Overview
Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB) is an application used by instructors to secure online quizzes, tests, and exams by restricting websites and applications on your computer. You may have instructors that us Respondus +Monitor it is an addition to Lockdown Browser requiring the use of a webcam that "monitors" a student as they take their exam.
Respondus LockDown Browser + Monitor works on Windows and Mac computers. Note: For Mac 10.14 or newer, you need to give permission for Lockdown browser to access your camera and microphone.
Respondus Student FAQ
*Click the links below to quickly jump to specific questions on getting started with Respondus LockDownBrowser.
What is Respondus LockDown Browser?
Respondus Getting Started
PDF handout: Respondus LockDown Browser + Monitor Student Guide
Tips on Successfully Taking a Quiz with LockDown Browser
We recommend being as close to the wireless router as possible, or ideally connecting via ethernet (hardwire). If you do not have broadband internet cable (Charter) or DSL (ATT), SVSU ITS recommends going somewhere with reliable high-speed internet. Exams should not be taken in a public business setting that has free WiFi (Starbucks, McDonalds, etc.). If there is no place to go, anywhere on SVSU’s campus would work for an exam.
How can I tell if my quiz requires LockDown Browser or a Webcam?
In the description of the test, it will say Requires LockDown Browser, will proceed with + Webcam if you need to show your camera as shown in the sample image below:
Respondus Student FAQ
To view the answer to a question, please click the collapsible panel(s) below to open and close the content.
What is the Monitor feature in Respondus LockDown Browser?
Some instructors may also require you to use the Monitor feature of Responuds LockDown Browser using a webcam to record your testing session. If your quiz is using a webcam, you will see it in the quiz description.
How do I download Respondus LockDown Browser software?
Students download Respondus LockDown Browser within Canvas (one-time installation) from a quiz that is requiring it.
PDF Handout: How to install LockDown Browser + Monitor
What are Respondus LockDown Browser system requirements?
- Windows: 11/10 (Windows "S" is not a compatible operating system it cannot be installed.- Instructions to switch out of "S" mode)
- Mac OSX 10.12 to 12+
- iOS: 11.0+ (iPad only). You cannot take the exam if your instructor has not enabled it for the quiz.
- ChromeOS version 88 and higher, but we recommend keeping your Chromebook updated to the latest version.
How do I download LockDown Browser on my iPad?
If the quiz is enabled for iPad by your instructor, download and install the "LockDown Browser" app from the App Store to the iPad. (Requires iOS 11 or higher.) After installation, launch the LockDown Browser app. Review this helpful guide for first time use skip to Step 2, LockDown Browser setup on iPad
LockDown Browser is closing itself while trying to take an exam.
There can be connectivity issues to cause Respondus LockDown Browser to freeze while they take an exam.
- A restart of your computer should help resolve connectivity issues. After rebooting your computer, reopen LockDown Browser and navigate to your exam and proceed with taking it.
What can I expect LockDown Browser to look like?
Please see the following images of LockDown Browser, to get familiar with the environment, and what to expect when you are preparing for your quiz.
- This is what the overall Lockdown browser looks like. The red x will close the browser entirely, leaving anything unsaved or unfinished lost. The browser also doesn't have the option to open an additional tab, as only one is allowed at a time.
- The following series of images show what the webcam check looks like. Some quizzes will require these before each one, depending on what the professor has chosen.
- First, you must agree to the terms of use.
- Next, select yes when you see your image (this requires a camera that is enabled)
- After clicking yes, the screen will ask you to record a 5 second video, to test the sound.
- Click continue and move through the questions that LockDown Browser presents you (there is nothing important to note so there are no images). Once you get to the following page, wait until the thumbs up symbol, shown by the arrow, is green. Then a button will present itself for you to continue.
- Finally, all that is left is to start the quiz, which will be the only button shown on the Step 6 tab.
- After taking a quiz, you can sometimes view your answers, again depending on what settings your professor has chosen. If the quiz was taken in LockDown Browser then they can only be viewed in LockDown Browser. The first image is what the screen should look like when they are open for viewing. The second shows the alert message when they are closed.
How do I Update Respondus LockDown Browser to the latest version on my computer?
It is recommended to have the latest version of LockDown Browser for best experience. Open Respondus LockDown Browser (Windows or Mac). For Windows users, look for the "i" icon, for Mac users select "About." Note: If you experience issues with updating LockDown Browser on your computer, see the yellow box on how to reinstall LockDown Browser.
Re-Installing LockDown Browser from within Canvas
If you cannot update LockDown Browser you will need to reinstall LockDown Browser on your computer. Login to your Canvas course. Click on the Quiz that has Respondus LockDown Browser Enabled (you will see it in the title) and click Take the Quiz. A link will be provided, follow the download instructions for the computer you are using.
Windows users
- Click the "i" icon in the top-left toolbar.
- The version number and date display, click “Check for Newer Version”.
- The version and new date will display in the message box, if there is an update you will see a “Get Update” button. Click the button to update Respondus LockDown Browser.
- You will be prompted to authenticate your account with Multi-factor Authentication.
- Once you have validated your login credentials, the update processes and Canvas opens in Respondus LockDown Browser.
Mac users
- Start Respondus LockDown Browser.
- Select “ABOUT” from the toolbar.
- Click “Check for Update"
- The version will be displayed, if a new version is available you will be able to download a newer version.
Article: Respondus Support: How to Update LockDown Browser
Respondus Student Resources