How To Set Up Parental Controls for Windows 7

Windows 7 was the successor to Windows Vista. Initially released to the general public in October 2009, this PC operating system was discontinued in February 2011. Even though it’s no longer updated, parents can still set in place restrictions.

Setting Up Parental Restrictions on Windows 7

How to create a user account for your child

1. Create a user account for your child. Make sure this account is a non-administrator. Otherwise, the child has access to the area where parental controls are set and can turn them off.
2. Open the Control Panel.
   1. Alternatively, you can open the Start menu and search for parental controls.
3. Look for User Accounts and Family Safety. Click Add or Remove User Accounts to set up your child’s user account.

How to access parental controls for your child’s account

1. Click “Set up Parental Controls for Any User” to start the process.
2. Click the user account you want to set controls from the list.
3. Enable parental controls by clicking “On, enforce current settings.”
4. If you want to get a report of the child’s user activity, then click “On, collect information about computer usage.” This way, you’ll be able to see all the websites your child looks at, the files they downloaded, when they logged on, the programs they used, and so on.
5. Use the Time limits section to control the times your child can use the computer.
6. Use the Games section to control the games your child can play.
   1. Choose the rating, or mix and match content.
   2. Choose the games rating provider based on your preference.
      1. Entertainment Software Board Rating (ESRB)
      2. Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO)
      3. Compute Software Rating Regulation (CSRR)
      4. Game Rating Board (GRB)
      5. Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC)
      6. Pan European Game Information (PEGI)
   3. Block games with certain types of content, even if it has an acceptable rating:
      1. Online rating notice
      2. Alcohol and tobacco reference
      3. Alcohol reference
      4. Animated blood
      5. Blood
      6. Blood and gore
      7. Cartoon violence
      8. Comic mischief
   4. Block specific games, if you wish.
7. Allow or Block use of specific programs.
8. Click OK when finished.
9. Repeat for any additional children.

Windows 7 does not have a built-in web filter like Windows Vista. Until January 2017, Windows Essentials, which included Windows Live Family Safety, was available for download and use. If you do not already have Windows Live Family Safety, you will need to use a third-party system for web filtering on Windows 7.

Microsoft Family Safety App

The Microsoft Family Safety app allows parents to set screen time limits on all Microsoft-affiliated devices, including Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Microsoft Surface, Windows 10 devices, Windows 7 devices, and Windows Vista devices. Parents can use the app to create search filters and block mature content. The app also has built-in location sharing so you can track family members.

How to add a child to your Microsoft Family account

1. Visit account.microsoft.com/family.
2. Sign in with your personal Microsoft account and then select Add a Family Member.
3. Select Child.
4. Enter your child’s email address or phone number and select Send Invite.
5. Make sure your child accepts your invitation.