Respondus LockDown Browser - Student Directions and Help

Reference Number: AA-00638 Last Updated: 2026-03-06 11:07

Respondus LockDown Browser can only be installed on a desktop or laptop computer running a Windows, Mac, or ChromeOS operating system. Phones, iPads, and Android tablets are not supported.

Current Respondus LockDown Browser Versions

Windows: Version 2.1.3.08 (January 2026)
Mac: Version 2.1.5.00 (February 2026)
Chromebooks: Version 0.4.00.07 (2025)

Compatible Operating Systems

Windows: 10 and 11

Windows 10/11 "S mode" is not a compatible operating system
Windows 10/11 "SE" is currently not a compatible operating system for LockDown Browser

Mac: macOS 12 or higher
ChromeOS (for Chromebooks): 136.0.7103.142 or higher

Required Computer Memory

Windows: 2 GB RAM

A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam

Mac: 2 GB RAM

A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam

If your instructor requires Respondus LockDown Browser, you will see a message displayed that Respondus LockDown Browser is required after selecting your WebTest in Hawkes.

Download and Install LockDown Browser - Windows and Mac Computers

On the WebTest start page, click Download & Install LockDown Browser. This will download the Respondus file to your browser's download folder to install it onto your computer.

Download and Install LockDown Browser - Chromebooks

For instructions to add the "LockDown Browser for Hawkes Learning" Chromebook extension, please visit this support page.

Using Respondus LockDown Browser

Important: All computer applications and programs, including Respondus LockDown Brower, must be closed.

When you're ready to begin a WebTest using Respondus LockDown Browser, click Launch LockDown Browser. The same WebTest intro page will open in LockDown Browser. To begin the test, click Start.

Your instructor may also require Respondus LockDown Browser to review your WebTest results. To open a WebTest review, select Launch LockDown Browser on the WebTest summary page. Then, select the attempt you would like to review.

Using Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor

Your instructor may require the use of a webcam to record your activity before and during testing. After starting your WebTest using Respondus Lockdown Browser, perform the required camera and environment checks to proceed with your test.

Once you submit the WebTest, you'll receive a prompt to give feedback about your experience with Monitor for your instructor to review.

Respondus recommends the following guidelines when using Monitor.

Select a location where you are comfortable having a video recording taken of yourself and your workspace environment. This area should also be free of distractions and interruptions.
Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach.
Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, other devices.
Remain at your device for the duration of the test.
To produce a good webcam video, do the following:

Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
Ensure your device is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move
If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window

If your instructor has allowed the use of Excel with Respondus Monitor, please visit Students - Using Excel with Respondus Monitor for more information.

Un-installing LockDown Browser

Windows Computers

Open "Add or remove programs" in your computer's system settings.

Locate "Respondus LockDown Browser OEM" and choose to "Uninstall".

Mac Computers

Open the "Finder" app and go to "Applications".
Locate "LockDown Browser OEM" and right-click over it to delete and move to trash.

Using a Screen Reader with Respondus Lockdown Browser

Screen readers can be used while completing an assignment using Respondus Lockdown Browser.

The screen reader needs to be opened and running first, and then controlled through keyboard commands in the background.

For more information about accessibility with Lockdown Browser, please visit the Respondus support site.

Additional Respondus Settings

Some tests will be enabled with the option to use a "Basic" or "Scientific" during the test. If enabled, the calculator option can be selected in the top toolbar.

Common Issues

Error 404 or 403

This error is normally generated when you attempt to launch a WebTest in Hawkes using Respondus LockDown Browser, but Respondus isn't actually installed yet onto your computer.
Make sure Respondus LockDown Browser is correctly installed by selecting "Install & Download LockDown Browser" on your WebTest intro page.

Windows S Mode

If your Windows computer is running "S Mode", you will need to switch your computer to normal mode to install and correctly launch your Hawkes WebTest using Respondus.
Visit this Microsoft Support Page for switching out of S Mode.

Dual Monitors

If you have a dual monitor connected, you may need to disconnect it and use a single monitor to run Respondus.

Different Version of Respondus

If you have a different version of Respondus installed on your computer, this may conflict with the version installed from Hawkes. Please un-install the incompatible version.

Link Blocked Warning

If you're receiving a message that a link is blocked and preventing you from launching your assignment, please email the blocked URL text (normally located in the top right corner by clicking the "?" icon) to support@hawkeslearning.com for us to check. We will contact your instructor to check the Respondus settings.

Privacy Settings Blocking Camera Access

Your computer privacy settings may need to be adjusted to allow Respondus access to your camera for testing.

Windows Computers

1. Open the computer's system settings and locate "Privacy & security".

2. Locate the "Camera" privacy and security settings.

3. Make sure camera access is enabled and LockDown Browser OEM access is enabled for your camera.

Mac Computers

1. Open the computer's system settings and locate "Security & Privacy".

2. Locate the "Camera" privacy settings.

3. Make sure to allow LockDown Browser OEM access to your camera.