsoft consent form by entering your name as it appears on the form.
- click on itYes I agreeI like.
- (Optional) Delete theCan my child sign into non-Microsoft appsPossibility.
- click on itContinueI like.
- (Optional) Confirm the age limit for apps and games.
- light upactivity reportsswitch.
- light upWeb and search filtersswitch.
- click on itseparateI like.
After completing the steps, a standard account with limited access will be created for the child and the new member will be able to enroll immediately.
Log in for the first time
To finish setting up a child account, follow these steps:
- Log out of your account.
- click on itNew account(will initially appear as an email address).
- click on itRegistrationPossibility.
- Confirm the account password.
- click on itRegisterI like.
- click on itNextI like.
- create a newHARD.
- click on itOKI like.
- click on itSave files on this PC onlyPossibility. (Unless you want to back up your child's data to OneDrive.)
- Choose the privacy settings for the new Windows 10 account by toggling each option on or off.
- click on itTo acceptI like.
After completing the steps, the next time your child logs in, the account will appear as their username and they will be able to log in directly from their desktop.
How to Manage a Child Account in Windows 10
Once your account is set up, you can use the "Family" settings in your online Microsoft account to view activity reports and limit screen time for apps and games. You can rate content, apps, and games, and add money to help your teen make small purchases in the Microsoft Store.
To manage an account for a family member, follow these steps:
- OpenIdeas.
- click inSatisfied.
- click infamily and other people.
- Under "Your family," click the buttonManage family settings onlinePossibility.
Alternatively, you can also register with yourMicrosoft-KontoName(opens in new tab)in your browser and open theFamilyEyelash.
From the family dashboard, you can view activity reports and manage various aspects of your account such as: B. block screen time for all device and apps and games, inappropriate websites and much more.
View recent activities
Activity reports show a user's recent web searches and searches, expenses, apps and games, Xbox online games, and a user's screen time.
Follow these steps to turn on and view recent family member activities:
- On the child's account, clickgeneral descriptionPossibility.
- click ingeneral descriptionin the left navigation pane.
- light upactivity reportsToggle the switch at the bottom of the dashboard to start collecting activity from your Windows 10 devices (if applicable).
- (Optional) ActivateEmail me weekly reportsswitch to get the full report on your email account.
- Below the account name, click the activity menu to select the activity day for which you want to review activity.
Once the option is enabled, you can see the websites they've visited, the apps and games they've downloaded and played, and the time they've spent on their devices.
Limit screen time
Screen time limit is a feature that allows you to define how much time someone can spend on the computer and at what time of the day.
To limit the time a family member spends on the computer, follow these steps:
- On the child's account, clickgeneral descriptionPossibility.
- click inscreen timein the left navigation pane.
- click on itDevicesEyelash.
- light upUse one schedule on all devicesswitch.Short tip:You can also turn on Screen Time by device type (Windows 10 and Xbox devices).
- Click on the day you want to adjust Screen Time.
- (Optional) Use the drop-down menu and select theDailyPossibility of making the same settings for each day of the week.
- Use the available slider to specify the hours that the family member can use the computer.
- Use the scheduling settings to specify how long they can use screen time.
- (Optional) Clickadd a scheduleOption to specify a second period of time for continued access to the device.
- click on itDoneI like.
After completing the steps, your children will only be able to use their devices for the amount of time you set.
Limit app and game limits
Family settings also include settings to enforce screen time restrictions for apps and games to encourage healthier and safer lifestyles for young members.
Follow the steps below to add app and game limits:
- On the child's account, clickgeneral descriptionPossibility.
- click inscreen timein the left navigation pane.
- click on itapps and gamesEyelash.
- light upApp and game restrictionsToggle switch (if equipped).
- Select the app or game.
- click on itset a limitI like.Short tip:You can also use thelock appButton to restrict access to the application when the user is logged in.
- Choose which days you want to set limits for each app. Options include:
- Daily
- days of the week
- weekends
- Use the available slider to specify the hours the family member can use the app.
- Use the scheduling settings to specify how long they can use screen time.
- click on itDoneI like.
Once you complete the steps, the app will only be available during specified times. Out of bounds, the user cannot launch the application.
Apply content restrictions
ANDcontent filterThe tab contains settings to set an age limit to restrict inappropriate apps and games. In addition, you can enable web filters to block websites and search results deemed inappropriate for young people. You can also limit or set the websites your child can access.
Set age restriction
To set an age restriction, follow these steps:
- On the child's account, clickgeneral descriptionPossibility.
- click incontent filteringin the left navigation pane.
- click on itapps and gamesEyelash.
- Use oAge-rated apps and gamesDropdown menu to indicate age restriction (eg 18).
- (Optional) In the Blocked apps section, click theRemoverOption to allow the app above your age rating.
If you want to block an app, you can do so from the App & Game Limits tab by selecting the app and clicking the buttonlock appI like.
If you want to allow the app, confirm "Yes" when trying to launch the app and ask.
Set web filter
To control which websites a family member can access, follow these steps:
- On the child's account, clickgeneral descriptionPossibility.
- click incontent filteringin the left navigation pane.
- click on itweb and searchEyelash.
- In the "Filter Settings" section, disable theFilter inappropriate websites and searchesswitch.
- (Optional) ActivateUse only approved sitestoggle it if you want to block all websites except those you have manually set as allowed.
- In the Always Allowed section, specify the site you want to allow.
- click on it+button to add it to the list.
- repeatstep 8to add more sites.
- In the "Blocked websites" section, specify the website you want to block.
- click on it+button to add it to the list.
- repeatstep 11to add more sites.
It's worth noting that if you want to use web filters, inappropriate searches are more effective with Microsoft Edge andBing as the default search engine.
If you want to prevent your child from using any other search engine that doesn't have Safe Search turned on, it's a good idea to add those sites to the block list, including Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, and others.
Also, this feature only works with Microsoft Edge. As a result, enabling “Web Browsing” will block other browsers like Chrome or Firefox to make your kids safer when surfing the web. However, if you want to allow the use of another browser, you can unblock it atapps and gamesin the Blocked apps section.
Add funds to the account
ANDspentYou can add money to your child's Microsoft account to buy whatever they want without breaking the bank.
This function works in combination with thecontent restrictionsPreferences to block products they shouldn't buy, like games designed for a much larger audience.
ask to buy
Follow these steps to set up approval requests to buy things from the Microsoft Store:
- On the child's account, clickgeneral descriptionPossibility.
- click inspentin the left navigation pane.
- light upYou need the organizer's approval to buy thingsToggle button so you can approve any Microsoft Store purchase without adding credit.
- light upEmail me when you buy stuffToggle the switch to track purchases.
After completing the steps, you will need authorization to buy apps, games and entertainment from the Microsoft Store without adding funds.
add money
To add money to spend without permission in the Microsoft Store, follow these steps:
- On the child's account, clickgeneral descriptionPossibility.
- click inspentin the left navigation pane.
- In the Microsoft account balance section, clickadd moneyI like.
- Enter the amount of money to be added.
- Proceed through the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction.
This transaction is non-refundable. If you're not sure how this should work, start with a small amount or use the Ask to Buy option. In addition to adding money, you can view your child's purchase history at the bottom of Family Settings.
How to Fix Common Child Account Issues in Windows 10
The settings should take effect immediately after setting up a child account in Windows 10 and setting up parental controls. However, there can sometimes be issues with Screen Time and Family Activities working properly.
To avoid or avoid common problems, take the opportunity to remember these tips:
Once the child account is created you want to verify the account in Windows 10Ideas>Satisfied>your information. click on itChecklink and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
If the settings do not work, connect the device to the Internet and restart the computer to update the system settings.
Problems can also sometimes arise due to missing updates. If so, check for new updates manuallyIdeas>update and security>windows updateand click onCheck for updatesI like.
We're focusing on Windows 10 in this guide, but using Microsoft Family Settings, you can also manage other compatible devices like Xbox One and Android phones, including additional features like Find Your Child and more.
More Windows Features
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to frequently asked questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, see the following resources:
- Windows 10 on Windows Central: Everything you need to know
- Windows 10 Help, Tips and Tricks
- Windows 11 on Windows Central: Everything you need to know
- Windows 11 Help, Tips and Tricks
Windows Central-Newsletter
Get the best of Windows Central in your inbox every day!
Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak is the technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His main focus is writing comprehensive guides to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its various related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA and is a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.
4 comments
Just to clarify, the "the person I want to add doesn't have an email account" option isn't for kids you don't want to email yet. It goes straight to creating an account with an email. When I try to use my email address in the "Use your email address" option (...and yes, I'm already signed in on this computer...) it tells me it's already a Microsoft account. Well, I used to log into this computer... So when I click on the "Login Now" option, it takes me back to the beginning of this infinite loop, with my email at the top of the window!
Unfortunately, Xbox Game Pass does not work for anyone else connected to the computer. Many parents with Xbox Game Pass are forced to allow their children to use their Windows account so they can switch accounts in the Xbox app and play games. Seems like a really confusing way to do this.
Yes, I'm waiting for Gamepass Ultimate Family. I have 3 kids with Xboxs and paying Ultimate for the 3 is a hassle. I prefer to have a sub for everyone, like my m365 family sub.
I created a child account for my daughter a few years ago. Setup was easy... after that it was an unintuitive mess with bugs. Even worse now that you're using multiple devices with that account.
(Video) How to Create a Child Account on PS5