Respondus LockDown Browser (Student Guide)

LockDown Browser is a custom web browser that locks down the testing environment in Blackboard. When students use LockDown Browser to access a quiz, they are unable to print, copy, visit other websites, access other applications, or close a quiz without providing a reason until it is submitted for grading. Quizzes created for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with standard browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.). Please view the Introduction to LockDown Browser and Monitor video (2 minutes) for more information about the basics.

Respondus Monitor is an optional proctoring feature of LockDown Browser. If your instructor enables this feature, your computer must have a functioning webcam and microphone. A broadband connection is also required. Only your instructor will have access to review the recordings.

LockDown Browser works much like a standard browser, but some options have been removed or work differently. The list below highlights some of these differences between LockDown Browser and other web browsers.

Modified Toolbar - the condensed toolbar includes only forward, Back, Refresh and Stop functions.
Assessment Mode - assessments are shown full-screen and cannot be minimized, resized, or exited until submitted for grading.
Disabled Controls - all printing, keystroke combinations, screen grab, function keys, and right-click menus have been disabled.
Links - links to other web servers do not compromise the secure testing environment.
Blocked Features & Applications - the Start button (Windows), system tray, and menu bars have been removed. Hundreds of screen capture, messaging, screen sharing and network monitoring applications are blocked.

Your instructor may provide specific instructions at the beginning of the course or the title of the quiz will contain:

Requires Respondus LockDown Browser.
If Monitor is enabled, + Webcam will be in the title as well.

Note: If LockDown Browser is not in the title of the quiz, you can use a regular browser to complete the assessment.

LockDown Browser must be installed on the device that you will be taking the test on. The system requirements are listed below: Download Lockdown Browser

Operating Systems

Windows: 11 and 10*
* Includes x86 32 and 64 bit processors, ARM 64 bit processors using x86 emulation including CoPilot+PC devices.
* Windows 10/11 "S mode" is not a compatible operating system, nor can LockDown Browser be obtained via the Windows App Store. At present, support for Windows 10/11 "S Mode" isn’t on the roadmap for LockDown Browser.
* Windows 10/11 "SE" is currently not a compatible operating system for LockDown Browser.
Mac: macOS 11 to 26.0+.
iPadOS: 12.0+ (iPad only).

NOTE: LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor may continue to run in older operating systems that have reached “end-of-life” but students may encounter unexpected results.

Memory

Windows: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)
Mac: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)

Hard Disk Space

Windows: 300 MB of free hard disk space
Mac: 400 MB of free hard disk space

For more information on Respondus System Requirements

Windows or macOS

Close all programs, unless one is required for your internet connection.
Use a standard browser (Chrome, Firefox) to log in to Blackboard.
Navigate to the exam, and click the "start attempt" button.
LockDown Browser will then launch, if installed on the computer (or iPad). If not installed, the student will be prompted to download the browser and perform the install.
The quiz will open, and if a webcam is required, then the student will be taken into the pre-exam webcam check.
After submitting the exam, LockDown Browser will terminate, and the student will be back where they started in their standard browser.

iPad (if enabled by your instructor)
Download and install the LockDown Browser app from the App Store

Start the LockDown Browser app

The first time the app is used, you will be prompted to select your institution and server
If you later need to change the institution or server, select the settings icon on the toolbar for the LockDown Browser app.
Once the setup is complete, you should be directed to the Blackboard login page. Log in with the correct credentials, navigate to your course and quiz, and begin your exam. (If prompted to Confirm App Self-Lock, select Yes)
Once you finish answering all questions, click Submit and exit LockDown Browser.

Additional Steps for Respondus Monitor

If +Webcam is in the title of the quiz, a webcam is required to complete your quiz. In addition to the steps above, follow these steps below to complete the Startup Sequence:

Review and agree to the Terms of Use.

The Webcam Check will confirm that your webcam and microphone are working properly.
Follow the instructions for the remaining steps of the Startup Sequence required by your instructor (this may vary per course/exam). If you encounter a problem, click on the it’s not working link for troubleshooting tips.
Click Begin Exam.
Once you finish answering all questions, click Submit and exit LockDown Browser.

For more information go to LockDown Browser: The Student Experience

Respondus LockDown Browser will automatically check for updates whenever it is opened, but there are occasionally updates that cannot be auto-installed. We strongly recommend checking for an update before you launch an exam, even if it has worked previously.

Update Respondus LockDown Browser on Windows