Respondus LockDown Browser is UAH's online testing browser. It is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system like Canvas to ensure academic integrity while working on tests and quizzes.
Respondus Monitor is a companion application for LockDown Browser that uses webcam and video technology to prevent cheating during online exams. Respondus Monitor integrates seamlessly with learning management systems like Canvas, and is ideal for non-proctored testing environments such as taking an exam at home.
For a full tutorial on using Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, please visit the Student Success Center's Student Resources page and click the link for Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor.
System Requirements
For the most up-to-date information on the system requirements for Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, please visit the LockDown Browser resources page and Respondus Monitor resources page.
Operating Systems
- Windows: 10 and 11
- Mac: macOS 10.12 to 12.0+
- iOS: 11.0+ (iPad only). Must have a compatible LMS integration. Learn more
- Chromebook: There is a Lockdown Browser Chrome Extension available for use with ChromeOS, though it is not officially supported by OIT. Learn more
Memory
- Windows: 75 MB permanent space on the hard drive
- Mac: 120 MB permanent space on the hard drive
Browser Requirements
LockDown Browser is a client application that is installed to a local computer. Both the Windows edition and the Mac edition of the browser are based on Chromium, Google's open source framework. Students do NOT need Google's Chrome browser installed; nor will this version affect a Chrome browser that's already installed.
For Respondus Monitor
In addition to the specifications outlined above, Respondus Monitor requires a web camera (internal or external), a microphone, and broadband internet connection.
Where do I get Respondus LockDown Browser?
Before taking a test requiring Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, you must make sure that LockDown Browser is installed on the computer(s) that will be used for the exam. If your instructor allows you to use your own computer, then use the provided link to download LockDown Browser yourself: Download Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor
More information can be found using the Lockdown Browser Quickstart Guide. Please note that the browser is only available for the operating systems listed above.
How Does Duo Work With LockDown Browser?
LockDown Browser does not support Touch ID for authentication with Duo. For this reason, we recommend adding an additional method of authentication to your Duo account such as Duo Mobile or phone authentication. Learn more about adding a device to your Duo account.
If you are taking a test with LockDown Browser for the first time and find that you're unable to authenticate, we recommend doing the following;
- Close LockDown Browser
- Restart your computer
- Open Google Chrome
- Following the instructions at the link above to access your Duo account and add an alternative method of authentication
- Sign in on LockDown Browser using this additional method of verification
FAQ
Can I use LockDown Browser on a wireless connection?
While taking an online exam using Canvas, it is recommended that you use an Internet connection with a speed of at least 512 Kbps or higher while taking your exam in LockDown Browser. If you use a wireless UBS modem, laptop connect card, or mobile hotspot connection during an exam, you are more likely to run into problems due to dropped/interrupted connections to the Canvas server. This is because the Canvas server is more bandwidth-intensive (especially during exams) than normal Internet surfing.
If you lose your Internet connection during the exam, it will lock up the browser and not allow you to save answers, move on to other questions, submit or exit the exam. If you have a router, plugging directly into it when taking exams will reduce the chances of connection interruptions.
What do I do if my computer freezes while taking an exam?
If you lose your Internet connection while taking an exam or if you have outdated and/or multiple Java installations, the LockDown Browser and your computer may stop responding or freeze. Shut your computer down and restart. Depending on your system, this could take several minutes and will cause you to lose time on the exam. In most cases, as long as the time has not expired, it should let you back into the exam. As soon as you have completed the exam, immediately contact your instructor to let them know what happened.
What do I do if I'm having trouble connecting to the internet with LockDown Browser?
You may receive a message that you are unable to connect to the Internet when LockDown Browser is opened. If this occurs, choose "Yes" to run diagnostics and then run the Network Connection test. Look at the list of programs for any security, Internet or network programs. There may be multiple programs that could be stopping LockDown Browser from connecting to the Internet. Each program may need to be told to "trust" or "allow access" to the LockDown.exe program. If you are unsure how to do this, please contact the OIT Help Desk.
As a second check, verify the computer system clock is set to the correct date and time for your local time zone and verify the computer is synchronizing with an Internet time server in Windows: Control Panel > Date and Time or Mac: System Preferences > Date & Time.
LockDown Browser won't open because of a Chrome extension, and I can't find it. What do I do?
Respondus Lockdown Browser is conflicting with a Chrome extension that is hiding in another Chrome profile you may have. Try the following: Open your Chrome profiles, one by one, by clicking on your profile picture in the top-right corner of Chrome, then open your other profiles. In those Chrome windows, open the Settings menu (⋮), then navigate to Extensions > Manage Extensions, or alternatively, copy and paste the following URL into your address bar: chrome://extensions/. Here, find the extension named in Lockdown Browser that is not allowing you to sign in. You can either 1) disable the extension, if you plan to use it later, or 2) remove the extension. This should allow you to sign into Lockdown Browser, after you close and reopen the application.
Still Have Questions?
Contact the OIT Help Desk at helpdesk@uah.edu or 256-824-3333.