How do I install and use LockDown Browser as a student?

If an instructor has required you to use LockDown Browser to take a test, you must download and install it before being able to access that test. The link to download LockDown Browser is available when you start to take the test that requires it, so downloading and installing is simple.
 
These instructions are for Windows and Mac computers. Please note that different instructions for Chromebooks are available below.
 
Important: If you have already downloaded and installed Lockdown Browser, then you should navigate to your quiz from there. You only have to download and install Lockdown Browser once. (Note: LockDown Browser will block password managers and student must know their password to log in. If using Microsoft Authenticator, note that the passkey option is not supported in LockDown Browser — use your PIN instead. See "Getting Help" below if you continue to have trouble logging in.)

Introduction Video

 

Downloading and installing Respondus LockDown Browser

From Canvas:

  1. Navigate to your Canvas course site and click the quiz link.
  2. Click Take the Quiz.
  3. The LockDown Browser download link will appear with the following text:
    This quiz requires Respondus LockDown Browser. Please Launch Respondus LockDown Browser to take this quiz or view your quiz results.
  4. Click Download Respondus LockDown Browser.
    1. (Note: Respondus LockDown Browser supports Windows (10/11), MacOS, ChromeOS, and  iPadOS. Additionally, iPadOS is only available for exams where the instructor has enabled that option).
  5. The link takes you to a screen that gives you an overview of LockDown browser. You can view that video, or just click Install Now.

Alternative Instructions Outside of Canvas:

  1. Open a web browser and go to the following link https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=329315609.
  2. Click the Download button on the page.
  3. Once the download is complete, locate the installation file:
    • Windows: Usually found in the Downloads folder as LockDownBrowser.exe
    • Mac: Usually found in the Downloads folder as LockDownBrowser.pkg
  4. Important: During the installation and when launching LockDown Browser, you will be prompted to close all other applications before continuing. Please save any work and close any open programs before proceeding.
  5. When you are ready to continue, double-click the downloaded file to begin the installation.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts and accept the license agreement when prompted.
  7. Complete the installation and launch Respondus LockDown Browser.
  8. Sign in to your Canvas course and launch your exam through Canvas when instructed by your instructor.

Instructions for downloading LockDown Browser in Chromebook

To install the new extension to a student-owned Chromebook, use the regular LockDown Browser installation link as described in steps 1-4 above. That link will direct you to the Chrome web store, where you should select "Add to Chrome" to install the extension.
 
Important: You will not be able to search for the app directly from the Chrome web store.

Taking a test with LockDown Browser

  1. Run LockDown Browser from your computer (the shortcut is usually on your desktop, though Mac users can find it in their Applications folder as well).
  2. Follow all instructions about closing other programs and applications.
  3. Log into Canvas. (Note: LockDown Browser will block password managers and student must know their password to log in the MS Authenticator. If you have issues logging in, please contact the OIT Help Desk.)
  4. Navigate to your course and start taking your quiz.
  5. When you are finished taking your quiz, exit out of LockDown Browser.

Getting Help

Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser.
 
  • The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an exam requires you to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area
  • If you are using a Chromebook and experience issues with the LockDown Browser extension, try the following troubleshooting steps: uninstall the extension, clear your browser cache and cookies for "All Time," restart your Chromebook, and then reinstall LockDown Browser using SLCC's download link.
  • Respondus has a Knowledge Base that can answer most questions.
  • If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with LockDown Browser, go to support.respondus.com and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it.
  • If you can open LockDown Browser but can't log in to Canvas, this is often caused by using the passkey option in the Microsoft Authenticator app, which LockDown Browser does not support. Switch to your PIN instead. If that doesn't resolve the issue, contact the OIT Help Desk at 801-957-5555 or helpdesk@slcc.edu — they may need to reset your Authenticator app to fix the problem.
  • Email slcconline@slcc.edu from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, and also provide detailed information on what step in this guide you had trouble with. Note that you may only get a response within business hours.
 
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