Want to Beat Respondus Lockdown Browser?
Our experts know exactly what to do
Quick Answer
Respondus LockDown Browser is software that locks your computer during online exams—preventing access to other websites, applications, or copy/paste functions. When paired with Respondus Monitor, it uses your webcam to record you and AI to flag “suspicious” behavior. Compatible with Windows 10/11 and macOS 10.15+. We’ve helped students navigate Respondus-proctored exams for years, handling both the technical challenges and the exam content itself.
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Respondus LockDown Browser Help: Expert Exam Assistance
Respondus creates a unique kind of stress. The software takes control of your computer, blocking everything except your exam. If Respondus Monitor is enabled, you’re also being recorded and analyzed by AI that decides whether your behavior looks “suspicious.” Technical issues are common, and they eat into your exam time.
We’ve been helping students with Respondus-proctored exams for years. We understand both the technical side—installation issues, webcam problems, crashes—and how to navigate the AI monitoring successfully while delivering the grade you need.
Why Respondus Exams Are Stressful
Respondus creates pressure that goes beyond normal test anxiety.
Your Computer Becomes a Prison
LockDown Browser doesn’t just monitor you—it takes over your entire machine. You can’t switch applications, open another tab, take screenshots, or even access your calculator unless it’s built into the exam. If something goes wrong, you can’t Google a solution or message someone for help.
Technical Issues Are Your Problem
Webcam not detected? Reinstall. Browser crashes? Restart and hope you don’t lose time. Screen flickering? Disable overlays you didn’t know you had. These issues happen constantly, and solving them eats into your exam clock while your anxiety spikes.
AI Decides What’s “Suspicious”
Respondus Monitor’s AI flags behavior based on patterns—but it can’t understand context. Looking at your keyboard while typing? Flagged. Stretching your neck? Flagged. Dog barking in the background? Flagged. You won’t know what got flagged until your instructor reviews it (if they tell you at all).
You Can’t See What They See
Unlike live proctoring where you might get real-time feedback, Respondus Monitor flags are invisible to you. The AI is making judgments throughout your exam, and you have no idea whether you’re accumulating flags that could be reviewed as “suspicious behavior” later.
How Respondus Works: LockDown Browser vs. Monitor
Respondus actually consists of two separate components. Your exam might use one or both:
| Component | What It Does | What It Prevents/Monitors |
|---|---|---|
| LockDown Browser | Locks your computer to the exam environment | Other browsers, applications, copy/paste, print screen, right-click, task switching, secondary monitors |
| Respondus Monitor | Records and analyzes you via webcam | Webcam video, audio, screen recording, facial recognition, eye tracking, AI behavior analysis |
Important distinction: Some exams only use LockDown Browser (no webcam). Others use both LockDown Browser + Monitor. Check your exam requirements—if “webcam required” is mentioned, Respondus Monitor is enabled.
For technical support resources, see the official Respondus Student Support page.
Solving Common Respondus Technical Errors
Technical issues with Respondus are frustratingly common. Here’s how to solve the most frequent problems:
| Error/Issue | Likely Cause | Fix Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| “Update Required” | Version mismatch with institution | Uninstall completely, reinstall from your institution’s specific download link (not generic Respondus site) |
| Screen Flickering | GPU/overlay conflict | Disable Game Mode (Windows), close Discord, disable any screen overlay software (GeForce Experience, AMD Radeon) |
| Webcam Not Found | Privacy permissions blocked | Check OS privacy settings (Settings → Privacy → Camera), ensure LockDown Browser has permission |
| Microphone Error | Wrong input selected or permissions | Check sound settings, set correct default microphone, verify privacy permissions |
| Browser Crashes/Freezes | Conflicting software or low resources | Close ALL other applications, disable antivirus temporarily, restart computer before exam |
| Secondary Monitor Detected | Multiple displays connected | Physically disconnect additional monitors before launching browser |
| Startup Sequence Failed | Background applications interfering | End tasks for: Spotify, Discord, Steam, screen capture software, virtual machines |
Most technical issues can be prevented by starting the exam with a fresh computer restart and all non-essential applications closed.
What Respondus Monitor Flags
Respondus Monitor’s AI generates flags for your instructor to review. These are the most common triggers:
| Behavior | Why It’s Flagged | Innocent Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Face leaving frame | Identity verification concern | Reaching for water, stretching, adjusting chair |
| Eyes looking away | Possible reference to notes | Thinking, looking at keyboard, checking time |
| Audio detected | Possible conversation | Reading aloud, background noise, HVAC, pets |
| Multiple faces | Someone helping | Family walking past, photos on wall, reflections |
| Missing face | Someone else taking exam | Poor lighting, webcam angle, face partially obscured |
| Environment change | Movement detected in room | Lighting change, pet moving, ceiling fan shadows |
Your instructor reviews these flags after the exam. Most instructors understand that flags don’t automatically mean cheating—but the review process itself creates anxiety for students who did nothing wrong.
Respondus Exam Coming Up?
Don’t let technical issues and AI monitoring tank your grade. We know how to navigate Respondus successfully.
What NOT to Do During a Respondus Exam
These behaviors will trigger flags or cause technical problems:
✗
Don’t leave applications running in the background
Discord, Spotify, Steam, and similar apps can crash LockDown Browser or trigger startup failures.
✗
Don’t talk or read aloud
Audio detection flags any speech as potential communication with another person.
✗
Don’t use a virtual machine or remote desktop
Respondus detects virtualization and will block the exam from starting.
✗
Don’t have your phone visible
Webcam recording captures your environment. Phones in view will be seen during review.
✗
Don’t take the exam in a high-traffic area
People walking through your frame trigger multiple-face detection and environment change flags.
✗
Don’t use keyboard shortcuts (Alt+Tab, etc.)
LockDown Browser blocks these, but attempting them may be logged as suspicious activity.
Pre-Exam Checklist for Respondus
Complete this checklist before every Respondus exam to minimize technical issues:
✓
Restart your computer
Fresh restart clears memory issues and closes hidden background processes.
✓
Close ALL other applications
Check system tray for hidden apps (Discord, Spotify, game launchers).
✓
Test your webcam and microphone
Use the Respondus webcam check tool before exam day.
✓
Ensure stable internet connection
Use wired ethernet if possible. Close other devices using bandwidth.
✓
Disconnect secondary monitors
Physically unplug additional displays before launching browser.
✓
Have your ID ready
Government-issued photo ID visible and ready for verification.
✓
Clear your testing environment
Remove phones, notes, and other materials from view. Good lighting on your face.
✓
Inform housemates
Let others know not to enter your room or make loud noises during your exam window.
Subjects We Cover on Respondus
We handle both the technical challenges and the exam content. Our experts cover all major subjects:
| Category | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Algebra, Calculus, Statistics, Precalculus, Trigonometry, Linear Algebra |
| Sciences | Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Anatomy, Organic Chemistry |
| Business | Accounting, Economics, Finance, Business Statistics, Marketing |
| Computer Science | Programming, Data Structures, Databases, Networking |
| Humanities | History, Psychology, Sociology, English, Philosophy |
Don’t see your subject? Contact us—we likely cover it.
Why Choose Us for Respondus Exams
We Know Respondus Inside and Out
We’ve navigated LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor for years. We understand what triggers flags, how to minimize technical issues, and how to complete exams successfully within the system’s constraints.
Subject Matter Expertise
Knowing the proctoring system is only half the battle—you need to ace the exam content too. Our experts cover all subjects from math and science to business and humanities.
A/B Grade Guarantee
We guarantee an A or B on your Respondus-proctored exam—or your money back. Learn more about our guarantee →
Same-Day Availability
Exam tomorrow? We regularly handle urgent requests. While more notice is always better, we specialize in helping students under time pressure.
How It Works
Share Exam Details
Tell us about your Respondus exam: subject, date, time, and whether it uses Monitor (webcam). More details help us prepare better.
Get Your Quote
Receive transparent pricing based on exam complexity and timeline. No hidden fees.
Expert Assignment
We match you with an expert in your subject who has specific experience with Respondus proctoring.
Ace Your Exam
Our expert navigates Respondus while delivering the grade you need. A/B guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Respondus LockDown Browser see your phone?
The LockDown Browser software itself cannot detect phones. However, when paired with Respondus Monitor, the webcam recording captures your testing environment—including any phones visible in the frame. Instructors reviewing the footage can see if you looked at or used a phone during the exam.
Does Respondus record your screen?
Yes. When Respondus Monitor is enabled, most configurations record both your webcam and your screen simultaneously. The screen recording captures everything displayed during your exam, and AI flags moments where unusual activity is detected.
How do I know if I was flagged by Respondus?
You typically won’t know during the exam. Respondus Monitor’s AI analyzes your session and generates flags for your instructor to review afterward. Flags might include: looking away from screen, face leaving frame, audio detected, or other “suspicious” behaviors. Your instructor decides whether flags constitute violations.
What is the difference between LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor?
LockDown Browser is software that locks your computer during an exam—preventing access to other websites, applications, copy/paste, and screenshots. Respondus Monitor is the webcam proctoring add-on that records you during the exam and uses AI to flag suspicious behavior. Many exams use both together, but some only use LockDown Browser without webcam monitoring.
Why does Respondus LockDown Browser keep crashing?
Common causes include: outdated browser version, conflicts with screen recording software (Discord, OBS, game overlays), antivirus interference, GPU driver issues, or insufficient system resources. Try reinstalling from your institution’s specific download link, disabling overlays, and closing all background applications.
Can Respondus detect a second monitor?
Yes. Respondus LockDown Browser detects and disables secondary monitors during exams. You’ll receive an error if multiple displays are connected. Disconnect additional monitors before launching the browser.
Does Respondus work on Mac and Windows?
Yes. Respondus LockDown Browser is compatible with Windows 10/11 and macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or higher. Chromebooks are supported for some institutions but with limited functionality. iPads have a separate LockDown Browser app. The software is not compatible with Linux.
Do you guarantee grades on Respondus exams?
Yes. We guarantee an A or B on your Respondus-proctored exam, or your money back. Our experts understand how LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor work and complete exams successfully within those constraints. Learn more about our guarantee →
Don’t Let Respondus Derail Your Grade
Technical issues and AI monitoring shouldn’t determine your future. Let our experts handle both.
Related: Proctored Exam Hub | Honorlock Help | Proctorio Help | ProctorU Help | Examity Help
There are many reasons why students need help with their coursework. In any case, it is never too late to ask for help. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s connect!