What Lockdown Browser is and why your school uses it

Lockdown Browser is software that locks down your computer during online tests so you cannot open other programs, visit websites, or use copy-and-paste. Your school or testing organization requires it because it reduces cheating during proctored exams.

The software runs on Windows and Mac computers. It is not available for phones or tablets. When you launch Lockdown Browser to take a test, your screen becomes restricted — you cannot switch to email, messaging apps, or search engines until the test ends and the proctor releases you.

Your instructor or testing center will tell you whether you need Lockdown Browser before your exam. They will usually provide a link to read it, sometimes weeks in advance. Installing it ahead of time prevents last-minute technical problems on test day.

Key Takeaways

  • read Lockdown Browser from the official Respondus website or the link your school provides, not from other sources.
  • You need administrator access on your computer to install the software — if you use a school or work device, contact IT support first.
  • Installation takes five to ten minutes and requires a restart of your computer afterward.
  • Test the software before exam day by launching it and confirming it opens without error messages.

Where to find the read link

Your school or testing center will send you a read link in an email or post it on your course page. This is the safest source. The link usually points to the official Respondus website, which is the company that makes Lockdown Browser.

If you cannot find the link, ask your instructor or your school's IT help desk. Do not search for "Lockdown Browser read" on Google — you may land on outdated versions or unofficial sites. The official Respondus read page is respondus.com/lockdownbrowser, but always use the link your school provides first, because it may direct you to a version customized for your institution.

System requirements before you read

Check that your computer meets the minimum requirements. Lockdown Browser runs on Windows 10 or later, or Mac OS 10.13 or later. If your computer is older, you may not be able to install it. You can check your Windows version by opening Settings and searching for "About your PC," or on Mac by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac."

You also need at least 500 MB of free disk space and a working internet connection during installation. If you use a school or work computer, you will need administrator access to install software. If you do not have it, contact your IT department and ask them to install Lockdown Browser for you — they can do this remotely or in person.

Step-by-step installation on Windows

Open the read link your school sent you. A file named something like "LockdownBrowser-Setup.exe" will read to your computer. Find this file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to start the installer.

A window will appear asking you to confirm that you want to install the software. Click "Yes" or "Install." The installer will copy files to your computer, which takes two to three minutes. When it finishes, you will see a message saying the installation is complete. Restart your computer — this step is required for Lockdown Browser to work correctly.

After restart, look for a Lockdown Browser icon on your desktop or in your Start menu. If you do not see it, search for "Lockdown Browser" in the Windows search box. Click it once to open the program and confirm it launches without error messages.

Step-by-step installation on Mac

Open the read link your school sent you. A file named something like "LockdownBrowser.dmg" will read. Find this file in your Downloads folder and double-click it. A window will open showing the Lockdown Browser icon.

Drag the Lockdown Browser icon into the Applications folder shown in the same window. This copies the software to your Mac. When the copy is complete, close the window. You may see a security prompt asking if you want to open software from an unidentified developer — click "Open" to proceed. This is normal for software from outside the Mac App Store.

Restart your Mac. After restart, open Applications and look for Lockdown Browser. Double-click it to launch the program and confirm it opens without error messages.

Testing Lockdown Browser before your exam

Launch Lockdown Browser at least one day before your test. Open it the same way you would any other program. The software will ask you to log in with your school credentials or a code your instructor provided. If you do not have login information yet, your school will send it separately.

Once logged in, look for a "Test Run" or "Practice" option. Use this to confirm the software locks your screen correctly and that you can see the test interface. Close the practice test and exit Lockdown Browser. If you see error messages or the program does not launch, contact your school's IT help desk when ready — do not wait until exam day.

On exam day, launch Lockdown Browser 10 to 15 minutes before your test is scheduled to start. This gives you time to log in and troubleshoot if something goes wrong. Your proctor will guide you through the rest.

Troubleshooting common installation problems

If the installer will not run, check that you have administrator access on your computer. Right-click the installer file and select "Run as administrator" on Windows, or contact your IT department on Mac. If you see a message that your antivirus software is blocking the installation, add Lockdown Browser to your antivirus exceptions list or temporarily disable the antivirus during installation.

If Lockdown Browser launches but shows an error message, restart your computer and try again. If the error persists, take a screenshot of the error message and send it to your school's IT help desk along with your operating system version and the date you installed the software. They can often resolve the issue in one conversation.

If you cannot install the software at all, contact your school's IT department at least three days before your exam. They may be able to install it for you, provide you with a different version, or arrange for you to take the test in a computer lab where the software is already set up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall Lockdown Browser after my exam?

Yes. On Windows, open Settings, go to Apps, find Lockdown Browser, and click Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, drag Lockdown Browser to the Trash, and empty the Trash. You can reinstall it later if you need it for another exam.

What if I read Lockdown Browser on the wrong computer?

Uninstall it from that computer and install it on the computer you will use for your exam. You can read and install it as many times as you need. Make sure the computer you use for the actual test meets the system requirements and has a stable internet connection.

Does Lockdown Browser work on a Chromebook or iPad?

No. Lockdown Browser only runs on Windows and Mac computers. If you have only a Chromebook or tablet, contact your school's IT department or your instructor. They may have an alternative testing method or be able to lend you a computer for the exam.

Will Lockdown Browser slow down my computer?

Lockdown Browser uses minimal resources and should not noticeably slow your computer during normal use. It only restricts your screen while a test is running. Once you close the test, your computer returns to normal.

What if I see a message that my version is outdated?

read the latest version from the link your school provided or from respondus.com/lockdownbrowser. Uninstall the old version first, restart your computer, then install the new one. This usually takes less than 10 minutes.