Respondus Lockdown Browser records your screen and webcam during exams, but not your entire computer
Respondus Lockdown Browser is a test-taking process that your school or instructor installs to prevent cheating during online exams. When you use it, the software records video of your face and your screen — the exam questions and your answers — while you take the test. It does not record your keyboard typing, your mouse movements, or anything happening outside the browser window.
The recording happens automatically once you start an exam. You will see a webcam indicator light up, and you may hear a notification that recording has begun. The video file is uploaded to your instructor's account after you finish and submit the exam. Your instructor can then watch the recording to verify that you took the test yourself and did not use unauthorized materials.
Many students worry that Lockdown Browser is always watching, even when they are not taking an exam. This is not true. The software only activates recording when you open an exam within the browser. Outside of that, it functions like a normal web browser with some features disabled.
Key Takeaways
- Respondus Lockdown Browser records your face via webcam and your screen during exams, but only while the exam is active.
- The recording does not capture your keyboard, mouse clicks, or anything outside the browser window.
- Video files are stored on your school's servers and can be reviewed by your instructor after you submit the exam.
- The software does not record anything when you are not taking an exam, even if the browser is open.
- Your school's privacy policy and exam policies determine how long recordings are kept and who can view them.
What the webcam recording actually captures
The webcam records your face and upper body from the angle of your computer's camera. This allows your instructor to confirm that you are the person taking the exam and to watch for signs of cheating — such as looking away from the screen, consulting notes, or speaking to someone off-camera. The video quality depends on your webcam and lighting, but it is typically clear enough to see your face and the general area around you.
If your computer does not have a webcam, you may not be able to take the exam at all, depending on your school's settings. Some schools require the webcam; others make it optional. Check with your instructor or your school's testing center before exam day if you are unsure whether you have the right equipment.
What the screen recording captures
The screen recording shows everything displayed on your monitor while you are in the exam — the test questions, your answers, any images or diagrams, and the timer. If you switch to a different window or tab, the recording will show that switch and whatever appears on screen. This is why Lockdown Browser locks down your computer: it prevents you from opening other applications or tabs that might contain answers or unauthorized resources.
The screen recording does not capture your typing speed, individual keystrokes, or how long you pause between answers. It only shows the final result — what you typed and what you selected. This means your instructor cannot tell whether you typed an answer quickly or spent five minutes thinking about it.
How the recording is stored and who can see it
After you submit your exam, the video file is automatically uploaded to your school's Respondus account. Your instructor can log in and watch the recording whenever they choose. The video is typically stored on Respondus's servers, which are hosted by the company, not by your school directly.
Your school's privacy policy determines how long these recordings are kept. Some schools delete them after the semester ends; others keep them longer. You should review your school's data retention policy or ask your instructor how long your exam recordings will be stored. You may also have the right to request that your recording be deleted after a certain period, depending on your state's privacy laws.
Only your instructor and authorized school staff can normally view your recording. Respondus does not share recordings with third parties, and the company cannot view your recording without your school's permission. However, if your school is investigating academic integrity concerns, other staff members may be granted access to your recording as part of that process.
What Lockdown Browser does not record
Lockdown Browser does not record your keyboard input, so your instructor cannot see which keys you pressed or how fast you typed. It does not record your mouse movements or clicks — only what appears on screen as a result of those clicks. It does not record audio from your microphone, only video from your webcam. It does not record anything happening on other monitors, other devices, or outside your computer's screen.
The software also does not record your internet activity, your browsing history, or any files on your hard drive. It cannot see your email, your text messages, or your other applications unless you physically switch to them on the same monitor during the exam. This is an important distinction: Lockdown Browser is a test-taking tool, not spyware that monitors your entire digital life.
Why schools use Respondus Lockdown Browser
Schools use Lockdown Browser because online exams are vulnerable to cheating in ways that in-person tests are not. A student taking an exam at home could easily open a search engine, consult notes, or ask someone else for answers. Lockdown Browser prevents this by locking down the computer — disabling other applications, blocking new tabs, and preventing alt-tabbing to other windows. The recording serves as a deterrent and as evidence if cheating is suspected.
The software is not perfect. Some students find ways around it, and the recording alone cannot prove that cheating occurred — only that something unusual happened on screen. But for most schools, it represents a middle ground between trusting students completely and requiring them to take exams in a physical testing center.
Technical requirements and common problems
Respondus Lockdown Browser runs on Windows, Mac, and some Chromebooks. You need a working webcam, a stable internet connection, and enough disk space for the process. The software is usually free to read through your school's learning management system, such as Canvas, Blackboard, or D2L.
Common problems include the webcam not being recognized, the browser crashing during an exam, or the recording failing to upload after you finish. If you encounter any of these issues, contact your school's IT support or testing center before your exam. They can troubleshoot your setup and may be able to reschedule your exam if there is a technical problem on exam day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Respondus Lockdown Browser see my other monitors or devices?
No. Lockdown Browser only records what is displayed on the monitor connected to the computer running the browser. It cannot see other monitors, tablets, phones, or devices in your room. However, your instructor may see you looking away from your screen during the recording, which could raise questions.
Does Lockdown Browser record after I submit the exam?
No. Recording stops as soon as you submit your exam and close the test. The browser returns to normal mode, and no further video is captured. However, the video of your exam session remains stored and can be reviewed by your instructor at any time.
What happens if my webcam is broken during the exam?
This depends on your school's policy. Some schools allow you to take the exam without a webcam recording; others require you to reschedule. Contact your instructor or testing center when ready if your webcam stops working during an exam. Do not straightforward continue — let them know what happened so they can decide how to proceed.
Can I request that my recording be deleted?
You can ask your instructor or your school's records office about their data retention policy and whether you have the right to request deletion. Some schools delete recordings automatically after a set period. Others keep them indefinitely. Your state's privacy laws may give you additional rights to request deletion of your data.
Is Respondus Lockdown Browser the same as Respondus Monitor?
No. Respondus Monitor is a different product that uses artificial intelligence to detect suspicious behavior during exams, such as multiple faces in the frame or objects that look like answer sheets. Lockdown Browser is the older product that straightforward records video and locks down your computer. Your school uses one or the other, or sometimes both together.