child accounts Archives

Tech Optimizer

January 13, 2026

Trusted Antivirus Protection for PCs

Your PC requires robust antivirus protection due to its diverse usage, and Windows 11 offers built-in protections that operate seamlessly. Antivirus software, such as Microsoft Defender in Windows 11, protects against threats like viruses, malware, phishing websites, and suspicious email attachments. However, it cannot fully defend against social engineering scams, new ransomware, zero-day vulnerabilities, or risky online behaviors. Microsoft Defender provides automatic threat scanning, works with the Windows firewall, utilizes cloud intelligence, alerts users to unsafe content, and offers ransomware protection. To enhance security, users should keep software updated, use strong passwords, secure their Wi-Fi, enable firewalls, and back up files regularly.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

How to get free Windows 10 security patches on your PC – from now to October 2026

Windows updates will roll out automatically on November 11. Official support for Windows 10 has ended, meaning PCs with default settings will no longer receive monthly security updates. Microsoft has introduced Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, allowing users to receive security updates until October 2026. Any personal Windows 10 PC running version 22H2 can access free ESU subscriptions, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. Enrollment requires a Microsoft account and is available for up to 10 PCs. In Europe, customers in the EEA qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enterprise customers will incur higher costs for commercial ESU subscriptions. Users must ensure they meet eligibility requirements to see the ESU offer.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Free Windows 10 Security Updates — How To Get Them

Windows 10 reached its end-of-support milestone on October 14, leaving approximately 400 million users without software updates, technical support, or security patches. Microsoft announced that users can continue to receive essential security updates for free until October 13, 2026. To continue receiving these updates, users must verify they are running Windows 10, version 22H2, redeem 1,000 Microsoft reward points, or sync their PC settings with OneDrive. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program until October 13, 2026, and existing ESU licenses can be used on up to 10 devices.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Spencer insists that Xbox isn’t mandating AI in game dev

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, clarified that Microsoft is not mandating the use of artificial intelligence in game development. During a panel discussion, he stated that AI is primarily used for operational functions, particularly in security and network protection, rather than in creative processes. He noted that AI helps moderate interactions to ensure user safety, especially for child accounts. Spencer emphasized that the application of AI varies by team and that he prefers to allow creative teams to choose tools that enhance their workflow without imposing a top-down mandate.

BetaBeacon

September 11, 2025

Sony Introduces PlayStation Family App for iOS and Android: Set Playtime Limits, Approve Games, and Monitor Activity

Sony has launched the PlayStation Family app, which allows parents to easily create and configure child accounts, manage playtime, content, and interactions efficiently. The app provides real-time notifications, activity reports, spending limits, content filters, and social interaction controls. It is available for download from the Google Play Store and App Store in most regions.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Managing your kids’ Android phones just got easier with Family Link redesign

Google has updated its Family Link parental control app, improving its design and functionality. The new version includes a dedicated Screen Time tab for managing device usage, allowing parents to set up Downtime and School time easily. The Controls tab has also been enhanced for better management of accounts, privacy settings, and content filters. A new swipe gesture allows parents to switch between multiple child accounts effortlessly. Next week, Google will introduce a School time feature to limit phone functionality and silence notifications during school hours. In the coming months, Google plans to add a feature for parent-managed contacts, enabling parents to approve which contacts their children can communicate with.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

Minecraft’s Top 5 Tips for Safer Gaming

Minecraft is promoting "Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming" in recognition of Safer Internet Day on February 11, aimed at supporting families in Australia and New Zealand. Recent statistics show that 89% of individuals aged 8-17 in Australia engage in online gaming, with 40% having interacted with strangers and over half of teen gamers encountering harmful content. In New Zealand, 80% of children aged 8-17 are involved in online gaming, with half of teenagers reporting conflicts with friends due to gaming. The tips include: 1. Understand Online Interactions: Teach children not to share personal information, use reporting tools, and maintain open dialogue about interactions. 2. Set Up A Child Account: Use the Xbox Family Settings App for age-appropriate accounts and content settings. 3. Recognise In-Game Purchases: Differentiate between virtual currency and real money, set spending limits, and review purchase requests. 4. Balance Screen Time: Create a balanced schedule for gaming and other activities, set playtime limits, and encourage breaks. 5. Build a Safe Online World: Help set up private servers, use moderation tools, and organize supervised activities within the game.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

10 tips to set up parental controls in Windows for child safety

- Ensuring the safety of children online is crucial in today's digital landscape. - Parents can use parental control features in Windows 10 and Windows 11 to create a secure online environment. - Open communication about online dangers empowers children to make informed choices. - Advise children against sharing personal information with strangers and encourage them to report suspicious messages. - Establish individual user accounts for each child on Windows to tailor content visibility and settings. - Microsoft Family Safety provides tools to manage children's online activities, including setting screen time limits and blocking websites. - Choosing child-friendly web browsers can enhance online safety by blocking inappropriate content. - Regularly updating the computer addresses security vulnerabilities. - Web filtering can block specific websites or content categories through Microsoft Family Safety. - Home routers often have parental control features to manage internet access and content filtering. - Windows allows parents to control app access and set age limits for suitable content. - Setting daily screen time limits promotes healthy digital habits. - Monitoring online activity through Microsoft Family Safety helps parents understand their children's digital interactions.