Parental controls is a feature in many Windows versions that was enhanced in Windows 7. Using Windows Media Center, you can set up your PC to monitor what your kids are viewing, keep them away from certain games and sites and set limits on how much time they spend online. You can also block access to TV shows online. To set up parental controls, follow the instructions below.

Setting up parental controls

Windows 10

  • Access Windows 10 settings by pressing Windows key+X on the keyboard, then select Settings.
  • In the Windows Settings window, click the Accounts option.
  • In the navigation pane on the left side of the Your info window, click the Family & other people option.
  • In the Family & other people window, click the + next to Add a family member.
  • Select whether you want to add a child or adult, then enter the e-mail address for the person’s Microsoft account. If the person you want to add does not have an e-mail address, click “The person I want to add doesn’t have an email address” below the e-mail address text field. Follow the steps to create a new Microsoft account for that person.
  • After adding the person to the computer as a user, back on the Family & other people window, click the Manage family settings online link.
  • A web page opens, showing “Your family” information (you may need to log in to your Microsoft account first). On that page, find the account of the person you want to set parental controls. You can set controls for their screen time, what applications and games they can access, and block inappropriate sites when they use an Internet browser. You can also view their activity to see their screen time, the applications and games they use on the computer, and the websites they are viewing.

Windows 8

  • Open the Control Panel.
  • With Category view, click the User Accounts and Family Safety option.
  • Click the Set up Family Safety for any user option.
  • Select the user you want to set parental controls.
  • Under Family Safety, select On, enforce current settings to turn on parental controls.
  • Under Windows settings, click Web filtering, Time limits, Windows store and game restrictions, and App restrictions to view and change each of the parental control settings.

Windows 7

  • Open the Control Panel
  • Under User Accounts and Family Safety, click Set up parental controls for any user. (You may need to provide the administrator password at this point.)
  • Click the standard account you want to set up or click Create a new user account.
  • Under Parental controls, click enforce current settings.
  • You can now set time limits, limits for games, and allow or block specific programs.

Filter, Internet terms, Software terms

  • How to set parental controls on a mobile device.
  • Protect children from harmful material and people on the Internet.