The details within the signup process dictate the individual user’s entire online experience. After the initial install the administrator (and other users expecting to log in and use the service) will each need to create a Windows Live ID. Permissions are set by the ‘Family Safety’ administrator, and are fully configurable, easy to maintain, and most of all, highly effective. Thus, if your 12 year old son were to stumble (or not!) across a particularly violent or sexually explicit site, their login details would prevent them from accessing the site. It is reassuring to know that considerable time has been invested by Microsoft to develop a professional guidance system which constantly monitors the web setting certification for trusted content and age-specific sites based on recommendations from such organizations as the American Academy of Pediatrics. With Family Safety all of your online services are controlled by an administrator, such as a parent or guardian. Now with the introduction of Windows Live Family Safety, there is a specifically designed security suite that offers safer e-mail, secure instant messaging and online browsing that is resilient and managed locally (i.e. In their operating systems and their online applications, Microsoft has struggled to close the loopholes that people find in their products. Parents have to create email accounts for kids no matter their ageĭo you use a Microsoft Family account? Share your experience with us by dropping a comment in the section below.If there is anything that Microsoft needs to improve on in this online age, it is in the realm of online security.Content filtering isn’t browser independent – works with Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer.Can block inappropriate media, websites, apps and games based on age.Can schedule and set screen time and daily limits.Can find a child’s device, their current and last known location.Free to use for users of Windows, Xbox One devices.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 And Cons Of a Microsoft Family AccountĪ Microsoft Family account is free but it can be limiting in terms of in-depth information on kids’ online activities. 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. When your child uses a Windows 10 phone or an Android device running Microsoft Launcher (version 4.10 or higher), you can see their whereabouts whether at home or on the go, and monitor them remotely.

How to setup windows live family safety