Monitoring accounts lets parents better understand whether their children are doing their schoolwork or wasting too much time on the internet playing games and doing other activities. This information might assist them in establishing specific PC usage restrictions for each kid. For instance, it permits them to determine when they’re allowed to use it, which games and applications to block on PC, and which apps they may access from the Windows Store.
1. Block PC games via parental control software
One of the most effective ways to block games on your PC is using parental control software. These programs allow you to establish “off-limits” times and days when kids may not play their favorite online games or even access Windows Store. Some popular parental control apps include Net Nanny, Qustodio, Norton Family Premier, and Kaspersky Safe Kids. Though the steps vary, they all work similarly.
2. Using built-in Windows tools to block video games
Windows includes a range of built-in tools that you can use to manage which games and applications your kids have access to on your PC. For instance, you can restrict users from running specific programs in the “Programs” section of “User Accounts” in “Control Panel”. You may also set usage time limits for particular accounts through “Family Safety Settings”.
3. Disabling access to Windows Store
If you don’t want your kids to be able to download or purchase any new games from the Windows Store, you can disable access entirely. To do so:
- Open the Store app.
- Click on the hamburger icon in the top-right corner.
- Click on “Settings”.
- Toggle the “Allow apps from anywhere” switch off.
4. Block specific games and applications on PC via Firewall
If you only want to block certain specific games or applications on your PC, you can use the Windows Firewall. To get started:
- Open the Start menu and search for “Firewall.”
- Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall” in the left-hand pane.
- Click the “Change settings” button and ensure that the game or application you want to block is not checked.
5. Managing your kids’ accounts
Finally, to better understand what your kids are up to on your PC and manage their account settings more effectively, you can use an online parental control tool such as FamilyTime (no affiliation). With features like app blocking, internet filtering, web history monitoring, location tracking, and more, these tools allow you to take complete control over how your children are using the family PC. With regular activity reports that keep you in the loop at all times, you can ensure that your kids stay safe and focused on schoolwork while still having fun playing their favorite games.
6. Use a dedicated gaming PC
If you’re serious about blocking games on your PC, you can always set up a separate dedicated gaming PC from the family computer. This way, you can be sure that your kids can’t access any games or applications on the main PC. Plus, you can also manage what they can do on the gaming one more effectively. Of course, this option will require a bit more upfront investment, but it’s worth considering if you want to keep your kids safe and focused while they’re using the family computer.
Whether you’re looking to manage your kids’ screen time more effectively or prevent them from accessing inappropriate content, there are several tools and techniques you can employ to block games on your PC. By using parental control software, built-in Windows tools, and other strategies, you can control how your children use the family computer and ensure they’re away from harm, concentrating on things that matter, yet still having fun.