Microsoft is introducing age-awareness APIs for Windows 11 that will allow applications to identify whether a user is a child, teenager or adult without being given their full date of birth.
The system uses information linked to a Microsoft account and returns broad age categories, including under 10, 10 to 12, 13 to 15, 16 to 17 and 18 or over.
Microsoft says the approach is designed to provide apps with only the age information needed for a particular feature, rather than exposing sensitive personal details.
Developers will be able to use the GetUserAgeRangeAsync function to retrieve a user’s age bracket. A separate tool, GetAgeVerificationStatusAsync, will indicate whether that age has been formally verified or simply entered by the account holder.
Windows age APIs will support parental safeguards
The company says the changes could enable software to apply age-appropriate settings and protections automatically, reducing the need for parents to configure each individual application.
Microsoft also highlighted potential uses in artificial intelligence services, where access controls and safeguards may need to differ depending on a user’s age.
The Windows system is intended to work with Microsoft Age Verification, known as MAV. Once an account’s age has been verified, compatible applications will be able to check that status through Windows rather than repeatedly asking the user to provide proof.
Microsoft has begun offering age verification through its storefronts in Singapore, Brazil and Australia, with further countries expected to be added as regulatory requirements develop.
The company is also making parental-control options more prominent during Windows setup in some regions, including France.
The Windows Age APIs are currently available to members of the Windows Insider programme and are expected to reach all Windows users in a future rollout.
