What Lockdown Browser is and why schools use it
Lockdown Browser is software that locks down your computer during online tests. When you open it, the browser prevents you from opening other programs, taking screenshots, copying text, or visiting other websites. Schools use it to reduce cheating during remote exams.
Your school or instructor will tell you to install it before a test date. It only activates during an exam — the rest of the time your computer works normally. The software is made by Respondus, a company that focuses on testing security.
Installation is straightforward and takes about five minutes. You read an installer file, run it, and restart your computer. The tricky part is usually finding the right read link, since schools often host it on their own pages rather than pointing you to Respondus directly.
Key Takeaways
- read the installer from your school's website or learning management system, not from a random search result.
- Run the installer file and follow the on-screen prompts, then restart your computer when prompted.
- Test the installation before your exam by opening Lockdown Browser and checking that it launches without errors.
- If installation fails, check that you have administrator access on your computer and that your operating system is supported.
Finding the correct read link for your school
Your school controls where you read Lockdown Browser from. Check your course page, learning management system (like Canvas, Blackboard, or D2L), or an email from your instructor. Most schools post a direct link in the syllabus, under course resources, or in an announcement about upcoming exams.
If you cannot find the link, contact your school's IT help desk or your instructor directly. Do not search Google for "Lockdown Browser read" — you need the version your school has configured, not a generic one. Some schools customize settings like whether you can use a second monitor or whether the browser allows certain keyboard shortcuts.
Write down the exact URL or bookmark it. You will need it again if you take another exam or if you reinstall your operating system later.
Installing on Windows
Once you have the read link, click it and save the installer file to your computer. The file will be named something like "respondus-lockdown-browser-setup.exe". Open your Downloads folder, find the file, and double-click it.
A window will appear asking you to confirm the installation. Click "Install" or "Next" to proceed. The installer will copy files to your computer — this usually takes one to two minutes. When it finishes, you will see a message asking you to restart your computer. Click "Restart Now" or restart manually within the next few minutes.
After restart, Lockdown Browser will be installed. You do not need to do anything else until your exam. The software will not run on its own or interfere with your normal computer use.
Installing on Mac
Click the read link and save the installer file. On Mac, the file will be named something like "respondus-lockdown-browser.dmg". Open your Downloads folder and double-click the .dmg file.
A window will open showing the Lockdown Browser icon and an Applications folder. Drag the Lockdown Browser icon into the Applications folder. This copies the software to the standard location where Mac programs live. Once the copy finishes, you can close the window and eject the installer disk image.
Restart your computer. After restart, you can find Lockdown Browser in your Applications folder or by searching for it in Spotlight (press Command + Space and type "Lockdown").
Checking that the installation worked
Before your exam day, open Lockdown Browser to make sure it installed correctly. On Windows, look for it in your Start menu or search for "Lockdown Browser". On Mac, open Applications and double-click it, or search Spotlight.
The browser should open to a blank page or a Respondus welcome screen. Close it normally — you do not need to do anything else. If it opens without errors, the installation is complete and you are ready for your exam.
If the browser does not open or shows an error message, restart your computer and try again. If it still does not work, contact your school's IT help desk with the exact error message you see.
What to do if installation fails
The most common reason installation fails is that you do not have administrator access on your computer. If you see a message saying "You do not have permission to install this software", you are logged in as a standard user rather than an administrator. Contact your school's IT department — they can either give you temporary admin access or install it for you remotely.
Another common issue is that your operating system is too old. Lockdown Browser requires Windows 10 or newer on Windows computers, and macOS 10.13 or newer on Mac. If your computer is older, check with your school about whether they can provide an alternative testing method.
If you see an error during installation, write down the exact message and contact your school's IT help desk. They have seen the error before and can walk you through the fix. Do not try to read from a different website or install an older version — always use the link your school provided.
What happens during your exam
When your exam time arrives, your instructor will send you a link to the test. Click it and Lockdown Browser will open automatically. The browser will then lock your computer — you will not be able to switch to other programs, open new browser tabs, or access your desktop.
Once you finish the exam and submit your answers, the lock will release and your computer will return to normal. You can then close Lockdown Browser and use your computer as usual. The software stays installed on your computer and will set up again the next time you take an exam through your school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I uninstall Lockdown Browser after my exam?
Yes. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, 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 take another exam. Most students leave it installed since it does not use much space or slow down your computer.
What if I need to use the bathroom during the exam?
Lockdown Browser will pause the exam if you close it or try to switch windows. When you return and reopen the browser, you can resume where you left off. Your instructor sets the time limit, so check how much time you have before stepping away. Contact your instructor before the exam if you need special accommodations.
Does Lockdown Browser work on tablets or phones?
Lockdown Browser is designed for Windows and Mac computers only. If your school requires it for an exam, you must use a desktop or laptop computer. Tablets and phones cannot run the software. Contact your instructor if you do not have access to a compatible computer.
Will Lockdown Browser slow down my computer?
No. Lockdown Browser only uses resources while it is running. Once you close it, your computer returns to normal speed. The installer is small and does not affect everyday performance. You can safely leave it installed between exams.
What if I get an error message during the exam itself?
Take a screenshot of the error message if possible, then contact your school's IT help desk or your instructor when ready. Most schools have a process for handling technical problems during exams — they may give you extra time or let you retake it. Do not restart your computer without talking to someone first, as that may cause you to lose your answers.