Your Microsoft account now includes an updated “Family” setting page that allows you to set apps and games usage limits for young family members across Windows 10, Xbox, and Android devices.
Although Google and Apple offer a similar feature to control screen time, the Microsoft approach is a little different, because using a Microsoft account, you can set limits no matter where the app or game is installed or the operating system in use.
The new feature is available immediately, but you need to create a family group first, add people to the group, and then, you can start setting limits for your children.
Using the “App and game limits” dashboard, you can view the apps that person is using. You can select the app or game and specify a limits for weekdays as well as for weekends. If you want to control app usage limits on an Android device, you’ll need to install the Microsoft Launcher first.
When the time is running out for a particular app, the person will receive a reminder, and when the time is up, they won’t be able to continue using the app. Microsoft even included an option to send you a message to extend the time, which you can accept or decline.
The new usage limits is available for everyone with a Microsoft account, but as a preview, and the company will continue to improve the experience in future updates.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].