October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How to Block Mature Games on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC

Use a separate child account and set game-access limits in that platform’s family controls. PlayStation, Xbox, Microsoft-managed Windows games, and Steam each have their own setup.
Length5 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To block mature-rated games, give your child a separate child account, then set game-age or title restrictions in that account’s family settings. PlayStation, Xbox, Microsoft-managed Windows games, and Steam each have separate controls; a Windows setting does not automatically cover every PC storefront. Set time limits, purchases, and communication rules separately from game access.

Before you change game restrictions

Use an individual child account rather than sharing an adult account. ESRB recommends setting up child accounts for each child, entering the correct birthdate, and protecting the parent account with a password or PIN only the parent knows. Separate accounts also help prevent a younger child from inheriting permissions set for an older sibling. See ESRB’s parental-controls guidance and its Family Gaming Guide.

Choose a restriction level that fits the child and your household rules, then check how that platform handles a game the child already owns or wants to play. Ratings are a useful filter, but they do not replace decisions about online interaction, user-generated content, or spending.

How do I block M-rated games on my child’s PlayStation?

Set a restriction level on PS5

  1. Sign in as the family manager or an appointed guardian and make sure the child has a child family account and is signed in on the console.
  2. On PS5, open Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management.
  3. Select the child, choose Parental Controls, and set a restriction level. You can use a preset or customize individual controls.

ESRB’s PS5 guide describes presets including Child, Early Teens, Late Teens, Older, and No Restriction. Its examples are tied to U.S. ratings: a setting of 9 blocks games rated above E, while its example setting of 11 permits E and E10+ and blocks T and higher. These are examples from the guide, not a universal age-to-rating formula. Check the choices shown for your region in ESRB’s PS5 instructions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
  • Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
  • Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
  • Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
  • On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.

Use the PlayStation Family app or web management

In the PlayStation Family app, select the child and open Settings > Parental Controls > Restriction Level. Sony also documents family settings through Account Management on the web. The settings are associated with the child’s account and can apply across that child’s devices. See Sony’s PlayStation parental-controls instructions.

Handle exceptions and purchases separately

A child who tries to start a restricted game can request an exception for the family manager or guardian to review. If you change controls while the child is already playing, Sony says the child should sign out and back in for the change to take effect. Purchases are another setting: a child’s PlayStation purchases are paid from the family manager’s wallet, and Sony says the monthly spending limit defaults to zero.

Rank #2
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

How do I set age limits on Xbox?

Change restrictions on the console

  1. Open Settings > Privacy and online safety.
  2. Select the family member whose settings you want to change.
  3. Open Content restrictions and adjust the available content settings.

Use the Xbox Family Settings app

  1. Under Your Family, select the child.
  2. Choose Content Restrictions.
  3. Turn on Filter Inappropriate Content, then choose Allow Content Suitable for Age and confirm the child’s age.

In ESRB’s U.S.-ratings example, setting the age to 11 allows E and E10+ games while blocking T and M games. The Xbox guide notes that age-based settings align with ESRB and other rating systems; labels and availability can differ by country and account. Follow the options displayed for your region. See ESRB’s Xbox parental-controls guide.

Xbox Family Settings also offers controls for time limits and notifications. Multiplayer, communication, and other online permissions are separate from the age filter, so review them independently. Microsoft’s Windows PC guide also describes Microsoft family controls for related Windows and Xbox use.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
  • Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
  • 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
  • ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
  • ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
  • ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.

How do I block mature games on a Windows PC?

For games managed through Microsoft family settings

Add the child to a Microsoft family and manage the available content restrictions through Microsoft family tools. These controls apply to Microsoft-managed games and services; they are not a single Windows switch that necessarily blocks games installed through every PC store. ESRB’s detailed Windows instructions cover Windows 10, so do not assume every menu path shown there is the current Windows 11 interface.

Microsoft Family Safety can set app and game schedules or limits on connected Windows and Xbox devices, and its support page also describes Android coverage for those limits. To manage limits, follow Microsoft’s current Set app and game limits instructions. For Windows content-control details, see ESRB’s Windows PC guide.

Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
  • Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
  • Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
  • Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
  • EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
  • Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.

For Steam games

Steam’s own family tools are needed for games in a child’s Steam account. Valve says Steam Families replaces Steam Family View. An adult can create or manage a Steam Family, add the child, then configure parental controls for the child’s account:

  1. In Steam, open Account Settings > Family Management > Manage.
  2. Expand the child’s entry and enable parental controls.
  3. Configure game access, access to Steam features, and playtime.

Steam supports child requests for more playtime or feature access, as well as purchase requests. Those are Steam-specific capabilities, not general Windows controls. See the Steam Families User Guide & FAQ.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
  • Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
  • Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
  • Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
  • On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.

For other PC game stores

Check the account and family settings for each launcher or store the child uses. The Microsoft and Steam instructions above establish those services’ controls; they do not establish that every other PC storefront is covered by either one.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What parental controls should I review besides game age?

Game-rating restrictions answer whether a child can access certain games. They do not automatically set every family rule. Review the available controls separately:

  • Playtime: Set daily limits or schedules where available. Microsoft Family Safety covers connected Windows and Xbox devices; Steam has its own playtime controls.
  • Purchases: Check purchase approvals, spending limits, and which wallet or payment method is used. PlayStation’s spending limit is separate from its game restriction level.
  • Communication and multiplayer: Decide whether the child can message, voice chat, join multiplayer sessions, or interact with people outside the family.
  • User-generated content: Review access to community-created content and other online material where the platform offers those controls.
  • Exceptions: Learn how the child requests access and how you approve or deny requests; the process differs by platform.

Controls and labels vary by platform, region, and account. Sony’s PlayStation parental-controls page and the platform support pages linked above are the best place to check current screens if a label has changed.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How To Create Custom Stickers & Shoutouts In Monster Hunter WildsMonster Hunter WildsBlog20min
  2. How to Get XL Gogoat in Pokemon Legends Z-A (An Extra-Large Gogoat)Pokemon Legends Z-ABlog20min
  3. How to Get Rotting Lightbringer in Diablo 4Diablo 4Blog17min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.