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PC gaming · PC / Windows · 5 min · Updated September 2026

Parental controls for PC gaming

PC games often go through Steam, Epic, or the game’s own launcher. Each platform has its own settings — and Windows adds a layer on top. Never share your adult account with your child if you want control. A shared family PC needs extra attention to saved cards and logins.

In short

Create a child account on Steam and Epic. Use Steam Families for store, playtime, and community. Set Epic Parental Controls with a PIN. Check Windows Family Safety and that your child is not downloading unknown files outside the stores. Discord often sits alongside — it has its own settings.

  1. 1

    Set up Steam Families

    Sign in to your Steam account on the computer. Go to Steam → Settings → Family → Manage family → Create family. Invite your child’s Steam account as a child — not adult. Steam has replaced the old Family View with Steam Families. Check Steam help if the menu looks different from here.

  2. 2

    Steam: store, playtime, and chat

    Select your child’s account under Family → Manage parental controls. Here you can limit access to the Steam store, community, friends, and chat. Set daily playtime if you want. Your child can send purchase requests — adults approve and pay. In-game purchases can still happen outside Steam’s store.

  3. 3

    Epic Games Parental Controls

    Sign in to your child’s Epic account at epicgames.com/account/parental-controls. Create a 6-digit PIN your child does not know. Turn on restrictions for mature content, Epic Games Store, chat, and friends list. The PIN is required to change settings later. Fortnite and Rocket League follow the Epic account.

  4. 4

    Windows Family Safety

    If your child plays on Windows, you can use family.microsoft.com for screen time and app limits on PC — the same family as Xbox. It does not cover everything inside Steam or Epic, but limits the computer generally. Check your child is signed in with a child account on Windows — not guest.

  5. 5

    Chat and strangers

    Steam, Discord, and games each have their own chat. Turn off Steam chat for your child if they should not message others. Many children use Discord alongside — it has its own settings. Talk with your child about not sharing personal information and not meeting people they only know online. In-game voice chat counts too.

  6. 6

    Downloads and modded files

    Warn against downloading “free” games, cheats, or mods from unknown sites — they can contain viruses or scams. Keep games to official stores: Steam, Epic, Microsoft Store. Keep payment cards off shared PCs, and use purchase requests instead of a shared account. Talk about what to do if a site asks for login.

If your child has been scammed or gave away card details, contact the bank immediately. For help with grooming or harassment online: SletDet at Save the Children Denmark. Also see the Steam guide for Family View and Steam Families.

More help in Denmark

If you need someone to talk to, use these — they are free, and they take parents and children.

  • Parents’ Helpline 35 55 55 57

    Børns Vilkår. Free, anonymous counselling for parents and relatives in Denmark on 35 55 55 57. They take calls about screens, conflict and online problems.

  • Media Council for Children and Young People

    Public guidance in Denmark on children, young people and digital media. Advice on age, content and parent conversations — without sales language.

  • StopSpillet 70 22 28 25

    The Danish Gambling Authority’s helpline on gambling harm. Call 70 22 28 25. The conversation is confidential — even if you are unsure it is a problem yet.

Sources