Setup LockDown Browser for Quizzes in Canvas

Note: This guide is for instructors only. Students can reference Troubleshoot Lockdown Browser or visit the Respondus Help Center for assistance with the LockDown Browser.

LockDown Browser is a custom application that locks down the testing environment on student devices during Canvas quizzes. Unlike standard browsers, it prevents students from accessing other applications, websites, or system functions while taking an exam. This comprehensive guide covers setup, configuration, student preparation, and review processes.

Add LockDown Browser to Course Navigation

Before configuring quizzes, you must add the LockDown Browser management tool to your course navigation. This tool is only visible to instructors.

Step 1: Access Course Settings

Open your Canvas course
From the Navigation menu, select Settings

Step 2: Enable LockDown Browser

Select the Navigation tab
Find LockDown Browser in the lower listing and select the three dots
Select Enable
Select Save to apply changes

Configure Quiz Settings

Configure LockDown Browser settings for individual quizzes based on your security and assessment needs.

Access LockDown Browser Configuration

Within your Canvas course, select LockDown Browser from the Navigation menu

Select the arrow icon next to your quiz title
Select Settings

Basic Configuration

Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam to enable the browser for the designated quiz.

To enable the LockDown Browser without additional options, select Save + Close to activate basic protection. For more security parameters, continue to the advanced options below.

Advanced Configuration Options

1. Password Settings

Create an access code that students must enter before starting the quiz. This adds an additional layer of security and can be used to control quiz timing in proctored environments.

Useful for controlling exam start times
Required for proctored lab settings
Can be combined with other security measures

2. Advanced Settings

Require LockDown Browser to view post-exam feedback and results: Students must use LockDown Browser to view quiz feedback and results
Lock students into the browser until exam is completed: Students cannot exit the browser until the exam is completed (useful for computer labs)
Allow access to specific external web domains: Permit access to specific websites during the test (for research-based assessments)
Enable Calculator on the toolbar: Provide students with a built-in calculator in the toolbar
Enable Printing from the toolbar: Enable printing capabilities within the secure environment

(Optional) Respondus Monitor Configuration

Respondus Monitor is an automated proctoring system for LockDown Browser. It uses a webcam to record students during exams, providing a powerful deterrence to cheating, and uses computer vision technology to flag events that might require closer review by the instructor.

To enable proctoring for an exam, select the "Require Respondus Monitor" option. Subsequently, choose whether to record the screen activity or only the webcam.

Live Proctoring via Teams

Respondus Monitor allows instructors to "live proctor" online exams using LockDown Browser and video conferencing systems (Teams, Zoom, etc.). Students meet in a video conference, start the exam together using LockDown Browser, and the instructor watches via the video conference. Students aren't recorded, and the instructor isn't alerted to suspicious events. This method is recommended for small classes where the instructor can view all students on the screen.

Note: this cannot be used with iPad devices unless the student joins the video conference system using a second device

Startup Sequence Configuration

Configure the steps students must complete before beginning the exam. Use the Preview option to see the exact screen students will see at this step.

1. Startup Sequence

Webcam Check: Verify camera functionality and positioning
Additional Instructions: Provide additional instruction for participating in the exam. Select from the default text block, or edit to create your own.
Guidelines + Tips: Provide guidelines and tips for using the LockDown Browser, helpful for first-timers
Student Photo: Practice taking a photo for the monitoring process
Show ID: Practice showing the student ID for the monitoring process
Environment Check: Have students pan their camera around their testing space

Note: Most settings are optional and can be reordered by dragging and dropping them to match your security requirements.

2. Face Detection Options

Configure facial detection options for the exam.

3. Advanced Settings

Configure advanced, non-standard or more specific options for your exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare my students for a quiz with LockDown Browser?

Practice makes perfect. Encourage students to take a practice quiz using your preferred LockDown Browser settings. This helps them get familiar with the tool, reduces test anxiety, and allows support staff to help ahead of time if needed.

Students need to:

Download and install LockDown Browser on their computer (Windows or Mac)
Follow onscreen installation instructions and complete any required system restarts
Test the system with a practice quiz before the actual exam

Respondus offers student quick start guides by quiz type:

How do students take a quiz with LockDown Browser?

Locate the "LockDown Browser" shortcut on desktop and double-click (Mac users: launch from Applications folder)
Close any blocked programs when prompted
Log into Canvas course using student credentials
Navigate to the quiz and click "Take a Quiz"
Complete any required Startup Sequence (if Respondus Monitor is enabled)
Take the quiz - cannot exit until "Submit Quiz" is clicked

Important: Students attempting to access a LockDown Browser-required quiz with a standard browser will see a warning message. This confirms security settings are properly configured.

How do I review Respondus Monitor recordings?

If webcam recording was enabled, you can review student sessions and flagged events after quiz completion:

Return to the LockDown Browser dashboard in your course navigation menu
From the context menu next to the quiz title, select Class Results
Review the student roster showing date, time, duration, review priority, and grade
Click plus to expand details for individual students
View thumbnails of startup sequence and exam session events
Click thumbnails to view videos from specific time points
Mark videos as reviewed or add instructor comments

Review Tips: Focus on high-priority flagged events first. Remember that Monitor serves primarily as a deterrent - determine appropriate review level for your context. Use comment features to document observations for potential academic integrity processes.

What is Respondus Monitor?

Respondus Monitor is a remote proctoring feature added on top of LockDown Browser. It uses the student's webcam to record them during the exam. After submission, instructors can review flagged events and proctoring data.

Learn more about Respondus Monitor.

How do I disable LockDown Browser on a quiz?

To disable LockDown Browser on a specific quiz:

Open the Canvas course
Select LockDown Browser from the course navigation
Next to the quiz, click the arrow icon
Select Settings
Choose Don't require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam
Select Save and Close

Does it matter if I'm using New or Classic Quizzes in Canvas?

No, the process for enabling LockDown Browser is the same for both quiz types. Use the appropriate quick start guides based on what you're using:

Classic Quizzes:

New Quizzes:

Be sure to clearly communicate which quiz type you're using and consider assigning a practice quiz to avoid confusion.

What are common student issues and solutions?

Installation Problems: Direct students to system requirements and compatibility information
Blocked Programs: Advise students to close all unnecessary applications before starting
Network Issues: Recommend stable internet connection and backup options
Camera/Microphone Problems: Provide troubleshooting steps for hardware configuration
Environment Setup: If using Respondus Monitor, advise students on proper lighting and camera positioning

Best Practices: Create a practice quiz, ensure students meet system requirements, provide technical support contact information, and establish procedures for technical difficulties during exams.

Where can I learn more about LockDown Browser?

Remember: Effective use of LockDown Browser requires balancing security needs with student accessibility. Always provide clear instructions, practice opportunities, and technical support to ensure successful implementation.