Respondus LockDown Browser (Student Guide)

LockDown Browser is a custom web browser that locks down the testing environment in Canvas. 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.

Interface

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.

1. Modified Toolbar - the condensed toolbar includes only forward, Back, Refresh and Stop functions.
2. Assessment Mode - assessments are shown full-screen and cannot be minimized, resized, or exited until submitted for grading.
3. Disabled Controls - all printing, keystroke combinations, screen grab, function keys, and right-click menus have been disabled.
4. Links - links to other web servers do not compromise the secure testing environment.
5. 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.

Is Respondus LockDown Browser and/or a webcam required?

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

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

System Requirements and Installation

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

• Windows 10* or later
  *Windows 10/11 "S mode" or "SE" is not a compatible operating system for LockDown Browser
• macOS 10.13 or later
• iPadOS 11.0 or later (only if allowed by the instructor)
• Web camera and microphone (if required by the instructor)
• A broadband internet connection

There are two ways to install LockDown Browser for tests in WebCampus/Canvas:

• Download LockDown Browser here (recommended)
• Launch the quiz from your WebCampus course, which will prompt you to install LockDown Browser

Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the install. If you do not have a compatible device, please visit our Respondus website for alternatives.

Taking a LockDown Browser Quiz

Windows or macOS

1. Close all programs, unless one is required for your internet connection.
2. Locate the LockDown Browser application in the Start Menu or Launchpad
3. If prompted to close a blocked program (e.g. screen capture, instant messaging) choose End Process when prompted.
4. Login to WebCampus (Canvas) and open your course.
5. Navigate to the quiz and select Take a Quiz. The quiz will begin if Monitor is not required. If a webcam required, see the Additional Steps below.
6. Once you finish answering all questions, click Submit and exit LockDown Browser.

iPad (if enabled by your instructor)

1. Download and install the LockDown Browser app from the App Store
2. Start the LockDown Browser app
3. 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.
4. Once the setup is complete, you should be directed to the UNLV WebCampus 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)
5. 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.

Troubleshooting Tips and Resources

Take a Test Exam

You can take a practice exam with our test course:

1. Launch the course using the button below
2. In the upper right, select Join this Course. If you do not see the button, you are already in the test course.
3. In the left menu, select Modules
4. From the list, select the Quiz for Requires Respondus LockDown Browser or Requires Respondus LockDown Browser + Webcam
5. Launch the quiz to verify your device is ready for LockDown Browser

Launch WebCampus Test Course

Troubleshooting

Below are tips to help troubleshoot some issues with LockDown Browser. Additional articles can be found on Respondus’ Student Support FAQ page.

• Issues when installing LockDown Browser:
  • I am unable to install LockDown Browser on my Chromebook – This is not a supported device. You must use a Windows or Mac device to use LockDown Browser.
  • Feature or Access Denied access error
• Issues with verifying it's you with a security method when logging into Canvas via LockDown Browser
  • Respondus Lockdown Browser does not support the use of security keys and biometric authentication (Windows Hello and Face ID / Touch ID). As a workaround, students will need to setup Okta Verify, SMS Authentication, or Voice Call Authentication in the ACE Dashboard from a normal browser, and then login to Lockdown Browser.
• Issues with the Start Up Sequence or Beginning the Exam:
  • Cannot detect or configure the webcam
  • Error: There is a problem with the settings for this exam...
    • If you are trying to access the exam through a reminder entry from the Canvas dashboard or the Calendar, try navigating to the course and Quizzes or Modules area to start the exam.
    • If this is the first test that requires a webcam in your course, your instructor may need to load the LockDown Browser dashboard to sync the course with Respondus. You can also contact the IT Help Desk for assistance.
    • Other troubleshooting steps related to this error.
  • iPad Error: Your instructor hasn't enabled the use of a tablet for this exam. You will need to use LockDown Browser on a Windows or Mac computer.
    • Allowing students to use iPads with Lockdown browser is not enabled by default and may not be allowed by your instructor. Check with your instructor to see if they will allow using iPads to complete the test. They can enable the option under the LockDown Browser settings for the exam.
• Restoring Mac Touch Bar

Need Additional Help?

• Resources for taking exams on a publisher's website that requires LockDown Browser:
  • Pearson myLab
  • Hawkes learning

For additional assistance, please visit the WebCampus Knowledge Base for additional articles or our Services area to submit a support ticket. You can also contact the IT Help Desk via phone (702) 895-0777 or email (ithelp@unlv.edu).