Respondus Lockdown Browser

Respondus LockDown Browser: Student & Faculty Guide

Some PVCC Canvas quizzes, tests, exams, and third-party assessments may require Respondus LockDown Browser and, in some cases, a webcam-based monitoring tool. This guide explains how students should install, launch, troubleshoot, and get help with LockDown Browser, and it gives faculty a clear reference for directing students to the correct support path.

Respondus LockDown Browser is a secure testing browser used to help protect the integrity of online assessments. When an exam is running in LockDown Browser, students are restricted from printing, copying, visiting other websites, switching applications, or using other tools that are not allowed during the exam.

Exam-Specific Instructions Come First:

This guide provides general PVCC guidance for Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor. It does not replace your instructor’s exam instructions. If your instructor, Canvas quiz, testing vendor, or publisher platform gives different directions for a specific exam, follow those exam-specific directions first. When possible, use a Windows or Mac computer unless your instructor or testing platform clearly states that a Chromebook, iPad, or mobile device is allowed for that exam.

 

How to Launch a Standard Canvas Quiz or Test

Most Canvas quizzes that require LockDown Browser should be started from LockDown Browser or from the Canvas quiz launch process provided by your instructor.

Recommended Direct Launch Method

  1. Close your regular browser completely.
  2. Open Respondus LockDown Browser from your desktop, Start menu, Applications folder, or search bar.
  3. If prompted to choose a server or system, select Canvas.
  4. Sign in using your myPVCC username and password.
  5. Complete MFA if prompted.
  6. Open your Canvas course.
  7. Open the quiz or exam and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the “Launch LockDown Browser” Button Does Nothing

If selecting Launch LockDown Browser from a regular browser does not open the app, your browser may be blocking the external launch request or pop-up. Use the direct launch method above, or allow pop-ups and redirects for the testing site.

Campus Computer Note:

On some PVCC-managed computers, the installed icon may have a campus-specific name such as LockDown Browser Lab. Use the installed LockDown Browser icon instead of downloading a new installer.

 

Table of Contents

  1. What device are you using
  2. Installing LockDown Browser
  3. Before opening an exam
  4. Respondus Monitor and webcam checks
  5. Faculty Guidance
  6. Third-Party Exams
  7. Pop Up Blockers
  8. Allow Pop Ups by browser
  9. Disable or pause extensions
  10. Common Questions

 

1. First Question: What Device Are You Using?

Before installing or launching LockDown Browser, identify the type of device you are using.

Device Type What You Should Do
PVCC campus computer, testing center computer, or PVCC-managed loaner laptop Do not download an installer. LockDown Browser is managed by PVCC Tech Services. Use the installed LockDown Browser icon or follow the Testing Center / instructor directions.
Personal Windows PC Install LockDown Browser from the official VCCS/PVCC download source before the exam. If your computer is in Windows S Mode, see the Windows S Mode section below.
Personal Mac Install LockDown Browser from the official VCCS/PVCC download source before the exam. Grant required permissions if prompted.
Personal Chromebook Some LockDown Browser exams can use the LockDown Browser Chromebook extension. Start from the Canvas quiz, instructor-provided instructions, or official VCCS/PVCC Respondus download source. Chromebook support depends on the exam, Canvas settings, third-party testing platform, instructor settings, and whether the Chromebook allows extensions. Use a Windows or Mac computer when possible unless Chromebook use is clearly allowed for that exam.
iPad or mobile device iPad or mobile device use depends on the instructor, exam settings, Respondus configuration, and any third-party testing software requirements. Do not assume an iPad, tablet, or mobile device is allowed unless your instructor or exam instructions clearly say so.
 

Do Not Guess On Exam Day:

 If you are unsure whether your device is supported, test it before the exam deadline or contact your instructor for guidance. Some exams or publisher platforms may require software components that do not run on Chromebooks, tablets, or mobile devices.

 

2. Installing LockDown Browser

Personal Computer

Use this section only if you are installing LockDown Browser on a personal Windows or Mac computer.

  1. Go to VCCS Student Resources.
  2. Find the Respondus LockDown Browser section.
  3. Use the VCCS/PVCC-provided download link.
  4. Download the installer for your device.
  5. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  6. After installation, confirm that the LockDown Browser icon appears on your computer.

Important:
LockDown Browser installation links are institution-specific. Use the VCCS/PVCC download source instead of searching for a generic installer.

 

Mac Permission Reminder

Mac users may be prompted to grant permissions such as camera, microphone, screen recording, or accessibility access depending on the exam settings and macOS version. If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions and allow the permissions required for the exam.

 

Chromebook Guidance

Some LockDown Browser exams can be taken on a Chromebook using the LockDown Browser Chromebook extension. Chromebook support depends on the exam, Canvas settings, instructor settings, testing platform, and whether the Chromebook allows browser extensions.

Chromebook Reminder:
When possible, use a Windows or Mac computer unless your instructor or testing platform clearly states that a Chromebook is allowed for that specific exam.

 

How Chromebook Setup Usually Works

  1. Start from the exam or LockDown Browser download link provided by Canvas, your instructor, or the official VCCS/PVCC Respondus download source.
  2. If Chromebook use is supported for that exam, the link should direct you to install the LockDown Browser Chromebook extension.
  3. Select Add to Chrome if prompted.
  4. After the extension is installed, return to Canvas or your testing site.
  5. Open the quiz or exam again and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the Chromebook Extension Will Not Install or Launch

  • Make sure ChromeOS is updated.
  • Close extra browser tabs before launching the exam.
  • Confirm that the LockDown Browser Chromebook extension is installed and enabled.
  • If the Chromebook is managed by another school, employer, or organization, extension installation may be blocked.
  • If the exam uses a third-party testing platform, the platform may require software that does not work on Chromebooks.
  • If the Chromebook does not work, use a Windows or Mac computer or contact your instructor before the exam deadline.

 

Windows S Mode

If a personal Windows computer displays an error such as “This app can’t run on your PC” or “For security, this version of Windows only runs verified apps from the Store,” the computer may be running Windows in S Mode.

Respondus LockDown Browser is not supported on Windows S Mode. S Mode limits installation to Microsoft Store apps, and LockDown Browser is not installed from the Microsoft Store.

How to Check for S Mode

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System.
  3. Select About.
  4. Look under Windows specifications.
  5. If the edition says in S mode, S Mode is active.

Important Before Switching Out of S Mode

Student Decision Notice:
Switching out of S Mode allows installation of non-Microsoft Store apps, including LockDown Browser, but it is a device-level change. Microsoft indicates that switching out of S Mode is one-way for that Windows installation. If you are unsure, review Microsoft guidance or ask someone you trust before making the change.

 

General S Mode Exit Path

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System and then Activation.
  3. Look for the section related to switching out of S Mode.
  4. Open the Microsoft Store page shown by Windows.
  5. Select the option to switch out of S Mode.
  6. After the change is complete, restart your browser and run the LockDown Browser installer again.

 

 

3. Before Opening Any Exam

Before starting any LockDown Browser exam, prepare your computer and workspace.

  • Save your work in all other programs.
  • Close Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom, Spotify, Discord, messaging apps, screen-sharing tools, remote desktop tools, virtual machine tools, and other browsers.
  • Turn off unnecessary notifications.
  • Use a reliable internet connection.
  • Plug in your laptop or make sure it has enough battery.
  • Have your photo ID ready if your instructor, Testing Center, or webcam-based exam requires identity verification.

Save Work First:
LockDown Browser may require other programs to close before the exam starts. Save anything important before launching the exam so you do not lose unsaved work.

 

4. Respondus Monitor, Webcam Checks, and Live Help

Some exams may require Respondus Monitor, webcam checks, or additional identity/environment checks. If your exam requires a webcam, do not wait until exam time to test it.

Before a Webcam-Based Exam

  • Make sure your webcam and microphone work.
  • Use a well-lit room.
  • Close other programs that may use the camera, such as Teams, Zoom, or other video apps.
  • Allow camera and microphone permissions if prompted.
  • Use the Help Center or webcam check tools available inside LockDown Browser when provided.

Respondus Help Center

Respondus provides a Help Center for LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor. The Help Center may include a pre-exam webcam check, system and network check, and student-focused knowledge base resources.

5. Faculty Guidance: Help Students Avoid Exam-Day Problems

Faculty can reduce student stress and support requests by giving students clear expectations before a LockDown Browser exam.

Recommended Faculty Practices

  • Tell students whether the exam requires LockDown Browser only or LockDown Browser with webcam monitoring.
  • Provide the VCCS Respondus download location before the exam date.
  • Encourage students to install and test LockDown Browser before the exam deadline.
  • Create a short, low-stakes practice quiz when possible so students can verify that LockDown Browser works.
  • Tell students whether Chromebooks, iPads, mobile devices, or Testing Center computers are allowed for the specific exam.
  • Provide clear instructions if the exam is hosted by a third-party platform such as ATI, Pearson, McGraw-Hill, Kaplan, or another publisher.
  • Remind students that technical problems should be reported before the deadline whenever possible.

6. Third-Party Exams and Publisher Testing Sites

Some exams are not launched directly from a normal Canvas quiz. External testing platforms may use their own Respondus workflow, installer, browser pop-up, secure testing window, or launch process. For these exams, follow the instructions from your instructor and the testing platform first.

Examples may include publisher or testing platforms such as ATI, Pearson, McGraw-Hill, Kaplan, or other course-specific systems.

What Students Should Do

  • Read the instructions provided by your instructor and the third-party testing site.
  • Use the browser recommended by the testing platform, often Chrome or Edge.
  • Sign in to the testing or publisher site first if instructed.
  • Allow pop-ups and redirects if the platform needs to open LockDown Browser or a secure testing window.
  • Install any required Respondus component only from the testing platform or approved VCCS/PVCC source.

Important:
Third-party testing platforms may not behave exactly like Canvas quizzes. If the exam launch instructions from your instructor or testing vendor differ from this article, follow the exam-specific instructions.

 

If the Exam Window Does Not Open

  • Check whether a pop-up was blocked in the browser address bar.
  • Allow pop-ups and redirects for the testing site.
  • Temporarily disable ad blockers, privacy blockers, coupon extensions, or security extensions for the testing site.
  • Try a private or incognito window if allowed by the testing platform.
  • Restart the browser and try again.

7. Pop-Up Blockers and Browser Extensions

Third-party testing sites may need permission to open a new secure exam window or launch LockDown Browser. Browser pop-up blockers and extensions can interfere with this process.

Quick Fix: Try Private or Incognito Mode

Private or incognito windows often start with fewer active extensions, which may help if a browser extension is blocking the exam launch.

  • Chrome or Edge on Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + N.
  • Chrome or Edge on Mac: Press Command + Shift + N.
  • Firefox on Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + P.
  • Firefox on Mac: Press Command + Shift + P.

After opening the private or incognito window, sign in to the testing site again and try launching the exam.

8. Allow Pop-Ups by Browser

Google Chrome

  1. Attempt to launch the exam.
  2. If nothing opens, look at the right side of the address bar for a pop-up blocked icon.
  3. Select the icon.
  4. Choose the option to always allow pop-ups and redirects from the testing site.
  5. Refresh the page and launch the exam again.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Attempt to launch the exam.
  2. If a pop-up is blocked, look at the right side of the address bar for the blocked pop-up icon.
  3. Select the icon.
  4. Choose the option to always allow pop-ups and redirects from the testing site.
  5. Refresh the page and launch the exam again.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Attempt to launch the exam.
  2. If Firefox blocks the pop-up, look for a notification bar or blocked pop-up indicator.
  3. Choose the option to allow pop-ups for the testing site.
  4. Refresh the page and launch the exam again.

Safari on Mac

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Go to Safari and then Settings or Preferences.
  3. Select the Websites tab.
  4. Select Pop-up Windows.
  5. Find the testing website and change the setting to Allow.
  6. Return to the testing site and launch the exam again.

9. Disable or Pause Browser Extensions

If pop-ups are allowed but the exam still will not open, browser extensions may be interfering.

Examples of Extensions That May Interfere

  • Ad blockers
  • Privacy blockers
  • Script blockers
  • Coupon or shopping extensions
  • Download managers
  • Some password managers or security extensions
  • Remote desktop or screen-sharing extensions

General Steps

  1. Open your browser’s extensions or add-ons menu.
  2. Temporarily turn off extensions that may interfere with the exam launch.
  3. Restart the browser.
  4. Return to the testing site and try again.
  5. After the exam, turn your normal extensions back on if needed.

10. Common Questions

Q: Can I take a LockDown Browser exam in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari?

A: If the exam requires LockDown Browser, you generally must use LockDown Browser, not a normal browser. Some third-party platforms may start from a regular browser and then launch a secure Respondus component.

Q: The Canvas button says “Launch LockDown Browser,” but nothing happens. What should I do?

A: Close your regular browser and open LockDown Browser directly from the desktop, Start menu, Applications folder, or search. If the issue is from a third-party platform, allow pop-ups and redirects for the testing site.

Q: Why is my Windows computer blocking the installer?

A: Your computer may be running Windows S Mode, which blocks non-Microsoft Store apps. LockDown Browser is not installed from the Microsoft Store and is not supported on Windows S Mode.

Q: Can I use a Chromebook?

A: Sometimes. Some LockDown Browser exams can use a Chromebook extension, but Chromebook support depends on the exam, Canvas settings, third-party testing platform, instructor settings, and whether the Chromebook allows extensions. If Chromebook use is supported, start from the Canvas quiz, instructor-provided link, or official VCCS/PVCC Respondus download source. Use a Windows or Mac computer when possible unless the exam instructions clearly say Chromebook use is allowed.

Q: Can I use an iPad or mobile device?

A: iPad and mobile device use depends on the exam settings, instructor approval, Respondus configuration, and any third-party testing software requirements. Do not assume an iPad, tablet, or phone is allowed unless the exam instructions clearly say it is.

Q: Do campus computer labs have webcams?

A: Campus computer labs should not be assumed to have webcams available. If your exam requires a webcam and you do not have one, contact your instructor or the PVCC Testing Center before the deadline to review available testing options.

Q: Can I get another attempt if LockDown Browser fails?

A: Only your instructor can decide whether to grant another attempt, reopen an exam, extend a deadline, or adjust exam rules. 

 

Need More Help?

Connect with PVCC Technology Services:

434.961.5400

help@pvcc.edu

Room M832 in the Main Building (Campus Map)

Print Article