Overview

Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom web browser for taking quizzes in eLearning. When using Respondus LockDown Browser, you cannot print, copy, go to other web sites, or access other applications. If your instructor requires that you use Respondus, you will not be able to take the quiz with a standard web browser. Respondus LockDown Browser should only be used for taking quizzes. Do not use it with other features in eLearning or on other web sites.

Installing Respondus LockDown Browser

You must be the administrator of your computer to download Respondus LockDown Browser. Respondus LockDown Browser is also available in UWF computer labs.

1. Click the link below to open the download page. 

   Respondus Lockdown Browser download link
2. Click Install Now. This will download a .zip archive containing either a .pkg (Mac) or .exe (Windows) file. If the .zip file doesn't unpack automatically, double click on it.

       3. After LockDown Browser has been successfully installed, proceed to the Taking a Quiz section below

Taking a Quiz

1. Close all programs on your machine.
2. Open Respondus LockDown Browser.
3. If prompted to close a blocked program (e.g. screen capture, instant messaging), choose Yes when prompted.
4. Log in to eLearning.
5. Go to the specific quiz you wish to take and attempt to begin the quiz, like you normally would without Respondus LockDown Browser.
6. Click Take the Quiz.
7. Once a quiz has been started with Respondus LockDown Browser, you cannot exit until the Submit Quiz button is clicked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What operating systems are compatible with Respondus LockDown Browser?

• Generally speaking, released released versions of Windows, macOS, iOS, and ChromeOS are compatible with Respondus.
• Visit Respondus's What are the computer requirements for installations of Respondus LockDown Browser help article for an updated list of the specific versions that are compatible with Respondus.
• Visit Respondus's Resources page for additional information.

How can I use Respondus on my iPad?

• Download the ‎LockDown Browser on the App Store app.
  • Instructors must configure the settings for each quiz beforehand, so that students could use Respondus on their iPads.

How can I use Respondus on my Chromebook?

• Click the Respondus download link in Step 1 above, to download the Lockdown Browser Extension.
  • Respondus on Windows or Mac computers is typically a separate, standalone app.  But Respondus on a Chromebook is a browser extension.
  • Respondus on Chromebooks should automatically work.  Instructors no longer need to configure the quiz settings so that students could use Respondus on their Chromebooks.  
  • This extension does have limitations and known issues.  Please review the Can a Chromebook be used with LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor? (Higher Ed) help article to learn more.
• From Chrome, navigate to your quiz and click the Take the Quiz button.
  
  • You may have to press the Refresh key on your keyboard, if you experience issues.
• After completing the quiz, you'll have exit out of the Lockdown Browser Extension to get back to your regular Chrome browser.

After I start Respondus, a warning message states “You must close the following programs before starting the browser: [program name]”.  What should I do?

• Over 300 applications, such as screen capture and chat programs, are "blacklisted." This means that you cannot start Respondus LockDown Browser until the blocked application is exited. When this warning message appears, Respondus LockDown Browser will offer to close the blacklisted program for you, which is the easiest way to continue.

After I start Respondus, an error message pops up that says, "There is a problem with the settings for this exam."  What should I do?

• Email your instructor a picture of your screen.  Be sure to include in your email a link to Respondus' "There is a problem with the settings for this exam" help article.
  
• Your instructor will have to resolve this issue.  Your instructor can also contact the ITS Help Desk for assistance.

• Also know that this solution works for other various error message pop-ups too.  In most instances, the message will suggest the following solution – Ask your instructor to go to the "LockDown Browser Dashboard" for this course and check the settings for this exam.

My professor wants us to use the webcam and audio recording features in Respondus.  Where should I take my Respondus quizzes?

• Choose a quiet environment with no distractions and a strong Internet connection (try to connect to the Internet via Ethernet, if possible).
• Please know that Respondus will use your webcam and microphone to record your environment, while you are taking quizzes that require you use the webcam and microphone in Respondus.  So be sure to select a location where you are comfortable having a video and audio recording taken of yourself and your workspace environment. 
• Also know that your instructor will have access to these video and audio recordings after you finish your exam (assuming that there were no technical issues).

I am required to use the webcam and audio recording features in Respondus, but I do not want to take my exam at home.  What are my options?

• Choose another environment that's quiet, has no distractions, and has a strong Internet connection (try to connect to the Internet via Ethernet, if possible).
• Visit the UWF Testing Center and have them proctor your exam. Students must schedule this proctoring session in advance. The Proctored Exam Instructions & Registration pdf states that this service is free for UWF students taking UWF courses.

I do not own a computer.  I want to use Respondus in a UWF computer lab.  What are my options?

• If your instructor requires that you use your webcam and microphone in Respondus:
  • Most UWF computers on campus do not have webcams and microphones. However, you do have two options:
    • Visit the UWF Testing Center and have them proctor your exam. Students must schedule this proctoring session in advance. The Proctored Exam Instructions & Registration pdf states that this service is free for UWF students taking UWF courses.
    • Check out a laptop from the UWF Library, and request that the laptop has a webcam and microphone.

• If your instructor does not require that you use your webcam and microphone in Respondus:
  • Visit a physical UWF computer lab to use Respondus.
  • Be sure to ask your instructor, advisor, or academic department if there are other computer labs you can use.

My quiz requires Respondus monitor. How do I use Respondus Monitor?

• Visit Using the Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor for Online Exams for more information.