Center for Teaching and Learning
Student Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor
Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that restricts students to the online testing environment within Blackboard during exams. While using LockDown Browser, students cannot access other applications, websites, or outside resources. Respondus Monitor works alongside LockDown Browser to uphold academic integrity. When Monitor is enabled, a webcam records the student throughout the exam session. Recordings are reviewed using analytics to identify potential violations.
If your instructor requires Respondus LockDown Browser or Monitor, instructions for downloading and using the browser will be provided in your course syllabus or course materials.
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor are tools used to ensure exam integrity in online courses. To get started, students should first download and install the correct version of LockDown Browser from the myGSU portal. Before taking a test, close all other applications and launch LockDown Browser. Navigate to the exam within your course and follow the on-screen prompts to begin. If Monitor is enabled, you'll be guided through a webcam check, environment scan, and ID verification process. Ensure you're in a quiet, well-lit room, and follow any specific instructions provided by your instructor to avoid flags that could impact your grade. Remember to remain focused on the screen and avoid any activities that might be flagged as suspicious behavior during the exam.
Open the Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor Quick Start Guide Original or Ultra to learn more.
Operating Systems
Windows: 11 and 10*
* Includes x86 32 and 64 bit processors, ARM 64 bit processors using x86 emulation including CoPilot+PC devices.
* Windows 10/11 "S mode" is not a compatible operating system, nor can LockDown Browser be obtained via the Windows App Store. At present, support for Windows 10/11 "S Mode" isn’t on the roadmap for LockDown Browser.
* Windows 10/11 "SE" is currently not a compatible operating system for LockDown Browser.
Mac: macOS 11 to 26.0+.
ChromeOS: LockDown Browser for Chromebook minimally requires the version of ChromeOS that Google makes available via their Long Term Support (LTS) channel. For more information, visit: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/search/label/LTS
Respondus recommends keeping your Chromebook updated to the most recent version that is available via Google’s ChromeOS “Stable” channel: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/search/label/stable
iPadOS: 12.0+ (iPad only). Must have a compatible LMS integration. The LockDown Browser iPad app is not compatible with Sakai LMS servers. All Sakai users will need to use a computer with a compatible operating system.
LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor may continue to run in older operating systems that have reached “end-of-life” but students may encounter unexpected results.
Memory
Windows: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)
Mac: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)
Hard Disk Space
Windows: 300 MB of free hard disk space
Mac: 400 MB of free hard disk space
To download the Respondus LockDown Browser:
- Login to the myGSU portal.
- From the Student portal, select the Respondus LockDown Browser download button in the Quick Links section to download the software to your device.
- Once the file downloads to your device (usually Downloads folder), open the file to install.
- You may remove the installer after Respondus LockDown Browser is successfully installed.
Taking an Online Test with LockDown Browser
Taking an online test with LockDown Browser is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:
- Install LockDown Browser on your computer before your exam date. Do not wait until the day of the exam to download and install the browser.
- Close all other applications on your computer before launching LockDown Browser.
- Open LockDown Browser and log in to Blackboard. Navigate to your course and select the exam to begin.
- Complete the webcam setup if your instructor has enabled Respondus Monitor. You will be guided through an environment check that includes showing your ID, displaying your workspace, and confirming that no unauthorized materials are present.
- Begin your exam once all setup steps are complete. You will remain in the secure LockDown Browser environment for the duration of the test.
Open the Student Experience web tutorial to learn more.
LockDown Browser meets all web content accessibility guidelines, as documented in their Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). LockDown Browser also works with many assistive technologies.
Open the Accessibility with LockDown Browser to learn more.
Contact Us
- Center for Teaching & Learning
- Governors State University - C Building
- 708-534-4115
- blackboard@govst.edu