How to Block or Unblock Apps with Microsoft Family Safety

Getting Started: The Family Safety Portal

The best way to manage app blocking is through the Microsoft Family Safety website. This is where you can find all the settings for your family.

Sign In to Your Account

Go to account.microsoft.com/family. You need to sign in with the Microsoft account you use as the Family Organizer. This is the account that manages your family group.

Tip: If you use multiple Microsoft accounts, double-check you’re signing in with the one designated as the organizer. It’s easy to get mixed up, so take a moment to verify!

Select the Family Member

Once you are logged in, you will see a page with all your family members. Click on the picture or name of the child whose apps you want to manage. This takes you to their specific settings page in Family Safety.

Choose the Platform

Under your child’s name, you will see different sections like “Windows,” “Xbox,” “Edge,” or “Mobile.” Click on the section for the device or platform where you want to block the app. For Windows computers, click on the “Windows” section.

Warning: Pay attention to which platform you select. Blocking an app on Windows will not automatically block it on their Xbox or phone, even if those devices are linked to their Microsoft account and managed by Family Safety.

Navigate to Apps and Games

In the settings for the platform you chose, look for a section called “Apps and games” or something similar. This section shows a list of apps that are installed or have been used on that device by the child.

Block an App

Look through the list of apps. When you find an app you don’t want your child to use, you will see an option to block it. This is usually a switch or a button that says “Block” or “Block app.” It is usually on the right side of the app’s name. Click on it.

Once blocked, the app cannot be used. Your child will not be able to open it on that device. You’ll see the screen update to confirm the app is now blocked.

Unblock an App

Need to let your child use an app again? Unblocking an app is much the same. Go back to the “Apps and games” list for the child and the specific platform. Find the app that is currently blocked. You will see the option change from “Block” to “Unblock” or something similar. Click on it to remove the block.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/family-safety/block-or-unblock-apps-with-microsoft-family-safety

Summary

Why block or unblock apps? As a parent, you want to control what your children can access on their devices to ensure their safety and appropriateness. Microsoft Family Safety allows you to do this.

What happens when done? When you block an app, your child will not be able to open or use it on the selected device. When you unblock an app, it becomes available for them to use again on that device.