What Lockdown Browser is and where to get it
Lockdown Browser is a secure web browser made by Respondus that your school or testing center requires you to use when taking online exams. It locks down your computer so you cannot switch to other programs, use copy-paste, or access the internet outside the test. You cannot get it from the regular app stores — you have to download it directly from Respondus or through a link your school provides.
Your school's learning management system (like Canvas, Blackboard, or D2L) usually has a download link in the course or testing area. If you cannot find it there, your instructor or testing center can send you the direct link. The software is free, but only your school can authorize it to work with their exams.
Before you start, check what operating system your computer runs — Lockdown Browser works on Windows and Mac, but not on tablets or Chromebooks. You also need administrator access to install it, which means you may need a password if you are using a school or work computer.
Key Takeaways
- Lockdown Browser downloads from your school's course page or directly from Respondus, not from app stores.
- You need administrator permission on your computer to install it, which may require a password on school devices.
- The software works only on Windows and Mac computers, not on tablets, Chromebooks, or phones.
- After installation, you launch it only when your school tells you to take an exam — it does not run in the background.
- If installation fails, restart your computer and try again, or contact your school's tech support for help.
Finding the download link through your school
Log into your school's learning management system using the same username and password you use for regular classes. Look for your course, then find the testing or exam area — this might be called "Quizzes," "Exams," "Tests," or "Assessments" depending on your school's setup.
Inside that area, you should see a message or button that says something like "Download Lockdown Browser" or "This exam requires Respondus Lockdown Browser." Click that link. It will either take you to a Respondus download page or start the download directly to your computer. If you see a message saying the browser is already installed, you can skip to the launch section below.
If you cannot find the link in your course, check your school's help desk website or email your instructor. They can send you the correct link or tell you whether your exam actually requires Lockdown Browser — some courses use it and some do not.
Downloading directly from Respondus if your school does not provide a link
Go to respondus.com/lockdownbrowser in your regular web browser. On the homepage, look for a button or link that says "Download" or "Get Lockdown Browser." Click it, then select your operating system — Windows or Mac.
The download will start automatically. The file is usually between 50 and 150 megabytes, so it takes a few minutes on most internet connections. Save it to your Downloads folder or wherever your browser normally saves files. Do not move or delete the file until installation is complete.
After the download finishes, you will see the installer file on your computer. Double-click it to start the installation process, which is covered in the next section.
Installing Lockdown Browser on Windows
Double-click the installer file you downloaded. A window will open asking if you want to allow this program to make changes to your computer — click "Yes." If you are on a school computer and do not have administrator permission, you will see an error message. In that case, contact your school's tech support to install it for you.
The installer will show a license agreement. Read it or scroll to the bottom, then click "I Agree" or "Accept." Next, you will see a folder location where the program will install — the default location is fine for most people. Click "Install" or "Next" to continue.
The installation takes one to three minutes. When it finishes, you will see a message saying the installation was successful. Click "Finish" or "Close." You can now delete the installer file if you want — you will not need it again unless you reinstall the program.
Installing Lockdown Browser on Mac
Double-click the installer file you downloaded. A window will open showing the Lockdown Browser icon and an Applications folder. Drag the Lockdown Browser icon into the Applications folder. This copies the program to your Mac.
When the copy is complete, close the installer window. Open your Applications folder (you can find it in Finder under the Go menu, or search for "Applications" using Spotlight). Look for Lockdown Browser in the list. The first time you open it, your Mac may ask if you want to open an app from an unknown developer — click "Open" to proceed.
After the program opens once, it is installed and ready to use. You can close it — you only need to open it when your school tells you to take an exam.
Launching Lockdown Browser when you are ready to test
Do not open Lockdown Browser until your instructor tells you to start the exam. When it is time, open the program the same way you open any other application on your computer. On Windows, search for "Lockdown Browser" in the Start menu or look for it on your desktop. On Mac, open Applications and double-click Lockdown Browser.
The program will open and show a login screen. Enter your school username and password — the same ones you use for your learning management system. After you log in, you will see a list of exams your school has set up for you. Click the exam you are taking.
The browser will lock your computer and open the exam. You will not be able to minimize the window, switch to other programs, or access the internet outside the exam. When you finish and submit your exam, the browser will unlock and return to normal.
Troubleshooting installation problems
If the installer will not open or you see an error message, restart your computer and try again. Many installation problems go away after a restart. If you are still stuck, make sure you have administrator permission on your computer — if you do not, you cannot install Lockdown Browser yourself.
If the program installs but will not launch, or if you see an error when you try to log in, uninstall it completely and reinstall it. On Windows, go to Settings, then Apps, find Lockdown Browser, and click Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, right-click Lockdown Browser, and click Move to Trash. Then download and install it again from the beginning.
If you are still having trouble after reinstalling, contact your school's tech support or help desk. They can see whether your school's system recognizes your account and whether the exam is actually set up for you to take. Do not wait until exam day to fix this — reach out to your school at least a few days before your test is scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Lockdown Browser on my phone or tablet?
No. Lockdown Browser only works on Windows and Mac computers. If your school requires it for an exam, you must use a desktop or laptop computer. Chromebooks are not supported either. Contact your school if you do not have access to a compatible computer.
Do I have to keep Lockdown Browser installed after my exam?
No. You can uninstall it anytime after your exam is finished. You only need it when your school tells you to take a test. If you have another exam later that requires it, you can reinstall it then.
What if I see a message saying Lockdown Browser is already installed?
That means the program is already on your computer and ready to use. You do not need to download or install it again. Just launch it when your school tells you to take an exam.
Will Lockdown Browser slow down my computer?
Lockdown Browser only runs when you open it to take an exam. It does not run in the background or affect your computer's speed when you are not using it. Once you close it after your exam, it stops running.
Can I use Lockdown Browser on a borrowed computer?
Yes, but you will need to install it first, and you need administrator permission. If the computer belongs to someone else, ask them before installing software. After your exam, you can uninstall it to remove it from their computer.