1. General Questions
1. What is Respondus LockDown Browser?
It’s a custom web browser that locks down your computer during online exams. It prevents you from opening other applications, visiting different websites, or copying/pasting.
2. Do I have to install it?
Yes, you must download and install it on your computer before you can access the exam.
3. Can I use it on any device?
It works on Windows and Mac. Some institutions allow iPad use, but not all. It doesn’t work on phones or Chromebooks unless your school specifically supports them.
Exam Experience
4. Can I use other programs while taking the test?
No. Once the browser is running, you can’t access other apps, websites, or shortcuts until you submit the exam.
5. Does it allow copy/paste or screen capture?
No. Copy/paste, print screen, and screen sharing are disabled.
6. Can I exit the exam early?
You can only exit with permission or after submission. Otherwise, it locks the screen.
Proctoring & Monitoring
7. Does it record me during the test?
If enabled with Respondus Monitor, it records video and audio via your webcam and mic for the instructor to review.
8. Do I need an internet connection?
Yes, a stable internet connection is required, since the system continuously communicates with the exam server.
Technical Issues
9. What happens if my internet disconnects?
The test usually pauses and resumes once you reconnect, but policies may vary depending on the exam setup.
10. What should I do if the browser freezes?
You may need to restart your computer and re-enter the exam. Most platforms save progress automatically, but check your institution’s policy.
11. Can I run it on a virtual machine?
No. It detects and blocks virtual machines.
Privacy & Security
12. Does it invade my privacy?
It only runs during the exam. If Respondus Monitor is enabled, recordings are reviewed by instructors but not shared outside your institution.
13. Can it see my files?
No. It only controls the browser environment. It doesn’t access your personal files.
2.Tricky FAQs About Detection & Cheating
1. Can Respondus LockDown Browser detect other devices?
Not directly. It can’t see your phone or another computer, but if Respondus Monitor is enabled, the webcam might catch you looking away, using your phone, or talking to someone.
2. Can it detect switching tabs or apps?
Yes. LockDown Browser blocks you from switching apps, minimizing, or using shortcuts like Alt+Tab. If you try, it flags it in the exam report for your instructor.
3. Does it record my screen?
Yes. It blocks screen capture tools, and if Monitor is enabled, it records your video + screen activity during the test.
4. Can it tell if someone else is in the room?
If Monitor is enabled, yes. The AI can flag movement, shadows, multiple faces, or background voices. Instructors then review the flagged events.
5. What happens if I use a second monitor?
Extra monitors are usually blocked. If one is connected, the system may refuse to start the exam until it’s unplugged.
6. Can I use a virtual machine (VM) to bypass it?
Nope. Respondus detects VMs (VirtualBox, VMware, Parallels, etc.) and won’t run.
7. Can I use copy-paste or notes on the computer?
No. Keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Print Screen are disabled. It also prevents access to files on your device.
8. Does it detect unusual eye movement?
Yes, with Monitor enabled. It flags looking down (like checking notes) or constantly looking away. But sometimes normal movements also get flagged.
9. Can I talk during the exam?
Talking may get flagged. Respondus doesn’t always know if you’re just thinking aloud or asking for help, so instructors review flagged clips.
10. Does it run after the exam ends?
No. Once you close the browser, it stops recording and monitoring. It doesn’t keep spying afterward.
Bypass All Proctored Exams EXAMPIE BYPASS:
3. Cheating Myths & Realities
1. Using a phone under the desk
- Myth: “If I hide my phone under the desk, Respondus won’t notice.”
- Reality: The webcam might catch your eyes/glances downward, or audio might reveal tapping. AI flags suspicious behavior.
2. Using a mirror behind the laptop
- Myth: “I can put a mirror behind me to see the screen and use another device.”
- Reality: The webcam will show the reflection, and instructors notice unusual setups or your constant eye movement.
3. Connecting a second monitor
- Myth: “I can plug in another monitor to view notes or browse.”
- Reality: Respondus blocks exams from starting if another display is connected.
4. Running it inside a virtual machine (VM)
- Myth: “I can run LockDown Browser in a VM and cheat from outside.”
- Reality: Respondus detects VMs and refuses to run. Even if you trick it, the performance drops and gets flagged.
5. Talking to someone quietly
- Myth: “If I whisper to someone off-camera, it won’t catch me.”
- Reality: The mic records all sounds. Background voices = flagged event.
6. Using smart glasses or earbuds
- Myth: “I can wear smart glasses or hidden earbuds for answers.”
- Reality: Glasses reflections + suspicious hand-to-ear movements get flagged. AI often zooms in on lighting changes/reflections.
7. Writing answers on sticky notes
- Myth: “Notes on the wall or desk are invisible.”
- Reality: Monitor requires a room scan in many setups, and eye movement toward the same spot repeatedly gets flagged.
8. Screen sharing with someone else
- Myth: “I can let a friend see my screen via remote software.”
- Reality: Respondus blocks remote desktop/screen capture tools. Even attempting to run them usually causes the browser to crash or lock the exam.
9. Using incognito or hidden browser windows
- Myth: “I can just open Chrome or another browser while testing.”
- Reality: LockDown Browser disables all other browsers and apps. Any attempt to force-switch gets logged.
10. Wearing a hoodie or cap to hide glances
- Myth: “If I wear a cap/hood, they can’t see my eyes.”
- Reality: Instructors often require full face visible. If AI can’t see your eyes, it flags the recording.
4.🚨 Common Respondus Red Flags
1. Multiple faces detected
- If another person appears in the webcam view (even briefly), it gets flagged.
2. Face not detected
- If you leave the frame, cover your face, or lighting makes your face invisible, it logs it.
3. Frequent eye movement / looking away
- Constantly looking down, sideways, or off-screen suggests checking notes or a device.
4. Suspicious background noise
- Whispering, typing sounds not matching your own, or background conversations.
5. Device detection
- Extra displays, external cameras, or unusual USB devices may trigger warnings.
6. Leaving the room
- Standing up, walking away, or disappearing from view.
7. Unusual lighting or reflections
- Sudden changes in lighting, monitor glow reflecting in glasses, or mirrors in the background.
8. Application switching attempt
- Trying Alt+Tab, Ctrl+Alt+Del, or other shortcuts is blocked and logged.
9. Long idle time
- Sitting still too long without activity (no mouse/keyboard input) can be flagged.
10. Camera obstruction
- Covering the webcam with tape, hand, or accidental block.
11. Internet disruptions
- Losing connection or sudden pauses may be logged as irregularities.
12. Unusual body movement
- Constant head tilting, looking down at lap/desk, or suspicious gestures.
5. 🎯 Respondus Monitor Severity Levels
🔹 Low Severity Alerts (often ignored unless repeated)
- Briefly looking away from the screen.
- Lighting changes (clouds, lamp flicker, moving shadows).
- Adjusting your chair, stretching, or fidgeting.
- Quick audio blips (dog barking outside, door closing).
👉 Usually explained as normal behavior.
🔸 Medium Severity Alerts (need instructor review)
- Frequent eye movement downward/sideways (could suggest notes).
- Long periods where your face isn’t clearly visible.
- Background noises like whispering or talking.
- Leaving frame for a few seconds.
👉 Instructors often watch the clips to see if it’s suspicious or harmless.
🔴 High Severity Alerts (serious suspicion of cheating)
- Multiple people detected in frame.
- Completely leaving the room or being gone for long periods.
- Using a phone or other device on camera.
- Trying to cover or disable the webcam.
- Repeated attempts to switch apps or force exit the exam.
👉 These are hard to explain away. They usually trigger instructor intervention.
