What Lockdown Browser does during a proctored exam
Lockdown Browser is software that locks down your computer during an online test. When you use it with a webcam, the browser prevents you from opening other programs, switching tabs, taking screenshots, or accessing the internet outside the test. The webcam records video and audio of you and your testing space so a proctor — either a live person or automated software — can watch for cheating.
The browser runs in full-screen mode and disables your keyboard shortcuts, right-click menus, and function keys. If you try to leave the test window, the browser either stops you or flags the attempt. The webcam feed is typically stored on the test company's servers and reviewed either during the exam (live proctoring) or afterward (recorded proctoring).
Lockdown Browser is made by Respondus, a company that sells testing software to schools and universities. Your instructor or testing center decides whether to use it, and they choose the level of monitoring — some exams use the browser alone, others add a live proctor watching your webcam feed in real time.
Key Takeaways
- Lockdown Browser locks your computer to the test window and blocks access to other programs, tabs, and keyboard shortcuts during the exam.
- The webcam records video and audio of you and your desk so a proctor can monitor for cheating or unusual behavior.
- Your institution chooses whether a live person watches your webcam feed during the test or whether the recording is reviewed later.
- You must allow browser access to your webcam before the test starts, and the camera must have a clear view of your face and testing area.
- The software flags suspicious activity — such as looking away from the screen, multiple people in the room, or unauthorized materials — and reports it to your instructor.
How the webcam monitoring actually works
When you start a Lockdown Browser exam with webcam proctoring, the software asks permission to access your camera and microphone. You must grant this permission or the test will not start. The camera then records continuously from the moment you begin until you submit your answers.
With live proctoring, a human proctor watches your webcam feed in real time while you take the test. They can see your face, your desk, and anything in your when ready surroundings. If they notice you looking at notes, talking to someone off-camera, or leaving the room, they can pause the test and ask you to explain. Some live proctoring services allow the proctor to chat with you through a text box or speak through your speakers.
With recorded proctoring, the webcam records your video and audio but no one watches it live. Instead, the recording is stored and reviewed later — either by a human proctor or by automated detection software that flags suspicious patterns. Automated systems look for things like your eyes moving off-screen too often, multiple faces in the frame, or sudden changes in lighting or background.
What the camera can and cannot see
The webcam captures your face, upper body, and the desk or table directly in front of you. It does not see your keyboard or monitor screen — only what is in the camera's field of view. Most institutions require you to position the camera so it shows your face clearly and your desk surface, usually at eye level or slightly above.
The camera cannot see what you are typing or what answers you are entering. It cannot see your screen. What it records is your behavior — whether you are looking at the screen, whether you are alone, whether there are papers or books visible on your desk, and whether you are speaking to someone else in the room.
The audio recording picks up sounds in your testing space. If someone speaks to you during the exam, the microphone will capture it. If you speak aloud while taking the test, that is also recorded. Some proctors use audio to confirm that you are alone and that no one is coaching you.
What happens if the software detects suspicious activity
Lockdown Browser flags several types of behavior during an exam. If you minimize the browser window, switch to another program, or try to open a new tab, the software logs the attempt. If you look away from the screen for an extended period, move out of the camera frame, or have someone else visible in the background, the system records this as well.
The software does not automatically fail you or stop the test when it detects these things. Instead, it creates a report that your instructor receives after the exam. The report includes a timeline of flagged events — for example, "student looked away from screen for 45 seconds at 2:15 p.m." or "second person visible in frame at 2:22 p.m." Your instructor then decides whether the behavior violates your school's academic integrity policy.
Some institutions treat any flag as a serious concern and may ask you to retake the exam or meet with an academic integrity officer. Others only investigate if there are multiple flags or if the behavior seems intentional. The consequences depend entirely on your school's policies, not on Lockdown Browser itself.
Technical requirements and setup
To use Lockdown Browser with a webcam, you need a computer with a working camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and the Lockdown Browser software installed. The software runs on Windows and Mac computers. You cannot use it on a phone or tablet, even if those devices have cameras.
Before your exam, you should test your camera and microphone to make sure they work. Lockdown Browser usually provides a test room where you can check your setup — you can see what the camera sees, verify that the microphone is picking up sound, and make sure your lighting is adequate. Poor lighting or a camera pointed at a wall will cause the proctor to ask you to adjust your setup before the test begins.
You also need to clear your desk of anything that looks like study materials — notes, textbooks, a second monitor, or a phone. Some institutions allow a blank piece of paper and a pen for scratch work; others do not. Check your exam instructions for what is permitted in your testing space.
Privacy and data storage
The webcam recording is stored on Respondus's servers or your institution's servers, depending on how your school set up the system. The video and audio files are typically kept for a set period — often 30 to 90 days — and then deleted. Your institution may keep the recording longer if there is an academic integrity investigation.
You do not own the recording, and you cannot read it. Your school and Respondus have access to it. Some institutions allow you to request a copy if you are disputing an academic integrity finding, but this varies by school.
Lockdown Browser does collect data about your testing session — how long you took the exam, when you submitted it, and the flagged events. This data is used to generate the report your instructor sees. The software does not collect data about your browsing history, files, or anything outside the test window.
Alternatives if you cannot use a webcam
If you do not have a working webcam or if you have a disability that makes webcam proctoring difficult, contact your school's disability services office or testing center. Many institutions offer alternatives such as taking the exam in a proctored testing center on campus, where a staff member watches you in person instead of through a camera. Others allow you to use a different proctoring service or to take the exam without live monitoring.
Some schools will postpone your exam or offer a makeup test if your camera fails on test day. Do not skip the exam or try to take it without permission — contact your instructor or testing center when ready if you have a technical problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the webcam see my screen or what I am typing?
No. The webcam only records what is in front of the camera — your face, upper body, and desk surface. It cannot see your monitor, keyboard, or the answers you are entering into the test. The proctor watches your behavior and your surroundings, not your screen.
What if someone else is in my house during the exam?
If another person is visible in the camera frame or audible in the background, it will be flagged in the report. Your instructor will see this and may ask you to explain. Whether this violates your school's policy depends on your institution — some allow family members to be in the house as long as they stay out of the testing area, while others require you to be completely alone.
Is the webcam recording stored forever?
No. Most institutions delete webcam recordings after 30 to 90 days unless there is an academic integrity investigation. Your school's testing center can tell you their specific retention policy. You cannot read or keep a copy of the recording yourself.
What if my internet cuts out during the exam?
If your connection drops, Lockdown Browser will pause the test. When you reconnect, you can usually resume where you left off, though some exams have time limits that keep running. Contact your testing center when ready if this happens so they can document the technical issue and help you restart.
Can I use a phone or tablet instead of a computer?
No. Lockdown Browser only works on Windows and Mac computers. You cannot use it on a phone, tablet, or Chromebook. If you do not have access to a compatible computer, contact your school's testing center about alternatives.