Lockdown Browser records video of your screen and face, but not audio from your microphone

Lockdown Browser is test-proctoring software that locks down your computer during an exam. It records your screen and your webcam feed, but it does not record audio from your microphone by default. Some institutions turn on audio recording as an extra layer, but that is a choice the school or testing organization makes — not something the software does automatically.

The confusion often comes from the fact that Lockdown Browser monitors a lot. It watches what you do on your screen, it watches your face through your webcam, and it can see if you have other windows open or if you try to switch tabs. That level of surveillance makes people assume it is also listening. It is not, unless the institution running the test has specifically enabled that feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Lockdown Browser records your screen and webcam video during a test, but audio recording is turned off unless your school or testing organization specifically enables it.
  • The software can detect when you switch windows, open new tabs, or move your mouse off the screen, which is why it feels intrusive even though it is not recording sound.
  • If your institution does use audio recording, they will tell you before the test — it is not a hidden feature.
  • The recording is stored on your computer first, then uploaded to the testing organization's server after the exam ends.

How Lockdown Browser actually works during a test

When you start a test in Lockdown Browser, the software takes over your entire screen. It disables your keyboard shortcuts, hides your taskbar, and prevents you from opening other programs. At the same time, it starts recording two separate video streams: one of your screen showing the test questions and your answers, and one of your face from your webcam.

The software also tracks your behavior — it logs every time you move your mouse, every keystroke, and every time you try to leave the test window. If you click outside the test area or try to open another program, Lockdown Browser flags that in the recording metadata. A human proctor or an automated system can review these flags later to see if something suspicious happened.

All of this data stays on your computer while the test is running. Once you finish and submit your answers, Lockdown Browser uploads the video files and the behavior log to your school's or testing organization's server. That is when they can review what happened during your exam.

When audio recording is turned on and how you would know

Some institutions do enable audio recording in Lockdown Browser, usually as part of a stricter proctoring setup. If your school or testing organization has turned this on, they are required to tell you before you take the test. This information typically appears in the test instructions, in an email before the exam, or in a setup screen you see when you launch Lockdown Browser.

Audio recording, when enabled, captures sound from your microphone. This means the proctor can hear you talking, moving around, or any background noise in your room. The audio is recorded alongside the video and behavior data, creating a complete record of your test session.

If you are unsure whether audio recording is on for your test, contact your instructor or your school's testing center before you sit down to take the exam. Do not assume it is off just because you were not explicitly told it was on.

What the webcam actually sees and records

The webcam records your face and upper body throughout the test. Lockdown Browser uses this to detect if someone else is in the room with you, if you are looking away from the screen for long periods, or if you are reading from notes or another device. The video quality is usually lower than a professional video call — it is designed to capture behavior, not to create a high-definition recording.

The webcam feed is continuous. It does not stop recording if you look down or if someone walks past your desk. Everything that happens in front of your camera during the test window becomes part of the record that your school can review.

Why people think Lockdown Browser records audio when it does not

The confusion usually stems from three things. First, Lockdown Browser is so restrictive that it feels like total surveillance — people assume if it is watching your screen and face, it must be listening too. Second, some testing organizations do use audio recording, and news stories about proctoring software often mention audio without clarifying that it is optional. Third, the software requires microphone permissions to run, which makes people think it is actively using the microphone even when it is not.

Lockdown Browser needs microphone permissions because some institutions do turn audio recording on, and the software needs to be able to access your microphone if they do. Permission does not mean active recording — it just means the software has the ability to record if instructed to.

What happens to the recording after your test

Once you submit your test, Lockdown Browser uploads the video file, the screen recording, and the behavior log to your school's testing server. The files are usually stored for a set period — often 30 to 90 days, though this varies by institution. During that time, a proctor or an automated system can review the recordings if there is a question about your test or if the system flagged suspicious behavior.

Your school decides what happens to the recordings after that retention period ends. Most institutions delete them, but some keep them in an archive. You can ask your testing center what their retention and deletion policy is.

How to check your Lockdown Browser settings before a test

Before you take a test, you can open Lockdown Browser and look at the test information page. This page shows you what features are enabled for that specific test. If audio recording is on, it will be listed there. You can also see whether your webcam is required, whether your microphone is required, and what other restrictions explore.

If you see that audio recording is enabled and you have concerns about it, talk to your instructor or testing center before the exam. Some institutions will make exceptions or offer alternative testing arrangements if you have a documented reason to request them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Lockdown Browser hear me talking during the test?

Only if your school has turned on audio recording. By default, Lockdown Browser does not record audio. If audio recording is enabled, it will be listed in your test settings before you start. Check your test information page or contact your testing center to confirm.

Does Lockdown Browser record my keyboard typing sounds?

No. Lockdown Browser does not record any audio by default, which includes keyboard sounds. It logs your keystrokes as data (so the proctor can see what you typed), but it does not capture the sound of you typing.

What if I have my phone in the room during the test?

Lockdown Browser cannot see or hear your phone — it only records what your webcam and microphone (if enabled) capture. However, most testing organizations require you to keep your phone out of reach or in another room. Check your test instructions for the specific rules your school has set.

Can I turn off my webcam or microphone during the test?

No. If your test requires a webcam or microphone, Lockdown Browser will not let you disable it. If you try to unplug your webcam or mute your microphone, the software will detect this and flag it as suspicious behavior. If you have a technical issue with your camera or microphone, contact your testing center before the exam.

Is the Lockdown Browser recording stored on my computer or sent to the cloud?

It is stored on your computer first while you are taking the test, then uploaded to your school's server after you submit. The files are not sent to the cloud in real-time — the upload happens after the test ends. Once uploaded, your school controls where and how long the files are kept.