🔒 Respondus LockDown Browser Tutorial

Respondus LockDown Browser® is a custom browser that locks down the quizzing environment within Canvas. When students use LockDown Browser to access an assessment, they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. Students are locked into an assessment until it is submitted for grading.

LockDown Browser works seamlessly with Canvas through an LTI External App integration installed on the Canvas server. This Canvas external app allows instructors to access the LockDown Browser Dashboard directly within Canvas to set up quizzes for use with LockDown Browser.

Respondus LockDown Browser is a client application installed on a local computer. Both Windows and Mac editions are based on Google's open source Chromium framework.

Important: Students do NOT need Google Chrome browser installed, nor will LockDown Browser affect an existing Chrome installation. LockDown Browser is not intended to replace the regular browser used by faculty or students within Canvas—it is only intended for students taking assessments prepared for use with LockDown Browser.

LockDown Browser creates a "locked" quizzing environment for Canvas assessments with these comprehensive features:

1. Assessments are displayed full-screen and cannot be minimized
2. Assessments cannot be exited until submitted by users for grading
3. Task switching or access to other applications is prevented
4. Printing and screen capture functions are disabled
5. Copying and pasting anything to and from an assessment is prohibited
6. Right-click menu options, function keys, keyboard shortcuts and task switching are disabled
7. Browser menu and toolbar options are disabled except Back, Forward, Refresh and Stop
8. Prevents access to other applications including messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machines and remote desktops
9. URLs cannot be typed by the user
10. An assessment cannot be exited until the student submits it for grading
11. Assessments set up for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with other browsers
12. Pages from the assessment aren't cached or stored in the browser's history listing
13. The browser automatically starts at the institution's login page for Canvas
14. And many other security features...

Respondus Monitor® is a companion product for LockDown Browser that enables institutions to protect the integrity of non-proctored, online exams. Students use their own computer and a webcam to record assessment sessions, all without leaving the institution's learning management system.

This advanced proctoring solution provides an additional layer of security for high-stakes assessments by combining automated monitoring with LockDown Browser's lockdown capabilities. Full administrator functions for Respondus Monitor can be found in the Respondus Monitor administrator guide located in the Admin Area of the Respondus website.

Navigate to your Canvas course and locate the LockDown Browser option in your course menu.

Locate the exam you want to secure and click the action menu (chevron icon) next to it.

Configure the settings to require LockDown Browser for this exam.

Save your settings and verify that the exam is properly configured.

When you click "Take the Quiz" on a secured exam, you'll see a download link. Click it to download and install LockDown Browser (one-time setup per device).

Close all unnecessary programs, then open LockDown Browser using the desktop shortcut (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac).

Use LockDown Browser to log into Canvas, navigate to your course, and access the exam. Enter any required access codes.

Take your exam normally. Remember, you cannot access other applications or websites. Submit when finished and exit LockDown Browser.

Internet Connection: Stable broadband connection (minimum 1 Mbps upload/download)
Processor: Dual-core CPU (Intel i3/AMD A4 or equivalent)
Graphics: Integrated graphics sufficient; no dedicated GPU required
Display: Minimum 1024x768 resolution
Audio: Built-in speakers/headphones for audio-enabled exams
Camera/Microphone: Required only if using Respondus Monitor

1. Application Launch: LDB replaces your default browser during exams
2. System Lockdown: Disables system functions (Alt+Tab, Print Screen, etc.)
3. Network Filtering: Blocks access to unauthorized websites and applications
4. Canvas Integration: Communicates directly with Canvas LMS for secure exam delivery
5. Exit Protection: Prevents closing the application until exam submission
6. Memory Protection: Blocks screen capture and clipboard operations

Kernel-Level Protection: LDB integrates with the operating system to prevent unauthorized access
Process Monitoring: Continuously monitors running applications and blocks restricted ones
Network Layer Security: Uses encrypted connections to Canvas with certificate validation
Screen Recording Prevention: Blocks screenshot tools, screen recorders, and virtual machines
Input Device Control: Monitors keyboard shortcuts and mouse behavior for suspicious activity
Memory Protection: Prevents memory dumps and debugging attempts during exam sessions

What Won't Work:
• Virtual machines (VMware, VirtualBox, Parallels)
• Remote desktop connections (TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop)
• Screen sharing applications (Zoom screen share, Skype)
• Browser extensions and plugins (even accessibility ones)
• Third-party software that injects into browser processes
• Dual monitor setups (may require disabling secondary displays)
• Certain accessibility software (contact IT for approved alternatives)