How to protect Windows computers with WhitelistVideo
Set up WhitelistVideo on your child's Windows PC to filter YouTube content. Choose the right protection level based on your child's age and tech-savviness.
Required Windows setup
- A separate Windows account for each child (Standard, not administrator)
- The WhitelistVideo extension in Chrome or Edge inside that account
- The desktop installer from whitelist.video/download (opens in a new tab), run as administrator. It locks the extension and blocks Incognito, Guest mode and new browser profiles
- Block every other browser (Firefox, Brave, Opera…) in Microsoft Family Safety. The installer doesn't block them
Don't block youtube.com: the extension needs it to play approved videos.
Optional: block google.com (Google results play video snippets) and set DuckDuckGo (privacy-focused) as the default search engine.
What protection levels are available?
WhitelistVideo offers three levels of protection for Windows computers. Each level adds more security to prevent your child from bypassing the filter.
Scroll horizontally to see all columns.
| Protection Level | Can Child Remove? | Best For | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extension Only | Yes (easily) | Testing only | 2 minutes |
| EXE Installer | No (needs admin password) | Part of the required setup | 5 minutes |
| EXE + Child Account | No (very difficult) | Every child (the required setup) | 15 minutes |
Our Recommendation: Complete the required setup above (EXE Installer + a separate Windows child account + other browsers blocked) for every child. Extension Only is for testing.
How do I choose the right protection level?
Extension Only (Basic)
- Your child can remove the extension at any time
- No admin access required to bypass
- Good for: testing WhitelistVideo before you complete the required setup
EXE Installer (Required)
- Extension cannot be removed without admin password
- Chrome shows "Managed by your organization" badge
- Developer tools blocked to prevent bypasses
- Required for every child, together with a separate Standard account and other browsers blocked in Family Safety
EXE + Child Account (Required setup)
- All EXE protections plus Windows Family Safety
- Child uses a Standard (non-admin) Windows account
- Cannot install software or change settings
- Good for: every child; this is the required Windows setup
What does each setup protect?
Scroll horizontally to see all columns.
| Protection | Extension Only | EXE Installer | EXE + Child Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extension removal blocked | No | Yes | Yes |
| Developer tools blocked | No | Yes | Yes |
| Other extensions blocked | No | Optional | Optional |
| Admin password required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Windows settings locked | No | No | Yes |
| App installation blocked | No | No | Yes |
How to get started
Choose your protection level and follow the setup guides:
Which browsers does WhitelistVideo support?
Scroll horizontally to see all columns.
| Browser | Extension | EXE Lockdown |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Edge | Yes | Yes |
| Firefox | No | Restrict separately with Family Safety app controls |
| Brave | No | Restrict separately with Family Safety app controls |
| Opera | No | Restrict separately with Family Safety app controls |
Important: The installer protects Chrome and Edge. Use Microsoft Family Safety app controls to block Firefox, Brave, Opera, and other browser apps. Family Safety's website filtering works in Edge only, so app restrictions are the relevant layer for alternative browsers.
Troubleshooting
My child can still remove the extension
- You need to install the EXE lockdown installer
- Follow the EXE installation guide
My child uses a different browser
- Confirm that the installer is active in Chrome and Edge
- Use Microsoft Family Safety to block unsupported browser apps, then test them from the child's Standard account
I need maximum protection
- Combine the EXE installer with a Windows child account
- Set up a child account