Microsoft adds age-awareness APIs to Windows 11

Microsoft is adding age-awareness APIs to Windows 11 that let apps determine whether a user is a child, teenager, or adult without exposing the person’s exact date of birth.

The Windows Age API uses information associated with a Microsoft account and can return these age ranges:

• under 10
• 10-12
• 13-15
• 16-17
• 18+

Developers can use GetUserAgeRangeAsync to retrieve an age group. GetAgeVerificationStatusAsync can indicate whether the user’s age has been verified rather than simply self-reported. Microsoft says apps can use these signals to adjust features and safeguards for younger users, including in AI experiences, without requiring parents to configure every app separately.

Windows will work with Microsoft Age Verification, or MAV, which stores a verified age status with a Microsoft account. Apps can check that status through the Windows Age APIs instead of repeatedly asking users to prove their age.

Age verification is available through Microsoft storefronts in Singapore, Brazil, and Australia, with more regions planned. Microsoft is also increasing the visibility of parental controls during Windows setup in regions including France. The Windows Age APIs are broadly available to Windows Insiders and will roll out to all Windows users soon.