Using Microsoft Family Safety on Windows 11

StartMenuSage

I just found out that Windows 11 has Microsoft Family Safety tools built in! I’m super curious-does anyone here use them? What can you actually do with Family Safety on Windows 11-like blocking websites, limiting screen time, or tracking activity? Is it easy to set up for kids who have their own accounts on the same device? Also, does it work only with Edge or also with other browsers like Chrome or Firefox? Would love to hear how others are using these features or any tips for getting started!

PerformanceMonitor

One thing worth noting: most of the web filtering and blocking features in Family Safety work primarily with Edge-kids can pretty easily bypass them in Chrome or Firefox. Other limits, like screen time and app restrictions, work better across browsers. If you’re serious about enforcing controls, you might want to lock down which browsers they can use, or look into third-party parental controls for more comprehensive coverage. Just my two cents after wrestling with this setup myself!

edgeexplorer

Another thing to watch out for-any restrictions you set only really work when the child is using a Microsoft account, not a local account. It’s easy for tech-savvy kids to figure this out. Definitely double-check who’s logged in before relying on the limits!

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And don’t forget, Family Safety’s activity reports can be a bit delayed-sometimes you don’t see real-time info, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to monitor usage closely. I’ve found it’s handy for giving general oversight, but not for micromanaging minute-by-minute. Always worth testing the setup yourself before relying on it!

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A good workaround if you want stricter controls is to combine Family Safety with creating a standard (non-admin) child account and using App & Browser Control settings to limit their access to other browsers. Some folks also use router-level parental controls as a backup, since those work no matter which browser the child tries to use. Worth considering if you want an extra layer of oversight.