Respondus LockDown Browser is a secure testing browser that restricts access to other applications during an assessment. It is required for certain exams in Canvas and prevents test takers from printing, copying, visiting another website, or accessing other applications during an exam.
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Important Notes:
- Auburn University does not support Respondus Monitor (the webcam feature). Contact your instructor for clarification if a course or exam, other than ALEKS, asks you to use Respondus Monitor
- ALEKS Math Placement Exams do not use Auburn's LockDown Browser system. Instead of downloading the Auburn version, please head directly to the ALEKS website, verify that your device is compatible by reviewing system requirements, and download the required software from there. For support, contact McGraw-Hill using the ALEKS Support Contact Page. Incoming students who have submitted their enrollment deposit may access the exam through AU Access by searching for the Academic Portals card, scrolling down to select Student Self-Service, followed by ALEKS Math Placement Assessment. To learn more, visit aub.ie/mathplacement
Before the Exam
- Restart your computer and install any pending system updates
- If you already have Auburn's LockDown Browser downloaded, update it:
- Windows: Open LockDown Browser → click the Information button in the toolbar → select Check for Updates. Install if prompted
- Mac: Launch LockDown Browser → from the LockDown Browser menu, select Check for Updates. Install if prompted
- Close all applications before class, including browsers, messaging apps, Word, Excel, and email
Download and Install
You can install LockDown Browser in two ways:
A. From a Quiz in Canvas
- Navigate to a quiz in your Canvas course that requires LockDown Browser.
- Click Take the Quiz. If LockDown Browser has not been installed, you will be prompted to download it.
B. From the Direct Link
- If you received a new computer or if a practice quiz is not provided in your course, use Auburn University's direct link, aub.ie/lockdownlink
If you have trouble installing the Lockdown Browser, please contact the OIT Service Desk at 334-844-4944 or servicedesk@auburn.edu. Inform your instructor of any issues you encounter. See the Troubleshooting and Support section below for more details.
Starting a Quiz
Canvas currently has two quiz tools: Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes. Because of this difference, you'll see two sets of instructions below.
- Classic Quizzes (shown with an open rocket icon) require you to launch LockDown Browser before logging into Canvas.
- New Quizzes (shown with a filled-in rocket icon) allow you to start in a regular browser, then automatically launch LockDown Browser when you open the quiz.
Classic Quizzes
- Close all programs, unless one is used to connect to the Internet
- Locate the LockDown Browser shortcut on your desktop (Windows) or in the Applications folder (Mac)
- If prompted, allow LockDown Browser to close blocked applications (e.g., screen capture, messaging).
- Log into Canvas using LockDown Browser.
- Navigate to your course and select the quiz.
- Begin the quiz.
New Quizzes
- Close all programs unless one is used to connect to the Internet.
- Log in to Canvas in a standard browser, navigate to the course, and open the quiz.
- If LockDown Browser is not installed, you will be prompted to download and install it.
- Please return to the quiz and select it again. It will automatically launch in LockDown Browser.
- If prompted, allow LockDown Browser to close any blocked applications.
Troubleshooting and Support:
- Use the Help Center button inside LockDown Browser to run a System & Network Check
- Contact the Auburn OIT Service Desk at 334-844-4944 or servicedesk@auburn.edu if you experience installation issues
- If you encounter technical issues during an exam, inform your instructor
- For ongoing or recurring technical issues, submit a support ticket with Respondus