Why is microsoft family not limiting my child's screen time on his device?

Question

I have microsoft family set up on my child's PC, but it doesn't always limit his screen time. Currently I have it set for 15 minutes and I've been able to browse on it all day without issue. Here is what I've tried to make it work:

Removed/re-added child's account to the family.

Removed/re-added child's device under his Microsoft account.

Confirmed my child's account on the device is standard, not admin.

Verified permissions for child's account.

Verified time-zones are correct.

Verified screen time settings.

Verified that the Parental Controls service is running and on automatic startup.

Cleared the folder at ProgramData/Microsoft/Windows/Parental Controls, and verified it was re-created upon logging into his account.

For example, right now he should be locked out. I've had his computer on for 6 hours with a 15 minute time limit. If I check the status on his computer, it says "you will be locked out at 9:56 PM". That's over 3 more hours from now.

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello Eric,

Thank you for interacting with us through our forum.

I appreciate you for contacting us and for the thorough troubleshooting steps you've already taken regarding the Microsoft Family Safety screen time limits. Based on your observations, it appears that the configured limits are not being enforced as expected.

Here are a few steps you can follow to help resolve the issue.

Ensure Device Sync

Visit https://account.microsoft.com/family and confirm your child’s device is listed and syncing properly.

On the child’s PC, go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and verify the account is listed as a Child account under your Family group.

Force Sync Screen Time Settings, sign out and back into the child’s account to refresh settings.

Reconfigure Screen Time. Remove the current screen time schedule and re-add it. Try setting a new limit (e.g., 30 minutes), save, then reduce it back to 15 minutes to force a refresh.

Check for Conflicting Apps make sure no third-party apps are interfering with Family Safety.

Check for Windows Updates go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates to ensure the system is current. As outdated versions can cause issues like this.

You can also, try testing with a New Child Account, create a new child account and test screen time enforcement to rule out account-specific issues.

Feel free to give these steps a try and let me know how it goes or if you need any further assistance.

Good day!

Regards,
Sage (23) | Microsoft Community Moderator