Respondus LockDown Browser (Student Guide)
- What is LockDown Browser?
- Before You Begin
- Installing LockDown Browser
- Taking an Exam with LockDown Browser
- Tips for Success
- Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Still need help?
What is LockDown Browser?
LockDown Browser is a custom web browser that locks down your testing environment during an exam. Your instructor decides whether it is required for a particular Canvas quiz. If it is, you will not be able to open that quiz in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. You will need to open it in LockDown Browser instead.
Before You Begin
- Install it ahead of time. Do not wait until the exam starts.
- Use a supported device. LockDown Browser works on Windows and Mac computers, iPads, and Chromebooks (through a Chrome extension). It does not work on phones, Android tablets, Linux, or virtual machines. It also cannot be used inside the Canvas Student mobile app.
- Download it using the official IWU download link. This version is set up for Illinois Wesleyan University and works with our Canvas site. Versions from other sources may not.
- Check your internet connection. A stable connection is essential. Use a wired connection if possible.
- Prepare your device. Plug in your charger, restart your computer, and close all other programs.
- Take the practice quiz. If your instructor provides one, use it to test your setup.
Installing LockDown Browser
Windows or Mac
- Go to the official IWU download link.
- Download the installer for your operating system.
- Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts.
- When installation finishes, open LockDown Browser to confirm it launches.
iPad
- Open the App Store and search for LockDown Browser.
- Install the app and open it.
- Select Illinois Wesleyan University from the list of institutions, then log in to Canvas.
Chromebook
- Open Chrome and go to the official IWU download link.
- Install the LockDown Browser extension from the Chrome Web Store.
- Log in to Canvas and open your quiz. The extension launches the secure environment.
Taking an Exam with LockDown Browser
- Close all other applications and browser windows.
- Open LockDown Browser (not your regular browser).
- Log in to Canvas and go to your course.
- Open the quiz from the course’s Quizzes or Assignments page, or from the link your instructor provides.
- Complete and submit the exam. You cannot exit LockDown Browser until you submit.
Tips for Success
- Choose a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted.
- Disconnect any extra monitors.
- Turn off notifications, screen sharing, and messaging apps before you start.
- Do not try to leave the exam, switch windows, or use keyboard shortcuts such as Print Screen, as these are blocked.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
“LockDown Browser cannot start” or “Please close the following programs”
Another program is conflicting with LockDown Browser. Close the programs listed in the message. Common culprits are screen-sharing tools, messaging apps, remote-access software, and screen recorders. On Windows, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end any remaining background tasks. Then restart LockDown Browser.
The quiz won’t open, or Canvas says LockDown Browser is required
You are probably using a regular browser. Close it, open LockDown Browser, log in to Canvas, and open the quiz from there. If that doesn’t work, make sure you are logging in with your IWU credentials and that you selected the correct institution if prompted.
LockDown Browser won't install or won't open
- Confirm your operating system is supported and up to date.
- Re-download the installer from the official link above and run it again.
- Uninstall LockDown Browser, restart your device, and reinstall it.
- On Windows, right-click the installer and choose Run as administrator.
- Temporarily pause antivirus or firewall software if it blocks installation. Turn it back on afterward.
You see a message that your version is out of date
Download and install the latest version from the official link above. Do this before exam day, since updates can be released at any time.
Your internet drops during the exam
Reconnect as quickly as you can and reopen LockDown Browser. Your answers are usually saved as you go, but this depends on how your instructor configured the quiz. Contact your instructor immediately and explain what happened.
The screen freezes, or you are locked out of the exam
Wait a minute to see if it recovers. If not, restart your device, reopen LockDown Browser, and log in to Canvas again. Contact your instructor right away. Instructors can reset quiz attempts in some cases.
You use a virtual machine, remote desktop, or secondary monitor
LockDown Browser will not run in a virtual machine or over remote desktop, and extra monitors must be disconnected. Switch to a standard, local setup.
You see a message about permissions (Mac)
macOS may ask you to allow LockDown Browser to access certain settings. Follow the prompts and allow the requested permissions under System Settings > Privacy & Security, then restart the browser.
Still need help?
If you tried the steps above and are still having trouble:
- Contact your instructor first if you are having problems during an exam. Tell them what happened and take a screenshot of any error message if you can.
- Contact the IT Service Desk for technical issues:
- Email: it@iwu.edu
- Phone: 309-556-3900
- Location: Ames 070
- For issues that persist, Respondus also provides support at support.respondus.com.
When you contact support, include your device type, operating system version, LockDown Browser version, the name of your course and quiz, and the exact text of any error message.