Lockdown browsers record your screen, not your face or microphone
A lockdown browser is software that locks down your computer during a test so you cannot switch to other programs, visit websites, or copy text. Most lockdown browsers do record your screen — meaning they capture everything you see and do on that screen during the test. They typically do not record your face, voice, or microphone unless the test administrator specifically turns on a webcam feature.
The most common lockdown browsers are Respondus LockDown Browser, ProctorU, Examity, and Honorlock. Each one records different things depending on how the instructor or testing center sets it up. Some record only your screen. Others record your screen plus a webcam feed. A few record screen, webcam, and audio all at once. You should know what is being recorded before you start the test.
Screen recording alone means the testing software captures every keystroke, every click, every window you try to open, and every answer you type or select. It does not see your face, hear you, or know if you are looking at a book on your desk. If the test also includes webcam recording, then yes — your face and the area around your computer are being recorded and stored.
Key Takeaways
- Lockdown browsers record your screen by default, capturing every keystroke and click during the test.
- Webcam recording is separate and only happens if your instructor or testing center turns it on — check your test instructions to know which features are active.
- Screen recordings are usually kept for weeks or months and can be reviewed by your instructor or a human proctor after the test ends.
- Lockdown browsers block you from opening other programs, using copy-paste, and accessing the internet, but they cannot see physical objects on your desk unless a webcam is recording.
- Different testing platforms record different combinations of screen, webcam, and audio — ask your instructor before test day if you are unsure what will be recorded.
What screen recording actually captures
When a lockdown browser records your screen, it is creating a video file of everything displayed on your monitor during the test. This includes your answers, the questions you see, the time you spend on each question, and any attempts to open other programs or tabs. The recording shows the exact moment you click an answer, how long you pause before moving to the next question, and whether you try to navigate away from the test.
Screen recording does not see anything outside your monitor. It cannot see your hands, your face, your desk, or anything in the room around you. If you have a textbook open next to your keyboard, the recording will not show it. If you are reading from a piece of paper, the recording will not capture that either. The recording is limited to what appears on your screen.
Most institutions keep screen recordings for 30 to 90 days after the test, though some keep them longer. Your instructor can review the recording if they suspect something unusual happened during the test. They can see exactly when you answered each question, how much time you spent thinking, and whether you tried to access prohibited websites or programs.
When webcam recording is turned on
If your test includes webcam recording, the lockdown browser will activate your computer's camera and record video of you and the area around your desk. This is separate from screen recording — your instructor can choose to use screen recording alone, webcam recording alone, or both together. The test instructions or email from your instructor should tell you whether a webcam will be used.
Webcam recording typically starts when you begin the test and stops when you finish or time runs out. The video is stored on the testing platform's servers and can be reviewed by your instructor or by a human proctor who watches it in real time (depending on the platform). Some platforms use artificial intelligence to flag unusual behavior in the webcam feed, such as looking away from the screen repeatedly or detecting a second person in the room.
If you do not have a working webcam, or if your camera is blocked or covered, most platforms will not let you start the test. You will need to either enable your camera or contact your instructor to request an exception before test day. Some testing centers offer in-person proctoring as an alternative, where you take the test at a physical location with a human proctor watching you in the room.
Audio recording and what triggers it
Most lockdown browsers do not record audio by default. However, some platforms — particularly those used for live proctoring — do record your microphone along with your screen and webcam. This is less common than screen-only or screen-plus-webcam recording, but it does happen. Again, your test instructions should specify whether audio will be recorded.
Audio recording is typically used when a human proctor is monitoring your test in real time and needs to hear you if they ask you questions or if you need to speak to them. Some platforms also use audio to detect background noise or multiple voices, which might flag suspicious activity. If audio is being recorded, you should assume everything you say during the test is being captured and stored.
If you are uncomfortable with audio recording, contact your instructor before the test date. Some institutions offer alternatives such as taking the test at a proctored testing center instead of at home, or using a different assessment method altogether.
How to find out what your specific test records
The best source of information is the test instructions your instructor or testing center sent you. Look for sections labeled "System Requirements," "What You Need," "Recording," or "Proctoring Method." These sections usually state whether screen recording, webcam recording, or audio recording will be used. If the instructions do not say, email your instructor or contact your testing center's support line before test day.
You can also log into the testing platform ahead of time (if it allows) and run a system check. Most platforms have a "System Check" or "Test Run" feature that lets you verify your camera and microphone work, and it often shows you what will be recorded. Respondus LockDown Browser, for example, has a system check that tells you whether your webcam will be used. ProctorU and Examity have similar tools.
If you are taking the test at a physical testing center, ask the staff what recording methods they use. They can tell you whether cameras are in the room, whether your screen is being monitored, and what happens to the recordings after the test.
What happens to recordings after the test
Screen and webcam recordings are typically stored on the testing platform's servers for 30 to 90 days. Your instructor can download or review them during that window. After the retention period ends, most platforms delete the files automatically, though some institutions may keep them longer for record-keeping or if a grade dispute arises.
If your instructor suspects academic dishonesty, they may request that the platform extend the retention period or preserve the recording indefinitely. In that case, the recording could be reviewed by academic integrity staff, department heads, or even lawyers if the case escalates. This is rare, but it is why you should assume any recording could be reviewed by multiple people.
You generally do not have the right to delete your own recording, and you cannot request that it be destroyed before the retention period ends. The recording belongs to the institution, not to you. However, you do have the right to request a copy of your own recording in many cases — ask your instructor or testing center if you want to review what was captured.
What lockdown browsers cannot do
Lockdown browsers cannot see your face, hands, or body unless a webcam is recording. They cannot hear you unless audio recording is on. They cannot detect what is on your desk, in your lap, or on the wall behind you. They cannot access your phone, your notes, or anything outside your computer. They cannot read your mind or know what you are thinking.
Lockdown browsers also cannot prevent you from writing down answers before the test, memorizing information, or using knowledge you already have. They can only block you from accessing that information during the test through your computer. If you have studied and memorized the material, the lockdown browser cannot stop you from using that knowledge.
Some students worry that lockdown browsers are spyware that continues running after the test ends or that they record everything on your computer forever. This is not how they work. Lockdown browsers only activate when you start the test and only record what happens during the test window. Once you close the test, the recording stops, and the browser returns your computer to normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lockdown browser see my second monitor or my phone?
No. Lockdown browsers record only the primary monitor where the test is displayed. They cannot see a second monitor, your phone, a tablet, or any other device. However, if your instructor suspects you used another device during the test, they can ask you about it — and if you admit it or if other evidence suggests it, that could be considered cheating even if the browser did not record it.
Does the lockdown browser keep running after I finish the test?
No. The lockdown browser locks down your computer only while the test is active. Once you submit your test or the time runs out, the browser releases the lock and your computer returns to normal. You can then open other programs, browse the internet, and use your computer freely. The recording stops when the test ends.
What if I need to use the bathroom during the test?
Most lockdown browsers allow you to pause the test and leave your desk, but the recording continues. If you step away, your instructor will see in the recording that you left the screen. Some institutions have rules about how long you can be away or how many times you can pause. Check your test instructions or ask your instructor before the test starts.
Can I request that my webcam not be used even if my instructor requires it?
You can request an exception, but your instructor is not required to grant it. If you have a documented disability or accessibility need, your school's disability services office may be able to arrange an alternative testing method. If you simply do not want to be recorded on camera, contact your instructor to discuss other options such as in-person proctoring at a testing center.
What if the lockdown browser malfunctions and stops recording?
If the browser crashes or stops recording, contact your testing center or instructor immediately. Do not continue the test. Most platforms have a way to resume or restart the test, and your instructor can note in the records that a technical issue occurred. If you continue without reporting it, your instructor may not know that part of your test was not recorded, which could raise questions later.