Installing & Using LockDown Browser - Student Instructions

Owned by Laurie Fox
Last updated: Jan 05, 2024 by Rose Mournighan
2 min read



LockDown Browser can be installed on students' personally owned laptops for secure quizzes.

When students use LockDown Browser to access an exam in Brightspace, they are unable to print, copy, visit other websites, or access other applications. Once an assessment is started, students are locked into it until it’s submitted for grading. For a complete list of features, visit the Respondus website at Respondus Lockdown Browser. 


The Student Quick Start Guides for LockDown Browser are available at Lockdown Browser Resources. Our license with Respondus, Inc. does NOT permit instructors or students to obtain support directly from Respondus, Inc. If CIT is unable to solve a particular question or problem, we will contact Respondus, Inc. on your behalf.

You must be on a robust network connection to take an exam in Brightspace. Do not rely on public wifi in places such as airports, coffee shops, and hotels. Failure to establish a reliable connection will not be accepted as an excuse for missed or incomplete exams. Plan ahead!

Installing LockDown Browser on your personal computer

  1. Make sure your laptop meets the Campus minimum configuration requirements  and  LockDown Browser System Requirements

  2. Install the LockDown browser from this link: Lockdown Browser Download. If you need help installing software, please take your laptop to the CIT HelpDesk.

  3. Launch the LockDown browser and log in with your Geneseo account credentials. Use the “Check for Update” feature to ensure you are running the most recent version of LockDown Browser.

Taking a Secure Quiz or Assessment with LockDown browser

  1. Before preparing to take your assessment, quit all other programs. It is important that you do not force quit applications, as you may lose unsaved work.

  2. If you are on campus, make sure you are logged into the eduroam wireless network and not the Geneseo Guest network. (Wireless at Geneseo)

    1. If you are off campus, VPN is not required.

  3. Within Brightspace, navigate to the course and then click into the quiz/exam you need to complete.

  4. Be sure you review all of the information on the resulting summary page. At the very bottom of the summary page, you'll see a Quiz Requirements section. Immediately underneath, you'll be reminded that Respondus LockDown Browser is required for that specific assessment and you'll be given the option to download the LockDown Browser.

    1. If you've already downloaded and installed Respondus LockDown Browser, click the blue "Launch LockDown Browser" button to begin your assessment.

    2. If you haven't yet downloaded and installed Respondus LockDown Browser, you can follow the link on-screen to do so.

  5. If you encounter a problem, click the Help Center  link where you can troubleshoot issues.

    1. If the Help Center does not resolve the issue please contact the CIT HelpDesk

 During a timed assessment, do NOT press the delete or backspace key after acknowledging the time limit warning. Proceed with completing and submitting the assessment.

Alternate Keyboards for Languages & Literatures Quizzes

If you are taking a secure quiz for a language class, Respondus recommends that students change their keyboard layout per this article: Accents For Languages and Multiple Language Keyboards.

  • Directions for Windows 10

  • Directions for MacOS 

  • Use the Keyboard Viewer to help learn your new keyboard layout

  • Amazon.com has several keyboard covers available for your laptop – consider making this small investment to improve your typing skills

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