Lockdown Browser records your screen, keystrokes, and webcam — but only if your instructor turns those features on
Lockdown Browser is a test-taking application that locks down your computer during online exams. It can record video, audio, and screen activity, but it does not record by default. Your school or instructor decides which monitoring features are active for each exam. The software cannot see your screen before the exam starts or after it ends, and it does not monitor your computer when you are not taking a test.
The recording happens on your device, not on Respondus' servers. Your school controls what gets recorded, how long it is kept, and who can view it. If you are taking an exam through Lockdown Browser, your syllabus or exam instructions should tell you whether recording is turned on.
Key Takeaways
- Lockdown Browser can record your webcam, microphone, and screen, but your instructor must enable these features for each exam.
- Recording is local to your device first — your school decides whether to upload it to their servers and for how long to keep it.
- The software cannot monitor your computer outside of an active exam session.
- Your school's exam instructions or syllabus should state which monitoring features are in use.
What Lockdown Browser can record
Lockdown Browser has the technical ability to capture three types of data during an exam: video from your webcam, audio from your microphone, and a recording of your screen. It can also log which programs you try to open, whether you switch windows, and how long you spend on each question.
None of these features are active unless your instructor or school turns them on. When recording is enabled, the software stores the file on your computer first. Your school then decides whether to download it, store it, and for how long. Some institutions keep recordings for the duration of the course; others delete them after grades are posted.
What Lockdown Browser cannot do
Lockdown Browser does not monitor your computer when no exam is running. It cannot see your screen, access your files, or track your activity outside of a test session. Once you close the exam or the time expires, the monitoring stops.
The software also cannot access your microphone or webcam before the exam begins. It does not record your login process, your desktop, or anything you do while waiting for the exam to start. Recording begins only when the exam itself begins and ends when the exam ends or time runs out.
How to learn about recording is enabled for your exam
Your instructor should tell you in the exam instructions or syllabus whether recording is turned on. Look for language like "this exam uses webcam monitoring" or "your screen will be recorded." If the instructions do not mention recording, ask your instructor directly before the exam starts.
Some schools post a notice on the exam page itself, and some require you to agree to monitoring terms before you begin. If you see a prompt asking for permission to use your webcam or microphone, that is a sign recording is active. Do not start the exam if you are unsure — contact your instructor first.
What happens to recordings after the exam
Your school owns the recordings, not Respondus. Your institution decides how long to keep them, who can view them, and whether they are used only for proctoring or also for grade appeals or academic integrity investigations. Policies vary widely by school.
Some schools delete recordings after a set period, such as 30 days or one semester. Others keep them for the full academic year or longer. A few schools do not store recordings at all — they use live proctoring instead, where a human watches in real time and no file is saved. Check your school's privacy policy or ask your registrar if you want to know your institution's specific retention policy.
Privacy and technical limitations
Lockdown Browser cannot see outside your exam window. It does not record your second monitor, your phone, or anything happening off-screen. If you have another device in the room, the software has no way to detect it. The webcam records only what is in front of your computer — it does not have a wide-angle view of your entire desk or room.
The software also cannot access files on your computer outside the exam application itself. It does not scan your hard drive, read your email, or monitor your browser history. Its access is limited to what you do within the Lockdown Browser window and what your webcam and microphone capture during the exam.
What to do if you have concerns about recording
If you are uncomfortable with recording, contact your instructor or your school's disability services office before the exam. Many schools offer accommodations for students who cannot use a webcam due to privacy concerns, medical reasons, or lack of equipment. Some allow alternative proctoring methods, such as live proctoring with a human or in-person testing at a testing center.
If you have already taken an exam and want to know whether it was recorded, ask your instructor or your school's testing center. You have the right to know what data was collected about you. If you believe a recording was made without your knowledge or consent, report it to your school's privacy officer or student advocate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lockdown Browser see my second monitor or phone?
No. Lockdown Browser records only what is in front of your primary monitor and what your webcam captures. It cannot detect a second monitor, a phone, a tablet, or anything outside the camera's field of view. This is a technical limitation of the software.
Does Lockdown Browser keep recording after I close the exam?
No. Recording stops when the exam ends or time expires. The software does not monitor your computer after you exit the exam window. Any file created during the exam is stored on your device, and your school decides whether to keep it.
Can my school see my screen if recording is not turned on?
No. If webcam and screen recording are not enabled, Lockdown Browser logs only which programs you try to open and whether you switch windows. It does not capture video or images of your screen. Your instructor can see that you tried to open another program, but not what was on it.
Who can view my exam recording?
Your school controls access to recordings. Typically, your instructor and academic integrity staff can view them. Some schools also allow students to request their own recordings. Check your school's privacy policy or ask your instructor about who has access.
What if I do not have a webcam or microphone?
Contact your instructor or disability services before the exam. Many schools provide alternative proctoring methods for students without equipment or who cannot use a camera. Do not try to take the exam without the required hardware if recording is enabled — the exam may not start or may be flagged as irregular.