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How to Apply One Time Limit to Multiple Apps in Microsoft Family Safety
Question details
Users want to group specific applications and apply a single, shared time limit across the entire group in Microsoft Family Safety.
- Product
- Microsoft Family Safety
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Parents attempting to restrict total gaming or entertainment screen time by setting a combined allowance for multiple different apps.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Family Safety only applies time limits to individual apps. Setting a one-hour limit on three different games allows the child to play for three hours in total, rather than sharing the one-hour allowance.
Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft Family Safety organizer account and have administrative access to the connected devices used by your family members.
Utilize Device-Level Screen Time Schedules
Since app grouping is not currently supported, restricting the overall device screen time is the most effective way to ensure total usage does not exceed your desired threshold.
By setting a hard limit on the device itself, you prevent cumulative app limits from extending your child's total screen time.
This applies to Windows, Xbox, and connected Android devices.
Log in to the Microsoft Family Safety dashboard via the web or open the mobile app on your smartphone.
Click or tap on the profile card of the child whose screen time you want to manage.
Select 'Screen time' from the left-hand menu or main dashboard.
Toggle 'Use one schedule on all devices' to apply a global limit, or configure specific daily time allowances and schedules for their Windows PC or Xbox.
Divide Allowed Time Proportionally Across Apps
Manually allocate fractions of the total allowed playtime to individual apps to prevent excessive cumulative screen time.
Submit Feedback for Custom App Categories
Request that Microsoft add a shared group limit feature to future updates of Family Safety.
Equip Your Family's Devices with WPS Office for Free
While managing screen time and game limits is essential for your family, ensuring they have access to reliable, safe, and efficient software for homework and projects is equally important. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that offers a comprehensive suite of tools without the heavy subscription costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple Screen Time allow grouping apps for a shared time limit?
Yes, unlike Microsoft Family Safety, Apple's Screen Time allows parents to group applications into predefined categories (such as 'Games' or 'Entertainment') and apply a single, shared time limit across all apps within that category.
Will Microsoft add group app limits to Family Safety in the future?
Microsoft regularly updates Family Safety based on user feedback. While a specific release date for group app limits has not been announced, it remains one of the most highly requested features in the Microsoft Feedback Hub.
How can I block a specific game completely in Family Safety?
To block an app entirely, navigate to your child's profile in the Family Safety dashboard, go to 'App and game limits', select the specific app you want to restrict, and choose the 'Block app' option.
Can I exempt educational apps from the overall device time limit?
Yes, you can set specific applications to be 'Always allowed' in the App and game limits section, which ensures they remain accessible even after the overall device screen time limit has been reached.
