Customize Edge's Kids Mode

In another article we were introduced to Microsoft Edge Chromium's Kids Mode. As discussed in that article, Kids Mode is a feature that, when enabled, allows Edge to block access to internet content that may be inappropriate for young children. Edge establishes limitations based on the two age-range groups: 5-8 or 9-12. Each group is slightly different regarding what it allows. To see a list of the features, refer to the article mentioned above.

Once you start to use Kids Mode, you might find that you need to modify some of its settings. Edge allows for this, and modifying the settings is not too difficult. Here is how you might change some common settings related to Kids Mode:

Have Edge Ask for Age Range

As stated, Edge breaks Kids Mode down into two age groups. By default, the first time you launch Kids Mode, Edge will remember your selection and automatically launches in that mode when you reenable Kids Mode.

1. With Edge open, in the search bar, enter (without quotes) "edge://settings/family" and then press Enter. Edge displays the family settings for Edge.
2. Select the toggle next to Always Ask to Choose Age Range Before Starting Kids Mode. Edge will ask you which age range settings to enable when the toggle is set to On (or to the right). If the toggle is set to Off (or to the left), it will always start using the same age range you select.
3. Once you have selected the setting you prefer, you can close the Settings page if you are done.Ê

Manage Allowed Sites

By default, depending on the age range you specify, your child will have limited access to several predefined child-friendly websites. These predefined sites are an excellent starting point. However, if your child is like mine, as they do more and more schoolwork online, they need ready access to additional websites. To add additional sites:

1. With Edge open, in the search bar, enter (without quotes) "edge://settings/family" and then press Enter. Edge displays the family settings for Edge.
2. Click on "Manage allowed sites in Kids Mode" on the right side of the Settings page. Edge displays all of the sites allowed when Kids Mode is enabled.
3. Choose "Add Website" at the top of the list of allowed sites. Edge shows the "Add a New Page" pop-up.
4. Enter the website URL, then select Add. The pop-up closes, adding your site to the list of allowed sites.
5. If you have more sites to add, repeat steps 3-4. If you are done adding sites, you can close the Settings page.

If there is a site on the list of approved sites that you no longer wish to allow access to:

1. With Edge open, in the search bar, enter (without quotes) "edge://settings/family" and then press Enter. Edge displays the family settings for Edge.
2. Click on "Manage allowed sites in Kids Mode" on the right side of the Settings page. Edge displays all of the sites allowed when Kids Mode is enabled.
3. Scroll through the alphabetical list of allowed sites and click on the "X" next to the websites you want to remove from the list.
4. If you are done removing sites, you can close the Settings page.

Modify the Quick Tiles

When enabled, Kids Mode can display what are referred to as Quick Tiles on the Home page. To add a Quick Tile:

1. To the right of the last Quick Tile click on Add a Site.Ê
2. Choose the Site you want and click Add.

To remove a Quick Tile:

1. Hover your mouse pointer over the Quick Tile you want removed. Edge displays a few options from which you can choose.
2. Select "More Options" to display a list of additional options.
3. Select Remove. Edge immediately removes the Quick Tile.

Theme Kids Mode

With Kids Mode enabled, Edge changes the background and colors to a predefined theme setting. Edge allows for this theme to be changed to something else your child may like.

With Kids Mode enabled, choose "colors and background" in the top right of the Home page. Note that this is not in the address bar, but rather it is on the page itself. Choose the theme and/or the colors you want and click "Done" to apply your changes. Edge remembers these changes each time you launch Kids Mode.

By modifying your child's Kids Mode experience, you can turn their Edge experience into something they enjoy rather than something that can cause frustration for your child or yourself.

 This tip (13852) applies to Windows 10.