How to Block or Unblock Apps with Microsoft Family Safety

Microsoft Family Safety is a free built-in tool that lets you block or unblock specific apps on any child’s Windows 10 or 11 PC, Xbox, or Android device. You use it to stop children from opening games or programs that do not match their age or take up too much of their day.

Age ratings like ESRB labels help guide what you block so kids only see apps that fit them. You manage these app rules with a few clicks from your parent account on the web or mobile app.

Sign In to Your Account

Signing in to your family organizer account is the first step to block apps family safety settings on your child’s devices. Open your web browser and go to the official Microsoft Family website to log in with your adult Microsoft account. Make sure you use the correct organizer login, because regular member accounts cannot change these restrictions.

It’s easy to mix them up. Verify you are signed in with the correct account.

Select the Family Member

The Microsoft Family Safety page displays all family members after login. Clicking a child’s picture or name opens their specific settings page within Family Safety, where you can manage their apps.

Choose the Platform

Selecting the correct device platform ensures you block apps family safety filters on the right screen, whether it is a Windows computer, Xbox, or mobile phone. Microsoft Family Safety manages each device type separately. Blocking an app on a Windows PC does not automatically block that same app on your child’s phone or tablet.

Blocking an app on Windows doesn't automatically block it on a child's linked Xbox or phone, even if they share the same Microsoft Family Safety account. You'll need to configure blocking settings separately for each device.

Navigate to Apps and Games

Microsoft Family Safety settings show a list of apps installed or used by a child. Users find this list by looking for an "Apps and games" section. This section displays installed applications on the child's device.

Block an App

Blocking an app family safety feature stops your child from opening or using specific programs on their chosen device. Find the app on your family dashboard list and click the block option next to it. Once you apply this change, the restricted app will not open, and your child will see a message saying they need permission to use 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

To unblock an app with Microsoft Family Safety, go back to the app list for your child and the specific platform, then click "Unblock" next to the app.

Reference:

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

Summary

Managing screen time and content access becomes much easier when you use block apps family safety controls to restrict unwanted programs across different devices. You can block or unblock any app at any time through your organizer dashboard, giving you complete flexibility over what your child can use.

Blocking an app stops a child from opening or using it on a selected device. Unblocking an app makes it available again.