Microsoft Family Safety
Microsoft Family Safety is the Windows app for viewing and managing a Microsoft family group.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Identifier: MicrosoftCorporationII.MicrosoftFamily
Setup Foundry removes the package by default from existing user accounts and from provisioning for new accounts.
Microsoft Family Safety is the Windows app for viewing and managing a Microsoft family group. Family organizers can use it to set screen-time limits, restrict apps and games, manage web and search filters for Microsoft Edge, control purchase permissions, and review activity reports. Family members can see their restrictions and usage time and request additional screen time or approval.
The app accesses the family group and Family Safety settings associated with the signed-in Microsoft account. Device screen-time limits apply to connected Windows and Xbox devices, while app and game limits can also include Android devices. Web and search filtering covers only the browser and search scenarios supported by Microsoft.
Notes
Additional effects
The app is a management interface for the Family Safety service. The family group, device-side activity collection, and enforcement of configured restrictions do not depend solely on this app package. Family Safety settings and activity reports can also be managed or viewed through the Microsoft account website.
Windows Settings and the Family options page in Windows Security can provide entry points to Family Safety. Without the package, those entry points can no longer open the locally installed Windows app; depending on the entry point, access through the Family Safety website or Microsoft Store remains available.
Privacy and security
Microsoft Family Safety processes information about the family group and the signed-in Microsoft account. Microsoft identifies personal information such as names, email addresses, and dates of birth, as well as required diagnostic data needed to keep the app secure, current, and working as expected. An optional diagnostic setting can send additional details about interaction with the app, such as the screens or buttons used.
When activity reporting is enabled, connected devices can send Family Safety information about device, app, and game usage. Reports can also include websites visited in supported browsers, Bing search terms, and attempts to access blocked websites. This information is shared with authorized organizers in the family group.
After removal, this installation of the Windows app no longer sends its own diagnostic or interaction data. Removing the package does not automatically disable reporting by other Family Safety components, erase information already held in the Microsoft account, or dissolve the family group.
Effects of the change
The Microsoft Family Safety app is removed from existing user accounts and is no longer provisioned automatically for newly created accounts. It therefore cannot be launched from its shortcut or through an app link that specifically targets the installed application. Microsoft does not document an ordinary file-type association for this package, so opening normal user files is unaffected.
The local interface for viewing family members, activity reports, screen time, content filters, spending, and approval requests is no longer available. These features can still be managed through the Family Safety website or a supported Family Safety app on another device.
Removing the Windows app package does not by itself cancel an existing family group, screen-time limits, app or web filters, or activity reporting. In particular, a supervised account does not gain unrestricted access merely because this app has been removed. These settings belong to the Microsoft family group and are managed independently of whether this Windows app is installed.
The package is available from Microsoft Store as “Microsoft Family Safety” and can be installed again while Microsoft continues to offer it for the applicable device and region.
Notes
Microsoft makes the Windows app available for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Availability and individual Family Safety features can vary by Windows version, region, account role, and connected device.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Store: Microsoft Family Safety
Microsoft Support: Get the Microsoft Family Safety app
Microsoft Support: Family Safety data collection and privacy options
Microsoft Support: View device and app use with Family Safety activity reporting