LockDown Browser Student Experience

Introduction to LockDown Browser for Taking Canvas Quizzes

The following steps guide a student through the process of using LockDown Browser to take an online quiz in Canvas. To learn more about LockDown Browser, why teachers may require it for online quizzes, information about privacy, security, and accessibility, see: LockDown Browser at WWU.

NOTE: WWU is not enabling in Canvas the Respondus Monitor product for video or audio technology monitoring used for remote proctoring. 

Step 1: Determine if you need to install LockDown Browser

If your instructor requires you to use LockDown Browser to take a Canvas quiz, you will see "Requires LockDown Browser" in the title of the quiz and a notification within the quiz to download and/or switch to that browser. You have several options:

• Computer Lab: Take the quiz in a General University computer lab where LockDown Browser is already installed.
  • Departmentally-controlled labs may not have LockDown Browser available.
  • Remote access to labs to use LockDown Browser will not work.
• WWU Laptop: Check out a laptop from Classroom Services or the Student Technology Center (STC) and launch LockDown Browser to login to Canvas and navigate back to the quiz.
  NOTE: LockDown Browser is currently being installed in WWU check-out laptops, a process that should be complete by 4/13/26 for the Student Tech Center; Classroom Services is in progress.
• Your Device: Install LockDown Browser on your own device. After installing and starting LockDown Browser, you will be able to login to Canvas and navigate back to the quiz. See LockDown Browser at WWU for security and privacy details.

If using a computer lab, skip Step 2.

Step 2: Download and Install LockDown Browser

Windows or Mac

While using a regular browser, you can see if a quiz requires LockDown Browser. You may be presented with a download link from within the quiz, or or you can go directly to the download page. To be prepared for this installation, see computer requirements and check out the help page and video: How do I install LockDown Browser?

Download LockDown Browser for WWU

The installation only needs to be done once per device.

To uninstall, see How do I uninstall or remove LockDown Browser?

iPads, Virtual Machines, Linux, Mobile Devices

LockDown Browser for iPad is not compatible with the Canvas Student iPad app, nor can it be used with Windows emulators such as Linux or virtual machines. 

Step 3: Start the LockDown Browser

Find the LockDown Browser application that was installed and launch the application. Be sure to save work open in any other application and exit all applications.

• Windows: Go to your desktop and double click on the "LockDown Browser" icon (A blue diamond with a gold padlock) to start LockDown Browser. Or, go to “Start”, locate “All Programs,” select “Respondus,” and click “Respondus LockDown Browser.”
• Mac: Users can find the "LockDown Browser" app in their Applications folder.

LockDown Browser will automatically go to the login page for Canvas.

Step 4: Login to Canvas

Since this is a separate application, it will require a fresh login every time you access it.

Log into to Canvas with WWU login credentials (username and password) and if prompted, complete the multi factor authentication (MFA) process.

Step 5: Take the Quiz

Once the exam has started, you will be locked into the exam. This means you will be unable to print, copy, go to other web addresses (unless specifically allowed by your teacher), or access other applications on the computer. Web searches, instant messaging, minimizing the browser, and hundreds of other functions are also prevented.  

The intention is to prevent academic honesty policy violations in an equitable way since everyone taking the exam will have the same requirements and limitations. If you experience difficulty with this method, talk to your teacher about getting accommodation support.  

Early Exit

If you need to exit the exam before submitting it, for example, in case of an emergency, you will see a message that your instructor will be notified of your early exit and you can either return to the exam or proceed to close the browser. If you close the browser, you are required to enter a reason for exiting the exam early. Instructors can then view this within their LockDown Browser dashboard and determine if it is appropriate to moderate the quiz to allow another attempt.

5) Complete the Quiz and Exit LockDown Browser

Once the exam is completed, students are permitted to exit the browser and their computer will return to its normal state. 

As always, if using a computer lab or WWU laptop, be sure to exit the browser and log off the computer completely to keep your account access secure.

If using a personal device and wish to uninstall LockDown Browser, see: How do I uninstall or remove LockDown Browser?