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How to limit game usage on a Microsoft Surface

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If your child loves gaming on their Microsoft Surface®, it’s a great way for them to have fun and unwind. But finding the right balance between screen time and other activities is just as important. That’s where Asurion Experts can help. When you have technical questions, we have the answers. We've compiled this user guide to help you set up parental controls on the Microsoft Surface so you can keep game usage in check while promoting healthy habits and keeping things fun.

Use Microsoft Family Safety 

Microsoft Family Safety® is an excellent tool for parents who want to be more aware of how their child is using technology. It’s free, user-friendly, and packed with features. 

The first step is to set up a Microsoft family group. This allows you to manage settings for every family member who uses a Microsoft account. Here’s how:

  • Go to family.microsoft.com or download the Microsoft Family Safety app for your Android or iOS.
  • Sign into your Microsoft account using your adult account, which will be used to organize the family group.
  • Click Add a Family Member.
  • To assign different levels of authority and permissions to different family members, click on each member. Select Member for a child account and Organizer for adults who can control the family group settings.
  • Type in the email address of the person you want to add. During this process, you can create a Microsoft account for them if they don't have one.
  • Click Send Invite to send an instruction email.

Microsoft Family Safety features 

With capabilities like screen time tracking, content filtering, and spending controls, Microsoft Family Safety lets parents customize and manage their child’s game usage on the Microsoft Surface. Here’s an overview of 5 key features and how to set them up. 

1. Set app and game limits

Spending too much time matching sweets in Candy Crush Saga™? Microsoft Family Safety makes it simple to control the time allowed on specific apps and games. Here’s how:

  • Open the Family Safety app or log in to the website.
  • Navigate to the Apps and Games section.
  • To set limits, toggle on App and Game Limits and then select the app or game you’d like to manage.
  • Set a daily time limit for each app or game.

2. Set screen time limits

In addition to limiting game-specific activity, you can limit screen time in general on the Microsoft Surface.

  • Open the Family Safety app or visit the website.
  • Navigate to Screen time and choose the device or app you’d like to manage.
  • Set custom limits for each day of the week. For instance, you can allow more gaming time on weekends and less on school nights.

2. Monitor gaming activity

Microsoft Family Safety provides activity reports provide summaries on your child’s Surface usage. 

  • Enable Activity reporting in the Family Safety app to track usage.
  • View detailed reports, including screen time, app usage, and websites visited.

3. Enable content filters

Protecting your child from inappropriate content is crucial, and Family Safety makes it easy with customizable filters.

  • Go to the Content filters section in the app or website.
  • Block specific games, websites, or content based on age ratings.
  • Enable search filters to restrict inappropriate search results in browsers.

4. Set app and game spending limits

If your child enjoys purchasing in-game items or subscriptions, you can set spending limits to prevent unexpected charges.

  • Navigate to the Spending section in Family Safety.
  • Add money to your child’s account or require purchase approval.

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