Using Respondus LockDown Browser

Overview

LockDown Browser® is a custom browser that prevents other applications from running while a student takes their exams online. It is a tool that is intended to support academic integrity. Watch the short video above for an overview of its features.

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

Instructions for using LockDown Browser

If your instructor has created a test in Blackboard that requires the Respondus LockDown Browser, you must download and install it on the computer you intend to use to take the test.

Step 1: Check your system requirements

Go to this Respondus Technical Support page to make sure the computer operating system you are using will work with LockDown Browser: What are the computer requirements for installations of Respondus LockDown Browser?

Step 2: Download and install

NOTE: You cannot use LockDown Browser on a Chromebook or with the Linux operating system.

  1. On the computer you will be taking the test from, click this link:Button to download Respondus LockDown Browser

    This download is specific to USC, please do not download LockDown Browser from anywhere else.

  2. Click “Install Now“.
  3. Follow the screen prompts to install the Respondus LockDown Browser on your computer.

Step 3: Shut down all apps

  1. Quit all email applications.
  2. Quit any messaging systems (Slack, Messages, etc.).
  3. Quit any screen capture applications.
  4. Quit any and all running applications.

Step 4: Take your exam

  1. Launch the Respondus LockDown Browser on your computer.
    • If you have not closed down all applications, a pop-up message will prompt you to do so, or to quit. Select Close Applications.
  2. The LockDown Browser will automatically open on the Blackboard login page.
  3. Click Sign In, which will prompt you to log with your USC Net ID and Password, then through the identity verification process.
  4. Once you are logged into Blackboard within the LockDown Browser, go to your class and locate your exam.
  5. Click the exam link to open it, then select Continue to begin.
  6. Take the exam.
    • Note that while the exam is running, you will not be able to access other applications, web sites not designated in the exam, and files located on your computer.
  7. Once you have completed your exam, be sure to save and submit your answers.
  8. You may now close the Respondus LockDown browser.  Once Respondus shuts down, you will regain access to your computer.

Keeping Respondus LockDown Browser Up-To-Date

Respondus LockDown Browser will automatically check for updates whenever it is opened, but there are occasional updates that cannot be auto-installed. We strongly recommend checking for an update before you launch an exam, even if it has worked previously.

Update Respondus LockDown Browser on Windows

  1. Start Respondus LockDown Browser
  2. Click the “i” button in the toolbar
  3. Click the “Check for Newer Version” button

You will be prompted to download the newer version, if one is available.

Update Respondus LockDown Browser on Mac OS

  1. Start Respondus LockDown Browser
  2. Click the About button in the toolbar (the icon is a globe)
  3. Click the “Check for Update” button

You will be prompted to download the newer version, if one is available.