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LockDown Browser Setup Guide for Instructors

This guide provides instructors with the steps and best practices for using Respondus LockDown Browser in Canvas, including how to enable it, configure exam settings, inform students via the syllabus, and ensure a smooth testing experience.

What is LockDown Browser?

Respondus LockDown Browser is a customized browser that increases the security of online testing in 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 the assessment until it is submitted for grading.

10 Reasons to use LockDown Browser

Download LockDown Broswer for the ASU System

Enabling LockDown Browser in Canvas

To enable LockDown Browser for a quiz: 

  1. Navigate to your Canvas course.
    • Skip to step 4 if you have a quiz already created and set up. 
  2. Select Quizzes from the course navigation.
  3. Create or edit a quiz.
  4. After saving the quiz, go to LockDown Browser in the course navigation.
  5. In the LockDown Browser Dashboard, locate your quiz and click the arrow to select Settings.
  6. Choose Require LockDown Browser for this exam.

Instructor Quick Start Guides for Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

Copied Course Reminder:

When you copy a Canvas course, external tools like Respondus do not necessarilly copy their settings to the new course. Please remember to check that all your Responus Exams show the LockDown Browser as Required in the new course.

Additional Configuration Options

After enabling LockDown Browser, instructors can customize exam settings to meet their needs:

  • Enable Respondus Monitor

    • 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.

       

      More information about Respondus Monitor
  • Allow iPad use 
  • Use Instructor Live Proctoring
    • Institutions that license LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor have an additional remote proctoring option that works with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and other video systems. The new “Instructor Live Proctoring” option uses LockDown Browser to prevent cheating on the computer itself, while the instructor watches students via video conferencing. This method is only recommended for small class sizes where instructors can effectively observe and track students during the exam.

      ? More information

Add LockDown Browser Info to Your Syllabus

To ensure students are prepared before the first exam, include the following sample text in your syllabus or course introduction:

Using LockDown Browser for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the optional webcam feature (which may be required for some exams).
Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link:
https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=957936032

Canvas has two different quiz types. For more information, see:

For additional details on using LockDown Browser, review the Student Quick Start Guide (PDF) for the quiz type that is being used:

System Requirements:

  • Windows: 10, 8, 7 (75 MB of storage required)
  • Mac: macOS 10.12 or higher (120 MB or storage required)
  • iOS: 11.0+ (iPad only; must be enabled by instructor)
  • Internet: Use a wired high-speed connection. Wireless is not recommended.

Environment Requirements:

Before taking an exam, students should:

  • Choose a quiet, interruption-free location
  • Rerun the Webcam and System Checks if using a different setup
  • Ensure sufficient time is available to complete the exam
  • Turn off mobile devices and remove unauthorized materials
  • Remain at their workstation for the duration of the test

If you will be using Responus Monitor, consider adding the following

Additional Webcam Requirements:

  • Select a location where you are comfortable having a video recording taken of yourself and your workspace environment.
  • To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
    • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims.
    • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or any other surface where the device (or you) is likely to move.
    • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete.
    • Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window.

Set Up a Practice Exam to Prevent Issues Before Test Day

We strongly encourage instructors to create a practice exam early in the course—especially if using LockDown Browser or Respondus Monitor. A low-stakes or ungraded practice exam helps students:

  • Confirm their device, browser, and internet connection are compatible
  • Resolve login or access issues
  • Understand the exam interface and expectations

If you're using Respondus Monitor, a practice exam also allows you to evaluate the student's testing environment:

  • Is the lighting sufficient to clearly see the student?
  • Is the camera positioned correctly?
  • Is there any glare or backlighting that obscures the video?

Students should also use the Help Center in LockDown Browser to run the Webcam Check and System Check, and perform an internet speed test to ensure a stable connection.

How much bandwith is required for Respondus Monitor to run?

If issues arise, they can consult the Knowledge Base or contact the ITS Help Desk.

Leave the practice quiz available for the duration of the course with unlimited attempts so students can retest if they switch devices.

Support Resources

For Creating and Deploying Exams

These offices can assist instructors with designing, setting up, and deploying LockDown Browser exams, including practice exams and syllabus integration.

Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL)

📧 Email: CETL@AState.edu
☎️ Phone: 870-972-2334
📍 Location: Dean B. Ellis Library, Suite 301

A-State Online Faculty Support

📧 Email: aos@astate.edu
☎️ Phone: 870-680-8464
📍 Location: International Programs Building

For Technical Support with the LockDown Browser or Canvas

These resources are available to help with installation issues, login problems, and troubleshooting during exams.

ITS Help Desk

For general technical issues and Canvas login support:
📧 Email: itshelpdesk@AState.edu
☎️ Phone: 870-972-3933
📍 Location: Dean B. Ellis Library, Room 149
Submit a Canvas Support Ticket

Respondus Technical Support

For issues specific to LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor:

Training Webinars

Register for free training webinars on LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor.

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