Lockdown Browser records your keystrokes and mouse movements, but not your screen display itself
Lockdown Browser is a test-taking application that prevents cheating during online exams. It locks down your computer so you cannot switch to other programs, access the internet outside the test, or use copy-paste functions. Many students wonder whether it also records video of their screen — the answer is no, not by default. Lockdown Browser logs your keyboard and mouse activity during the test, but it does not create a video file of what appears on your monitor.
Your school or testing organization can choose to add a separate tool called Respondus Monitor on top of Lockdown Browser. Monitor is the piece that records video and audio. If Monitor is turned on, your webcam will record you and your screen during the exam. Lockdown Browser alone does not do this. The distinction matters because your instructor controls which tools are active, and you should know what is actually running before you sit down to test.
Key Takeaways
- Lockdown Browser prevents you from leaving the test and using other programs, but does not record video of your screen on its own.
- Respondus Monitor is a separate recording tool that your instructor can add to Lockdown Browser to capture video and audio during the exam.
- If Monitor is enabled, your webcam will record you and your screen; Lockdown Browser will tell you this when you launch the test.
- Lockdown Browser logs your keyboard and mouse activity in a report your instructor can review after the test ends.
- You can ask your instructor directly whether Monitor is turned on for your exam before you begin.
What Lockdown Browser actually logs during a test
Lockdown Browser creates a detailed record of your activity while you are taking the exam. This includes every keystroke you type, every mouse click you make, and every time you try to switch windows or access a blocked feature. The software also notes if you attempt to take a screenshot, use keyboard shortcuts to copy text, or open a second browser window. This data is stored on your computer and sent to your instructor's account after the test ends.
Your instructor receives a report showing the timeline of your activity — when you started, how long you spent on each question, whether you went back to change answers, and any moments when you tried to do something the test rules forbid. This report does not include a video or images of what you typed or saw. It is a log of actions, not a recording of content. Your instructor can see that you pressed Ctrl+C at 2:47 p.m., but not what you copied.
How Respondus Monitor works if your instructor enables it
If your school has added Respondus Monitor to your exam, the test interface will display a warning before you start. The warning will tell you that your webcam and microphone are active and that video and audio are being recorded. You cannot proceed without acknowledging this. Once you start the test, Monitor records continuous video of your face and your screen, plus audio of any sounds in the room.
Monitor also uses artificial intelligence to flag moments that seem suspicious — for example, if you look away from the screen for an extended period, if someone else appears in the camera view, or if there is sudden noise in the background. These flags are added to your test report for your instructor to review. The instructor decides whether the flagged moments indicate cheating or are simply normal test-taking behavior. Monitor does not automatically fail you or lock you out; it creates a record for human review.
How to find out which tools are active for your exam
The clearest way to know what is recording is to ask your instructor directly. Send an email or ask during class: "Will Respondus Monitor be recording video during the exam, or just Lockdown Browser?" Most instructors will answer this straightforwardly because they want students to know the rules before testing begins.
You can also check by launching Lockdown Browser and starting your exam. If Monitor is enabled, you will see a full-screen warning before the test loads. The warning will say something like "This exam is being recorded by Respondus Monitor" and will ask you to confirm that you understand. If you do not see this warning, Monitor is not active. Lockdown Browser will still be running and logging your activity, but no video is being captured.
Some schools display this information in the exam settings or syllabus as well. Look for language like "proctored exam" or "recorded exam" — these terms usually mean Monitor is on. An exam described as simply "using Lockdown Browser" typically means only the keystroke and mouse logging is active, not video recording.
What happens to the recordings after your exam ends
If Monitor recorded your exam, the video file is uploaded to Respondus' servers and linked to your test report. Your instructor can watch the recording, pause it, and review specific moments. The recording is stored for a set period — usually one semester or one year, depending on your school's settings. After that time, the file is deleted.
Your instructor owns the recording and the activity log. They can share these with academic integrity staff if they suspect cheating, or they can keep them private. You generally do not have the right to delete or request deletion of the recording, though your school's privacy policy may give you the right to see what was recorded about you. If you want to know what happens to your data, check your school's privacy statement or ask your registrar's office.
Why schools use these tools and what they are trying to prevent
Lockdown Browser and Monitor exist because online exams are easier to cheat on than in-person tests. Without restrictions, a student could open a second browser tab to search for answers, text a classmate for help, or have someone else sit in front of the camera. Lockdown Browser stops the first problem by preventing you from leaving the test. Monitor stops the second and third by recording who is in the room and what is happening on your screen.
Schools are not trying to spy on you for its own sake. They are trying to make sure that a test score reflects what you actually know, not what you looked up or who helped you. If you take the test fairly, these tools will not flag anything unusual. If you do something against the rules — even something you did not realize was against the rules — the tools will create a record that your instructor can review.
What to do if you are uncomfortable with recording
If you have concerns about being recorded, talk to your instructor before the exam. Explain your concern — whether it is privacy-related, disability-related, or something else. Your instructor may be able to offer an alternative, such as taking the exam in a campus testing center instead of at home, or using Lockdown Browser without Monitor. Some schools have policies that allow exceptions for students with documented disabilities or religious objections.
If your school refuses to offer an alternative and you believe the recording violates your rights, contact your school's disability services office or student ombudsman. These offices exist to help when there is a conflict between school policy and your needs. Document your request and the school's response in case you need to escalate further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lockdown Browser record my screen if I am not taking a test?
No. Lockdown Browser only activates when you launch a specific exam. Once you close the exam or log out, the software stops monitoring. It does not run in the background on your computer or record anything when you are using your device for other purposes.
Can I disable my webcam to prevent Monitor from recording?
Respondus Monitor will detect if your webcam is disabled or unplugged and will flag this in your test report. Your instructor will see that the camera was off during the exam. Most schools treat a disabled camera as a violation of test rules, so this approach will likely result in a failed exam or academic integrity investigation rather than preventing the recording.
What if I accidentally do something that looks suspicious on the Monitor recording?
The Monitor recording is reviewed by your instructor, not by an automated system. If you look away from the screen, glance at a pet, or have background noise, your instructor will see this in context. A single flagged moment does not mean you failed or cheated. Instructors understand that real test-taking involves normal human behavior. If you are worried about a specific moment, you can email your instructor after the exam and explain what happened.
Can I request a copy of my Lockdown Browser activity log or Monitor recording?
This depends on your school's privacy policy. Some schools give students access to their own data upon request; others do not. Contact your registrar's office or student records department and ask about your school's policy on accessing test recordings and activity logs. You may need to submit a formal records request.
Does Lockdown Browser work on tablets or phones?
Lockdown Browser is designed for Windows and Mac computers. It does not work on iPads, iPhones, Android tablets, or Android phones. If your school requires Lockdown Browser, you will need to use a laptop or desktop computer. Some schools offer alternatives for students who do not have access to a compatible device.