Lockdown browsers record your screen and sometimes your webcam, but not your entire device
A lockdown browser is software that restricts what you can do on your computer during a test or exam. It locks down your screen to show only the test, blocks you from opening other programs, and often records video of you taking the test. What it records depends on which lockdown browser the school or testing company uses — some capture just your screen, others capture your face through your webcam, and a few capture both.
The most common lockdown browsers are Respondus LockDown Browser, Proctorio, Examity, and ProctorU. Each one records different things. Respondus typically records your screen and audio. Proctorio records your screen, webcam, and audio. Examity and ProctorU record video of your face and your screen. None of them record your keyboard input, your mouse movements, or anything happening on other parts of your computer — they only see what appears on the test screen itself.
The recording happens on the testing company's servers, not on your computer. This means the video file is stored by them, not saved to your hard drive where you could delete it. You cannot turn off the recording once the test starts, and you cannot see the recording afterward unless the school or testing company chooses to show it to you.
Key Takeaways
- Lockdown browsers record your screen and sometimes your face, but only during the test — they do not monitor your computer before or after you start.
- Different lockdown browsers record different things: some capture screen only, others capture screen plus webcam, and some capture both plus audio.
- The recording is stored on the testing company's servers, not on your computer, so you cannot delete it or prevent it from being saved.
- Lockdown browsers block you from switching to other programs, but they do not record what is on your other programs or your keyboard typing.
What each major lockdown browser records
Respondus LockDown Browser records your screen and the audio from your microphone. It does not use your webcam. The school or testing company can see everything you see on the test screen, and they can hear you if you speak during the test. This is the most common lockdown browser used by colleges and universities.
Proctorio records your screen, your face through your webcam, and your audio. It also tracks your eye movement and flags moments when you look away from the screen for too long. The company stores all of this video and makes it available to your instructor or proctor to review after the test is over.
Examity and ProctorU both record your screen and your webcam feed simultaneously. A live proctor watches you in real time during the test and can pause the test or end it if they see suspicious behavior. The recording is saved for later review. ProctorU also records audio, while Examity's audio recording depends on your school's settings.
Honorlock and Respondus Monitor are newer options. Honorlock records screen and webcam with a live proctor watching. Respondus Monitor records screen and webcam but uses artificial intelligence to flag suspicious moments instead of a live person watching — your instructor reviews the flagged moments later.
What lockdown browsers cannot and do not record
Lockdown browsers cannot see your keyboard input. They do not know what keys you press, so they cannot tell if you are typing notes into a hidden document or searching for answers. They also do not record your mouse movements or clicks outside the test window.
They do not record anything on your other monitors if you have more than one screen connected to your computer. If you have a second monitor, the lockdown browser only locks the monitor where the test appears. However, most schools require you to use only one monitor during the test, and some proctors will ask you to show your desk and other screens before you start.
Lockdown browsers do not record your internet history, your email, your files, or anything else on your computer. They do not install permanent spyware or continue monitoring you after the test ends. Once you close the lockdown browser, the recording stops and the software stops blocking your other programs.
They also do not record audio unless the specific lockdown browser includes audio recording. Respondus LockDown Browser records audio, but Respondus Monitor does not — it only records video. Check with your school about which browser they use if you are concerned about audio recording.
Why schools use lockdown browsers and what they are looking for
Schools use lockdown browsers to prevent cheating during remote tests. The recording serves as evidence if a student is suspected of academic dishonesty. Proctors and instructors review the recordings looking for signs like reading from papers, looking at another screen, talking to someone off-camera, or leaving the test area.
The eye-tracking feature in Proctorio flags moments when your eyes move away from the test screen, but this does not automatically mean you cheated — your instructor has to review the flagged moments and decide if the behavior was suspicious. Looking away briefly to think is normal and usually not flagged as a problem.
Most schools do not review every second of every recording. Instead, they spot-check recordings or only review them if a student's test score seems unusually high or if the student is flagged by the artificial intelligence system. If your test goes smoothly and your score is in line with your usual performance, your recording may never be watched by a human.
How to prepare for a lockdown browser test
Before the test, your school will tell you which lockdown browser to use and usually provide a system check tool. Run this tool on the computer you plan to use for the test. It checks that your webcam works, your microphone works, and your internet connection is stable. If the system check fails, contact your school's tech support before test day.
On test day, close all other programs before you open the lockdown browser. Close your email, messaging apps, web browsers, and anything else running in the background. Some lockdown browsers will not start if they detect other programs open. Clear your desk of papers, books, and phones. Have only your computer, a pen, and blank paper if your school allows scratch paper.
Make sure your webcam has a clear view of your face and your desk. Position your monitor so the camera can see you and the area around you. If you wear glasses, make sure they are clean so the eye-tracking feature (if your school uses it) can see your eyes clearly. Test your lighting — your face should be clearly visible, not backlit or in shadow.
If you need to use the bathroom during the test, tell your proctor before you leave. If a live proctor is watching, they will pause the test. If you are using a recorded lockdown browser without a live proctor, check your school's policy — some allow bathroom breaks, others do not.
Your privacy and what happens to the recordings
The recordings are stored on the testing company's servers and are considered part of your educational record. Your school can access them, and in some cases, the testing company can access them. The recordings are not public and are not shared with anyone outside your school without your permission, except in cases of suspected academic dishonesty where the school may need to share them with a disciplinary committee.
You have the right to request your recording under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) if you are a student in the United States. Contact your school's registrar or records office to request a copy. Some schools make recordings available to students through the learning management system; others require a formal request.
The testing companies have privacy policies that explain how long they keep recordings and what they do with them. Respondus keeps recordings for a set period depending on your school's contract, then deletes them. Proctorio and ProctorU keep recordings indefinitely unless your school requests deletion. Read your school's privacy notice about lockdown browsers — they are required to tell you what is being recorded and how it will be used.
What to do if you are concerned about a lockdown browser
If you have concerns about using a lockdown browser — whether for privacy reasons, technical reasons, or accessibility reasons — talk to your instructor or your school's disability services office before the test. Some schools offer alternatives like in-person proctoring, oral exams, or different testing formats for students with documented needs.
If you have a disability that makes it difficult to sit still, maintain eye contact, or use a webcam, your school may be required to provide accommodations. Contact your disability services office to discuss what options are available. Many schools will allow you to take the test in a proctored testing center instead of at home if you request it.
If you experience a technical problem during the test — your internet cuts out, your webcam stops working, or the lockdown browser crashes — stop and contact your school's tech support when ready. Do not try to restart the test on your own. Your school will have a process for handling technical failures and may allow you to retake the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lockdown browser see my other monitors or my phone?
A lockdown browser only locks the monitor where the test appears. It cannot see your phone, your other monitors, or anything outside the test window. However, most schools require you to show your desk and other screens before the test starts, and some proctors will ask you to put your phone in another room.
Does the lockdown browser keep recording after I finish the test?
No. The recording stops as soon as you close the lockdown browser or submit your test. The software does not continue monitoring your computer after the test ends. You can use your computer normally once the test is finished.
Can I delete the recording after the test?
No. The recording is stored on the testing company's servers, not on your computer. You cannot delete it. Only your school or the testing company can delete recordings, and they typically keep them for a set period or indefinitely depending on their policy.
What happens if I look away from the screen during the test?
Looking away briefly is normal and usually not a problem. If your school uses eye-tracking, the system may flag moments when you look away for an extended period, but your instructor has to review the flagged moments and decide if it was suspicious behavior. Thinking with your eyes off the screen is not cheating.
Do I need to give permission for the lockdown browser to record me?
Your school should notify you that recording will happen and explain what will be recorded. By taking the test, you are typically consenting to the recording. If you do not consent, talk to your instructor about alternative testing options before the test date.