Respondus LockDown Browser & Monitor

LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system. It is widely used by colleges and universities to help secure online assessments. Students are unable to print, copy, access other applications, or visit other websites during an exam. LockDown Browser also restricts the use of screen-sharing applications, virtual machines, remote desktop software, screen capture tools, and many keyboard shortcuts and other functions that could compromise exam security.

How LockDown Browser Works

Assessments are displayed full-screen and cannot be minimized

• Browser menu and toolbar options are removed, except for Back, Forward, Refresh and Stop
• Prevents access to other applications including messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machines, and remote desktops
• Printing and screen capture functions are disabled
• Copying and pasting anything to or from an assessment is prevented
• Right-click menu options, function keys, keyboard shortcuts and task switching are disabled
• An assessment cannot be exited until the student submits it for grading
• Assessments that are set up for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with other browsers

LockDown Browser’s name says it all: it "locks down" the browser on a computer or tablet. Students are unable to copy, print, access other applications, or visit other websites during an online exam. LockDown Browser restricts access to applications, websites, screen-sharing tools, virtual machines, remote desktop software, and other technologies that could compromise exam security.

Respondus Monitor is a remote proctoring solution designed for higher education that helps support academic integrity during online assessments.

• Builds upon LockDown Browser - It starts with LockDown Browser, a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning system. Students cannot print, copy, access other applications, or search the internet during an online exam.
• Fully Automated Proctoring - Respondus Monitor is a fully automated proctoring solution. Students use a webcam to record themselves during an online exam. Afterward, flagged events and proctoring results are available to the instructor for further review.
• No Scheduling or Registration - There’s no need to schedule a proctoring session in advance. Students and instructors don’t even have to register at the Respondus website.
• "Auto-Launches" from any Browser - After a quick one-time installation, Respondus Monitor launches from the student's preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) whenever the exam settings require it. Students are then guided through a pre-exam sequence, including a webcam check.
• Supports most Devices - Windows, Mac, Chromebook and iPad devices. 

LockDown Browser® and Respondus Monitor® Guides:

• Instructor Quick Start Guide
• Student Quick Start Guide

Support & Resources

Respondus Support
https://web.respondus.com/support/

Knowledgebase
https://respondus.com/knowledgebase

Determining Whether to Use Respondus

If you determine that remote proctoring is required to assess student learning in your course, the Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor tools provide a method for securing online exams. This document provides an overview of the features of Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor, along with a step-by-step guide for how to activate these systems for your assessments in D2L. It also includes a quick start guide for students on taking a test with Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Monitor enabled.

What You Should Consider Before Using Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

Before choosing to use Respondus tools, you will want to:

• UPDATED 10/21/2026: Once enabled, students must use Respondus Lockdown browser and Monitor (Optional) unless an instructor specifically excludes a student from use of the service via Special Access under the Restrictions tab when editing quiz settings.
• Assess whether all of your students have access to a functioning webcam: Respondus Monitor requires students to have a working webcam. Instructors should confirm webcam availability before enabling Monitor settings, as students without a webcam will not be able to access or take the assessment.
• Consider creating a practice assessment for students to test out the Respondus systems: Creating a practice quiz with LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor allows students to test the software before their exam, identify potential technical issues, and become familiar with the testing experience. Consider using a short one- or two-question quiz for practice.
• Consider accessibility and assistive technology needs for your students: Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor have accessibility limitations and may not work well with some assistive technologies. Before using these tools, consider your students' accessibility needs. Additional information is available in the "Accessibility Considerations" section below.

Accessibility Considerations

Respondus Lockdown Browser has limitations when it comes to accessibility and being accessed with assistive technology:

• Screen Reader Technology: LockDown Browser is compatible with several screen readers. On Windows, it is tested with NVDA, JAWS, and Windows Narrator, with NVDA recommended by Respondus. On Mac and iPad, it works with VoiceOver. On Chromebooks, it works with ChromeVox.
• Screen Magnification: ZoomText will work with LockDown browser to enlarge and increase the text size, but LockDown browser is NOT compatible with the reader functions in Zoom Text.
• Text-to-Speech: LockDown Browser supports several text-to-speech and literacy tools, including Kurzweil ReadTheWeb, Texthelp Read&Write, and ReadSpeaker webReader. Some functionality may be limited during an exam to maintain test security.
• Respondus Monitor's webcam verification and environment-check requirements may present accessibility challenges for some students with visual, mobility, or other disabilities. Instructors should work with disability services offices to ensure appropriate accommodations are available.
• For more on accessibility, see Accessibility with LockDown Browser.