edited 6/26/2026


Steps to install Respondus LockDown Browser for use in Moodle in 2026. 


Part 1: Installation Steps

  1. Download the YHC-Specific Installer Always use the YHC custom link so the browser is pre-configured for our LMS: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=318107954
  2. Run the Setup File Locate LockDownBrowser-2-1-3-xx.exe (or similar format) in your Downloadsfolder and double-click it.
    • If Windows SmartScreen warns you, click More info → Run anyway (the installer is signed by Respondus, Inc.).
  3. Follow the Installation Wizard
    • Select your language
    • Accept the license agreement
    • Click Install
  4. Finish Installation Once complete, click Finish. A LockDown Browser icon will appear on your desktop.

Part 2: How to Launch & Use

  1. Close All Programs— Save and close everything, especially:
    • Microsoft Teams
    • Discord / Spotify / OBS
    • Xbox Game Bar
    • Screen recording tools
  2. Launch the App — Double-click the LockDown Browser desktop icon.
  3. Log In — The browser opens directly to the YHC Brightspace/Moodle login. Use your YHC credentials.
  4. Start the Quiz — Navigate to your course and begin the exam. Do not attempt to switch windows — the browser will lock down your session.

Part 3: Troubleshooting Common Windows Issues

 1. "You must close the following programs..."

Background processes are blocking the exam.

  • Fix: Click Kill Process when prompted.
  • If that fails: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open Task Manager → right-click the offending app → End Task.

 2. White Screen / Infinite Loading

Common on Windows 11, especially 24H2 and 25H2 builds.

  • Fix #1: Right-click LockDown Browser icon → Run as Administrator
  • Fix #2: Verify Windows is fully updated (Settings → Windows Update). Reference our prior notes on 25H2 compatibility issues.
  • Fix #3: Reset the LockDown Browser cache: %LocalAppData%\Respondus\LockDown Browser → delete the Cache folder.

 3. Anti-Virus Interference

McAfee, Norton, Bitdefender, or Malwarebytes may block the browser.

  • Fix: Temporarily disable Real-time Scanning, OR
  • Add LockDownBrowser.exe as an exclusion in your antivirus settings.

 4. Camera/Microphone Not Detected (Respondus Monitor)

  • Fix: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera
    • Turn Camera access = On
    • Enable "Let desktop apps access your camera"
  • Repeat the same for Microphone.

  5. Network / Firewall Errors

  • Fix: Ensure ports 80, 443, and 1935 are open.
  • On YHC-managed devices, confirm the device is on eduroam or YHC-Secure, not a guest network.

 6. WDAC / AppLocker Block (Lab Devices Only)

On YHC lab machines with Windows Defender Application Control policies:

  • Fix: Confirm Respondus LockDown Browser is on the approved publisher list in your WDAC policy.
  • Reference the WDAC lab policy template we built previously.