Linking Windows Users

Thriva manages devices based on which child is using them. By linking Windows user accounts to child profiles, Thriva knows which schedule to apply.

Why Linking Matters

When you set Johnny to “Focused Mode,” Thriva needs to know which Windows accounts are Johnny’s. By linking accounts:

• Mode changes apply automatically to the right accounts
• Shared computers work correctly with multiple children
• Each child’s schedule applies to their own login

How to Link Accounts

User account linking happens in the Parent Portal, not during the setup wizard. Once the device is registered:

1. Go to Devices in the Parent Portal sidebar
2. Click on the Windows device you just registered
3. You’ll see Available Users - Windows usernames detected on the device
4. For each child’s username, click “Assign to Child”
5. Select the appropriate child from your family
6. Skip accounts that don’t need management (parent accounts, admin accounts)

To change account assignments later, return to the device page and click “Manage Accounts” under Linked Accounts.

What You’ll See

The device page shows:

Account	Child	Status
johnny	Johnny C.	Active
sarah	Sarah C.	Active
Parent	(unlinked)	—
Administrator	(unlinked)	—

Unlinked accounts are not affected by Thriva modes.

Shared Computers

For a computer used by multiple children:

1. Each child should have their own Windows user account
2. Link each Windows account to the appropriate child profile
3. Each child’s mode applies only when they’re logged in

Example:

• When Johnny logs in, Johnny’s schedule applies
• When Sarah logs in, Sarah’s schedule applies
• When a parent logs in, no restrictions apply

One Child, Multiple Devices

If one child uses multiple computers:

1. Install Thriva on each computer
2. Link their user account on each device to their profile
3. When you change their mode, it applies everywhere

Example: Johnny has accounts on:

• Family Laptop (username: “johnny”)
• Gaming PC (username: “jcoutts”)
• Dad’s Desktop (username: “john”)

All three are linked to Johnny’s profile. Setting Johnny to Quiet Time logs out all three accounts within 30 seconds.

Accounts That Shouldn’t Be Linked

Leave these unlinked:

• Parent accounts - You don’t want to lock yourself out
• Administrator accounts - Keep a way to manage the computer
• Guest accounts - If you allow guests, they don’t need management
• Service accounts - Technical accounts used by the system

Changing Links

You can change account assignments anytime:

1. Unlink an account from one child
2. Link it to a different child
3. Leave it unlinked

Changes take effect within 30 seconds.

Family Discussion Starters

Take a moment to discuss these questions together as a family:

• Is there anything on your Windows account you want me to know about before we link it?
• Do you understand that when I change your mode, it will affect this account?

Troubleshooting

Account not showing up?

• The account must have logged in at least once
• System/service accounts may be hidden
• Refresh the page in Parent Portal

Child showing on wrong device?

• Check which Windows accounts are linked
• An account might be linked on multiple devices

Changes not applying?

• Wait 30 seconds for sync
• Check that the device is online in the Parent Portal
• See Troubleshooting