Respondus LockDown Browser Student Guide

What is Respondus LockDown Browser?

Respondus LockDown Browser is a specialized web browser used for certain quizzes and exams in Brightspace (D2L). When a quiz requires LockDown Browser, students must use the browser to access and complete the assessment.

LockDown Browser helps maintain academic integrity by restricting access to other applications, websites, and resources while an exam is in progress.

Important: Download LockDown Browser Only Through Brightspace (D2L)

Northeast State Students

Do not download Respondus LockDown Browser from the Respondus website or any other external source.

Northeast State Community College uses a custom version of Respondus LockDown Browser that is specifically configured for the college's Brightspace environment.

Downloading LockDown Browser from an external source may result in:

• Login issues

• Inability to access quizzes

• Compatibility problems

• Errors when launching exams

The only approved download location is through the Quizzes area within your Brightspace course.

How to Download LockDown Browser

Step 1: Log in to Brightspace

1. Open your web browser.

2. Log in to My Northeast and select the Brightspace (D2L) widget in the dashboard.

3. Enter the course containing the quiz or exam.

Step 2: Open the Quizzes Tool

1. Navigate to Quizzes on the navigation bar within your course.

Step 3: Access the Download Link

1. Locate any quiz that requires Respondus LockDown Browser.

2. Click on the quiz.

3. If LockDown Browser is not installed, Brightspace will display a download link, if it is required for that Quiz.  If it is not required you will not see a download link.

Step 4: Download the Northeast State Version

1. Click the provided download link.

2. Save the installation file.

3. Follow the installation prompts on your computer.

Step 5: Complete Installation

1. Accept the license agreement.

2. Allow the installation to finish.

3. Restart your computer if prompted.

Taking a Quiz with LockDown Browser

1. Close all open applications.

2. Log in to Brightspace.

3. Navigate to your course.

4. Open the required quiz.

5. Complete and submit your assessment.

While using LockDown Browser, you may not be able to:

• Open other websites

• Access additional browser tabs

• Use copy and paste functions

• Open other software applications

• Take screenshots

These restrictions are normal and expected.

Before Taking an Exam

To avoid technical issues:

• Install LockDown Browser before exam day.

• Restart your computer before beginning the quiz.

• Use a reliable internet connection, if using a mobile device try and use a physical cable as Wi-Fi can be unstable and cause issues during the quiz.

• Close all unnecessary programs and applications.

• Ensure your operating system is up to date.

Troubleshooting

I Downloaded LockDown Browser from Another Website

If you installed LockDown Browser from the Respondus website or another source:

1. Uninstall the existing version.

2. Log in to Brightspace.

3. Navigate to Quizzes.

4. Download and install the Northeast State version provided through Brightspace.

The Quiz Will Not Open

Try the following:

• Restart your computer.

• Verify that you are using the Northeast State LockDown Browser installation.

• Log out of Brightspace and log back in.

• Check your internet connection.

LockDown Browser Closes Unexpectedly

• Restart your computer.

• Disable any unnecessary background applications.

• Ensure Windows or macOS updates have completed.

• Reinstall the LockDown Browser version provided through Brightspace if necessary.

Need Help?

If you experience issues installing or using Respondus LockDown Browser, contact the Northeast State Help Desk before your exam whenever possible or call 423-212-3552 or email oac@northeaststate.edu

When requesting support, include:

• Your name and student ID

• Course name

• Instructor name

• A description of the issue

• Any error messages or screenshots (if available)

Remember: Always download Respondus LockDown Browser through the Quizzes area in Brightspace. This ensures you are using the Northeast State Community College version required for your courses.