Create new Windows accounts for your family

Imagine seamlessly managing, organizing, and creating different types of Windows accounts that benefit your whole family and help ensure positive online experiences. You can with Surface, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11.

Set up new Windows accounts tailored for each family member while also monitoring and managing the family group with Microsoft Family Safety. This setup helps you monitor and safeguard online usage and helps support your parenting goals by providing a secure and structured online environment.

Set up new Windows accounts that can help create a safer online experience

You can set up different types of user accounts in Windows 11. Each serves different purposes and offers various levels of access and functionality:

• Microsoft account: Online account for syncing and accessing Microsoft services.
• Child account: Parental controls for monitoring and limiting activities.
• Local account: Device-specific account without online features.
• Administrator account: Full control over the device and settings.
• Standard account: Limited permissions for everyday use.
• Work or school account: Access to organizational resources and services.

A child account is a special type of Microsoft account designed for children. It includes parental controls that allow parents to monitor and limit their child’s activities, set screen time limits, and filter content. By setting up child accounts and using Microsoft Family Safety, you can:¹

• Set daily limits on device usage.
• Block inappropriate websites and set age restrictions for apps and games.
• Keep track of your children’s online activities.
• Keep track of your family’s whereabouts by sharing locations.
• Get insights into your family’s driving habits with a Microsoft 365 subscription.
• Manage and track family events and schedules in one place.
• Receive notifications when your kids want to access blocked content, allowing you to approve or deny the request.

Create a child account

Begin by creating a child account:

1. Select the Start button and select Settings.
2. Select Accounts.
3. Select Family & other users and then select Add account under the Your family section.
4. Choose Create one for a child and follow the prompts to enter your child’s email address, name, and date of birth. If your child doesn’t have an email address, you can create one during this process. 
5. Repeat this process for each child.

Monitor usage via Microsoft Family Safety

Microsoft Family Safety is an application that helps families stay connected and protected across multiple devices. This tool empowers your family to develop healthy habits and helps protect the ones you love with digital family safety features. Monitor screen time, application usage, and more for your family members by using the features of Microsoft Family Safety.¹

Key features of Microsoft Family Safety include:

• Screen time limits: Set limits on how much time family members can spend on their devices to help them manage screen time effectively and maintain a balanced digital lifestyle.
• Content filters: Block inappropriate websites and content to help ensure a safer online experience.
• Activity reporting: Get detailed reports on family members online activities, including the websites they visit and the apps they use, to monitor and guide their online habits.
• Location sharing: Share your location with family members and see their locations on a map, making it easier to stay connected and help ensure safety.
• Driving safety: Receive driving reports that provide insights into driving habits, promoting safer driving behaviors among family members.
• Spending limits: Set spending limits for family members on the Microsoft Store, helping you manage and control family member purchases.

Set up Microsoft Family Safety

Microsoft Family Safety is available as both a web-based platform and a mobile app:

• Microsoft Family Safety (web): A web-based platform for managing family settings.
• Microsoft Family Safety (mobile app): A mobile app available for iOS and Android devices for managing family settings.

To set up Microsoft Family Safety:

1. Sign in to Microsoft Family Safety
   • Go to Microsoft Family Safety (web) or download the Microsoft Family Safety (mobile app) from the Microsoft Store.
   • Sign in using your Microsoft account with administrative privileges.
2. Create a family group:
   • If you haven’t already done so, create a family group. This step sets up the framework for managing your family’s online activities.
3. Add family members:
   • Invite family members to join your family group by entering their email addresses. They receive an invitation to join the group, which they need to accept.
4. Set up family safety settings:
   • Configure settings such as screen time limits, content filters, and activity reports. Note that users need to grant permissions for features like location sharing.
5. Manage spending:
   • Manage spending by adding money to the family member’s Microsoft account and approving purchase requests.
6. Use location sharing:
   • Use the Location Sharing feature to track the whereabouts of your family members and set location alerts.
7. Monitor activity:
   • View activity reports, set screen time limits, and track the location of family members. Activity reports include details about the websites visited and the apps used by family members. You can also receive driving reports, which provide insights into driving habits and can be useful for families with teenage drivers.

Upgraded to Windows 11? Reactivate Microsoft Family Safety settings

If you previously set up family features and then upgraded to Windows 11, you need to re-activate Microsoft Family Safety settings. To do this, you and your family members complete the following steps:

1. Sign in: Ask your family members to sign in to their device using their Microsoft account. If they don't have a Microsoft account, one will need to be created.
2. Go to Settings: On their device, instruct your family member to open the Start menu and select Settings. Then, the family member selects Accounts and chooses Your info. 
3. Add your family member to Microsoft Family Safety: Sign in to Microsoft Family Safety and add your family member's Microsoft account to your family group. To do this, select Add a family member and enter their email address. Your family member then receives an email invitation and then must accept the invitation.
4. Set up family settings: Once family members are added, use Microsoft Family Safety to set up appropriate website and app filters, screen time limits, and review activity. These settings will apply to any Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC that family members use.

Enjoy a positive online experience with Windows accounts that benefit the whole family

As digital device usage increases, it’s helpful to have a system in place to manage and monitor your family’s digital activities. By setting up child accounts and using Microsoft Family Safety, you have excellent tools that help you create a secure and organized online environment for the whole family. You can experience peace of mind while your family enjoys positive digital experiences.