Microsoft Family is a program that allows parents to keep track of what their children are doing on the internet. This way, you can be sure that they are not accessing inappropriate websites or content.
This guide explains how to set up and use a Microsoft Family account to make it easier and safer for your family to interact with each other, across platforms and devices. By using a Microsoft Family account, you can create an account that will allow you to manage all of your family’s interactions, including online and offline activities. This account can be used on both your personal computer and devices in the home.
What Is a Microsoft Family Account?
A Microsoft Family account provides families with a way to stay connected while keeping children safe on Windows 10 PCs, Android devices running Microsoft Launcher, and Xbox One devices. The account also includes features like a family history of Windows 10 PCs, Android devices, and Xbox One devices so that parents can easily find and connect with their loved ones.
With a Microsoft account, you can enjoy many benefits that come with using a Windows 10 device and Xbox device. For example, you can receive reports on your child’s activity, check their location, set screen time limits, manage privacy settings, and purchasing/spending limits. You can also set web filtering limits on the games or websites they can access.
How To Set Up & Manage a Microsoft Family Account
To set up a Microsoft Family account, you’ll need to create an account on Microsoft.com and provide your name, age, and other information. You can also create an account with one of the following services:
- Xbox Live
- Windows 10
- OneDrive
Once you have an account with Microsoft Family, sign in and go to family.microsoft.com. Click Create a family group and follow the directions to set up the Microsoft Family account.
How To Add Members To Your Family Group
To invite a friend to join your Microsoft Family account, you first need to create a new account and enter their email address. Then, you can invite them to join by using the invitation link in their profile.
The invitation to join your family group is a way for you to connect with other people who share your interests and values.
After your child signs in, they’ll be able to join the group and follow the instructions to set up parental controls.
How To Remove Members From Your Microsoft Family Account
If you have an adult account and you gave the consent, you can remove a member from your Microsoft Family account. The member’s email will still exist, but without the restrictions or benefits it had while in the group.
Features Of a Microsoft Family Account
Activity Reporting
You can get weekly email reports of your child’s device use and online activity on Windows 10, Xbox One, or Android devices running Microsoft Launcher. ..
Family Microsoft has a website called “Family Microsoft” that you can view online. This website has a lot of information about your family, such as their browsing history, games and apps they use, websites they visit, terms they searched for on search engines, and amount of screen time.
Screen Time
With a Microsoft Family account, you can balance screen time on your child’s smartphone and other activities, and get a breakdown of how much time they spend on their devices throughout the week or overall by each day. This account also includes features like family sharing, which lets you share screen time with other members of your family.
Content Filtering
Microsoft has a content filter that helps you set the kind of content your child can get from the sites they visit, the games they can play, and whether they’ll need approval from you before making purchases on Microsoft Store. If your child needs exceptions for certain types of content, they have to send a request to you and you can respond on the Microsoft family account or via email.
Limit Apps, Games And Media
This feature allows you to set age limits on apps, games and media so that your child doesn’t use inappropriate apps, or play media and games that are rated above their age limit, otherwise they’ll need your approval.
Block Inappropriate Websites
When using a web browser, be sure to set a limit on the age of content your child can view. Microsoft blocks many sites automatically, and you can also whitelist or select which ones to block. You can also allow your child to visit only the sites you have approved. ..
Manage Purchases On Microsoft Store
To ensure your child doesn’t make any purchases on the Microsoft Store without your consent, you can adjust the spending or purchase settings on your Microsoft family account and keep an eye on their shopping habits, payment options, and add money to their account in one platform. By adjusting these settings, you can help keep your child safe and informed about what they are buying on the Microsoft Store.
Find Your Child
If you have a Windows 10 phone or an Android device running Microsoft Launcher, you can see your child’s whereabouts whether at home or on the go, and monitor them remotely. It also shows you their last known location and time, and allows you to rest easier knowing they’re safe and where they’re supposed to be.
Pros And Cons Of a Microsoft Family Account
Microsoft Family account is a free but it can be limiting in terms of in-depth information on kids’ online activities. If you need more parental control software options, check out our roundup of the apps you can use to spy on your children’s internet use.
Pros
The Xbox One is a gaming console that is free to use for users of Windows, Xbox One devices. The console can find a child’s device, their current and last known location. It can schedule and set screen time and daily limits. It can also block inappropriate media, websites, apps and games based on age.
Cons
Apple doesn’t support iOS devices, and content filtering is not browser independent. Parents have to create email accounts for their kids no matter their age.
Do you use a Microsoft Family account? Share your experience with us by dropping a comment in the section below.
