Lockdown Browser records your screen, keyboard, and webcam during a test, but not your voice or general computer use

Lockdown Browser is test-taking software that locks down your computer while you take an online exam. It prevents you from opening other programs, visiting websites, or copying text. During the test, it records video of your screen and face (if your school requires it), logs every keystroke, and tracks your mouse movements. It does not record audio unless your school specifically turns that feature on, and it only records during the actual test — not before you start or after you finish.

The recording happens locally on your computer first, then uploads to your school's testing server after the exam ends. Your school controls what gets recorded and can review it later if they suspect cheating. The software is made by Respondus, a company that sells it to colleges and testing centers, and it runs on Windows, Mac, iPad, and Chromebook.

Key Takeaways

  • Lockdown Browser records your screen, face, keyboard input, and mouse movement during a test, but only while the exam is active.
  • Your school decides whether to enable webcam recording, keystroke logging, or both — not all schools use every feature.
  • The software locks your entire computer during the test and blocks access to other programs, websites, and files.
  • Recording stops the moment you submit your exam or the test time expires, and the file uploads to your school's server for review.

What Lockdown Browser Records During a Test

When you take an exam in Lockdown Browser, the software captures your screen in real time. This means your school can see every question, every answer you type, and every second you spend on each question. If your school has enabled webcam recording, it also captures video of your face and upper body throughout the test. The camera stays on continuously and records at intervals (usually every few seconds) to create a video file.

Keystroke logging records every key you press — every letter, number, backspace, and arrow key. This creates a detailed log of how you typed your answers, including corrections and hesitations. Mouse tracking logs where your cursor moves and what you click on. Together, these three streams of data (screen, face, keystrokes) create a complete record of your test-taking behavior that your school can review later.

What Lockdown Browser Does Not Record

Lockdown Browser does not record audio by default. Your school would have to specifically enable microphone recording, and most do not. If audio recording is turned on, you would see a notification before the test starts. The software also does not record anything before you open the test or after you submit it — the recording window is limited to the actual exam time.

Lockdown Browser does not monitor your computer when you are not taking a test. It does not track your browsing, emails, or other programs outside of exam sessions. It does not access your files, photos, or personal documents. Once you close the test, the software stops monitoring and locks itself until the next exam.

How Your School Controls What Gets Recorded

Your school's test administrator decides which recording features are active for each exam. They can turn webcam recording on or off, enable or disable keystroke logging, and set whether the software records your entire screen or just the test window. Some schools record everything; others record only the webcam feed. Some record nothing and only use Lockdown Browser to prevent access to other programs.

Before you start a test, Lockdown Browser shows you a summary of what will be recorded. Read this screen carefully — it tells you whether your face, keystrokes, or screen will be captured. If you are uncomfortable with the recording settings, contact your school's testing center before the exam. They may be able to adjust the settings or offer an alternative testing arrangement.

Where Your Recording Goes and Who Sees It

After you submit your exam, Lockdown Browser uploads the recording file to your school's testing server. The file stays on that server and is accessible only to your school's instructors and testing administrators. Your school owns the recording and decides who can view it — typically the course instructor and academic integrity staff if cheating is suspected.

Respondus, the company that makes Lockdown Browser, does not store or view your recordings. They have access to technical logs and usage data, but not to the actual video or keystroke files. Your school's IT department manages the storage and access. If you want to know how long your school keeps recordings or who has permission to view them, check your school's testing policy or contact the testing center directly.

Why Schools Use Recording Features

Schools use Lockdown Browser recording to detect cheating during online exams. The screen recording shows whether you opened other windows or websites. The webcam recording confirms that you (not someone else) took the test. Keystroke logging can reveal copy-paste behavior or unusually fast typing that suggests you had answers prepared beforehand. Together, these tools create evidence that instructors can review if they suspect academic dishonesty.

Recording also serves as a deterrent — students who know they are being recorded are less likely to attempt cheating. Some schools use recording as a standard practice for all online exams; others use it only for high-stakes tests like midterms or finals. The choice depends on the school's academic integrity policy and the course requirements.

What Happens If You Disable or Bypass Lockdown Browser

Lockdown Browser is designed to prevent you from disabling it during a test. If you try to close the program, restart your computer, or switch to another process, the software will pause the test and lock your screen. You cannot proceed until you return to Lockdown Browser. Attempting to bypass the software is considered a violation of academic integrity at most schools and can result in a failing grade or disciplinary action.

Some students try to use a second device (phone, tablet, or another computer) to look up answers during a test. Lockdown Browser does not monitor your other devices, but if your school has enabled webcam recording, the camera may capture evidence that you were using another device. Your instructor can see this in the video review and report it as cheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Lockdown Browser see what I do on my phone or tablet during the test?

No. Lockdown Browser only monitors the computer it is installed on. It cannot see your phone, tablet, or any other device. However, if your school has enabled webcam recording, the camera may capture video of you using another device, which your instructor can see during review.

Does Lockdown Browser record after I submit the test?

No. Recording stops the moment you submit your exam or when the test time expires. Lockdown Browser does not capture anything before you start the test or after you finish. The software only records during the active test window.

Can I request that my school not record my webcam?

Yes. Contact your school's testing center or disability services office before the exam. Some schools offer alternative testing arrangements for students who have privacy concerns or documented reasons to avoid webcam recording. Your school may allow you to test in a proctored room instead of at home.

What if I accidentally close Lockdown Browser during a test?

The software will lock your screen and pause the test. You will need to restart Lockdown Browser to continue. Depending on your school's settings, you may lose time or be unable to resume. Contact your instructor or testing center when ready if this happens during an exam.

How long does my school keep the recordings?

This varies by school. Some keep recordings for one semester, others for one year, and some keep them indefinitely. Check your school's data retention policy or testing guidelines. You can also contact your testing center to ask how long your specific recording will be stored.