In this guide you have all the details about parental control in Windows 11. We also explain how to create an account for a minor.
Windows 11 is ready to be used by people of all ages. If you want to set up a computer for a child, it is normal that you wonder how to use parental controls in Windows 11 . You should know that the way in which user profiles are managed for the smallest of the house is very similar to what we already found in the previous version of the operating system .
In the following sections we are not only going to explain how parental control works in Windows 11 . We also tell you how to enable an account for minors on a computer and what options are available to you to personalize the user experience according to the age of the minor. If you are interested in your children using the equipment safely, you cannot miss this article. Let’s do it!
How to create an account for a minor in Windows 11
Before we begin, we need to make some clarifications. The first one is that most of the parental control functions in Windows 11 are managed from the browser. Why? Because users for minors must be linked to a Microsoft account which, in turn, must be included within the family group. And this fact leads us, precisely, to the second clarification. For parental controls to work properly, the main Windows 11 account must be linked to an active Microsoft profile.
Having all this clear, it is time to give the minor access to the computer. To do this, it is essential to create a user account. Go to Windows settings, open the accounts section and click on Family and other users .
On the next screen, use the Add account button that you will see in the Add family member section . It is important that you use this and not the one that you will see next to Add another user .
You will immediately see a pop-up window appear with a wizard, where you must click the Create one for a minor link . Be careful, if the child already has an active Microsoft account, use the upper text field to log in. You should only use the link if you do not have an enabled profile yet.
Next, create a new email address using your preferred domain. Then tap Next to proceed.
Create a password for the family member. Again, use Next to jump to the next step.
Now, add additional information, such as the region or the day of birth. Confirm with the Next button .
When you are done, the child will already have their own account with which to log into Windows. Automatically, she will be added to the Microsoft family group. In fact, to confirm that this is the case, you will receive a notification.
At this point, the new user linked to the account for minors you just created will have been added. It is the time to manage parental controls in Windows 11 .
How to manage parental controls in Windows 11
If you go back to Family and other users , section that you will find in the configuration application, you will see that the minor already has a user profile created in the system. Below is the link Manage parental controls online or remove an account . Click on it to see all the available options.
By using the side navigation menu, move through the different aspects that you can control in the minor’s account. For example, it is possible to determine how long a device can be used . You can also activate the web filter to prevent access to inappropriate sites. You can even specify the recommended age of applications and games used in Windows 11.
On this same page, a little further down, you will see that you can add balance to the account to make purchases in the Microsoft store. It also includes a shortcut to the Xbox settings, which is also managed from here.
In the time section, you will see that it is possible to define the hours of use of Xbox and Windows computers. Use the Activate limits buttons to customize this section. Remember that for the changes to be effective, it is necessary to log in with the account for the child that you created in the previous step, both on Xbox and on the rest of the computers.
Now look at the filter for minors, which prevents children from accessing inappropriate sites and filters searches to avoid undesirable results. It is important that you keep in mind that with this configuration the child will only be able to use Microsoft Edge. If you want to change this behavior, go to Filters for applications and games , as mentioned below.
And so far all the Family Safety online options . All of them are part of parental controls in Windows 11 and Xbox. Each of the modifications made following the steps mentioned here will be extended to all the devices in which the minor has logged in.
Other parental control options in Windows 11
Although the bulk of the parental control options are in the Family Safety section of the Microsoft account, there are also some things you can do from the Windows 11 configuration panel. For example, it is possible to block the login to the minor using the Block login button that you will see next to the statement This user is configured to login . Similarly, you can also change the minor’s account type at any time, allowing him to be a team administrator. In this case, press the Change account type button .
In the pop-up window, select the type of account you want for the minor.
This setting can be interesting if you want your son or daughter to access certain team resources and make modifications on their own. Of course, we recommend that you do not change the account type to Administrator if your child does not have the proper knowledge. Finally, we remind you that this setting is modified individually on each computer, so you can keep the child as an administrator in a test team, but as a standard user in one that you use in your day-to-day life.
Why is it important to know about Windows 11 parental controls?
Knowing all the possibilities offered by parental control in Windows 11 will allow you to protect the little ones in the house from inappropriate content for their age. In the same way, it is interesting to control the time they spend in front of the computer screen or playing with the console. Without a doubt, being clear about the options available in this regard is very important if you have children and they have access to your computer.
And you, use parental controls in Windows 11? Tell us about your experience in the comments. We listen to you!
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