Free Guide to Lockdown Browser Setup

What Lockdown Browser Is and Why Schools Use It

Lockdown Browser is a specialized web browser created by Respondus, a company focused on educational testing software. Schools and universities use this browser to maintain test security during online exams. Unlike regular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, Lockdown Browser restricts what students can do while taking a test. It prevents students from opening other websites, applications, or programs on their computer during an exam session.

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Educational institutions adopted this tool because online testing presents unique challenges that in-person testing doesn't face. When students take exams in a classroom, a proctor watches them to prevent cheating. Online testing requires different safeguards. According to surveys from the Babson Survey Research Group, approximately 65% of colleges and universities use some form of proctoring software for remote exams. Lockdown Browser accounts for a significant portion of that market.

The browser works by essentially locking down your computer. When you launch an exam through Lockdown Browser, the application takes over your screen. You cannot minimize the browser window, switch to other programs, or access your desktop. This means you cannot look at notes stored in other files, search for answers online, or communicate with others through messaging apps or email during the test.

Many institutions pair Lockdown Browser with additional monitoring features. Some versions include webcam monitoring, where a camera watches the student during the exam. Others use basic monitoring without video. The level of monitoring varies depending on what your school chooses to implement and what your instructor requires for specific exams.

Practical takeaway: Understanding that Lockdown Browser is a security tool, not a punitive measure, helps students approach setup with the right mindset. The browser exists because online education requires test security measures similar to those in physical classrooms.

System Requirements Before Installing Lockdown Browser

Before you obtain and set up Lockdown Browser, your computer must meet certain minimum requirements. These requirements ensure the software runs smoothly and doesn't conflict with your operating system. Checking compatibility ahead of time prevents frustration during installation or exam day.

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For Windows computers, you need Windows 7 or later, though Windows 10 and Windows 11 are most common in current educational settings. Your computer should have at least 2 GB of RAM, though 4 GB or more provides better performance. The software requires approximately 100 MB of disk space for installation. Your internet connection should be stable—a wired Ethernet connection is more reliable than wireless, though WiFi typically works if your signal is strong.

For Mac computers, the requirements differ slightly. You need macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later, with newer versions like macOS 12 or 13 being standard on modern machines. Mac users also need 2 GB of RAM minimum. The installation process on Mac is similar to Windows but follows Apple's system conventions.

Additionally, your school's learning management system must be compatible with Lockdown Browser. Most institutions use platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, Brightspace, or Moodle. These systems have built-in integration with Lockdown Browser, meaning your instructor can configure exams to require the browser from within the course itself. Your school's IT department can confirm whether your institution supports Lockdown Browser and which version you need.

Practical takeaway: Run a quick system check before your exam using your computer's system settings. For Windows, check "Settings" then "System" for your OS version. For Mac, click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac." Confirming compatibility prevents last-minute technical issues.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

The installation process for Lockdown Browser is straightforward and typically takes between 5 and 10 minutes. Your school provides the means to obtain the software, usually through a link in your course or from your institution's software portal. You do not obtain it from general software websites—only use links provided by your school to ensure you get the correct version configured for your institution.

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Begin by navigating to the link your instructor or school provided. This link leads to a download page specific to your institution. The page displays a button to obtain the software for your operating system. Select the version matching your computer: Windows or Mac. The file downloads to your computer's default location, typically your Downloads folder.

Once the file finishes downloading, open it by double-clicking. For Windows, this launches an installation wizard. The wizard displays several screens asking you to confirm the installation and select options. You typically proceed through these screens by clicking "Next" or "Continue." For Mac users, the process is similar—the installer may ask you to drag the application to your Applications folder or follow on-screen prompts. Both installations require you to provide your computer password because the software modifies system settings to enable its security features.

After installation completes, launch Lockdown Browser from your applications. When you open it for the first time, it may prompt you to configure settings or restart your computer. Some versions require a restart to fully activate the browser's security features. This is normal and expected. Restarting ensures that all system-level protections are properly activated.

Practical takeaway: Install Lockdown Browser several days before your scheduled exam, not the morning of. This timing gives you days to troubleshoot any issues with IT support rather than dealing with problems minutes before your test begins.

Understanding Lockdown Browser Features and Restrictions

Lockdown Browser includes several features designed to maintain exam integrity. Understanding what you can and cannot do while the browser is in exam mode helps you prepare mentally for the testing experience. The restrictions may feel limiting, but they serve the purpose of creating a fair testing environment for all students.

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When you enter exam mode in Lockdown Browser, the browser automatically hides your taskbar, system tray, and desktop. You cannot see your computer's clock without opening the browser's built-in timer. This prevents you from using external time-tracking applications. The browser also disables right-click functionality, so you cannot access context menus that might provide alternative ways to navigate away from the exam.

Keyboard shortcuts that normally function on your computer are disabled during exam mode. For example, Alt+Tab (Windows) or Command+Tab (Mac), which normally allows you to switch between open applications, does not work. Similarly, keyboard commands to open new windows or access system functions are blocked. This means even if you have other programs running, you cannot switch to them during an exam.

The browser disables printing and screenshotting functionality during exams. If your instructor wants you to reference printed materials during an exam, they must configure that specifically before the exam begins. Some instructors allow students to open external documents within Lockdown Browser by whitelisting certain applications or file types, but this varies by instructor and course.

In some configurations, Lockdown Browser monitors your webcam during the exam. If your course uses proctoring with monitoring, the browser activates your webcam and records video of you during the test. The recording captures your face and surroundings to verify you are taking the exam alone and not receiving help. Your school's policies govern how long these recordings are kept and who can view them.

Practical takeaway: Before exam day, spend 10 minutes exploring Lockdown Browser in non-exam mode. This familiarity reduces anxiety during your actual test. Many schools offer practice exams you can take using Lockdown Browser to experience its interface and restrictions without test pressure.

Preparing Your Test Environment and Troubleshooting Setup Issues

Your physical testing environment significantly impacts your exam experience with Lockdown Browser. Taking time to prepare this space reduces technical problems and allows you to focus on the exam content rather than environmental distractions.

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Choose a quiet location where you will not be interrupted. If your course uses webcam monitoring, ensure you have good lighting so the camera clearly sees your face and the area around you. Sit in front of a plain background without posters or busy visual elements behind you. Have your computer positioned so the webcam captures your face at roughly eye level. Position your desk so your hands are visible on the keyboard, as some proctoring systems monitor hand movement.

Close all other applications before launching Lockdown Browser. If programs are running in the background, they consume computer memory and may cause the browser to slow down or crash. Close email, messaging applications, music streaming services, and cloud storage sync programs. Restart your computer about 30 minutes before your exam to clear temporary files and reset system memory.

Test your internet connection before exam day. Run a speed test using a website like Speedtest.net to confirm your