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What is LockDown Browser?
LockDown Browser is a secure browser used for taking certain quizzes and exams in Canvas. It prevents you from printing, copying, visiting other websites, or opening other applications while a test is in progress. If your instructor requires LockDown Browser for a quiz, you will not be able to access that quiz using a regular browser like Chrome or Safari.
Before you start
Watch this short video for a quick overview of what LockDown Browser does and what to expect when you use it: https://web.respondus.com/lockdownbrowser-student-video/
Installing LockDown Browser
You only need to install LockDown Browser once per computer. If you use more than one computer during the term, you will need to install it on each one.
- Log into Canvas using a standard browser and go to your course.
- Navigate to the quiz that requires LockDown Browser.
- If it is not already installed, you will be prompted with a download link. Choose the version for your operating system, Windows or Mac.
- Once downloaded, open the installer and follow the on screen prompts to complete the install.
Launching LockDown Browser
Once installed, you will find the LockDown Browser icon on your desktop, or in your Applications folder if you are on a Mac.
- Double click the icon to open the program.
- If asked, click Yes to allow the program to run.
- Log into Canvas from within LockDown Browser using your usual credentials.
- LockDown Browser will ask you to close any other programs running in the background, such as messaging apps or screen recording tools. Click Yes to close them so you can continue.
Taking your quiz
- Navigate to your course and open the quiz.
- Click Take the Quiz.
- Answer the questions as you normally would.
- Once the quiz has started, you will not be able to exit LockDown Browser, print, copy, or open other applications until you submit.
- When you are finished, click Submit Quiz just as you would in a regular Canvas quiz.
- To close LockDown Browser, click the red X in the upper right corner and confirm that you want to exit.
A few tips
Close out of anything you do not need before starting your quiz, since LockDown Browser will prompt you to shut it down anyway. It also helps to take any practice quiz your instructor provides ahead of time, so you can confirm LockDown Browser is installed and working correctly before your graded exam.
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