Can't install LockDown Browser? Here's what to do

Browsers

Reading time icon 3 min. read

Calendar icon Updated on

by Megan Moore 

updated on

Share this article

Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team Read more

Key notes

  • LockDown Browser is a secure browser used by institutions to administer exams to prevent digital cheating.
  • The browser blocks other applications so students cannot switch to another browser while taking an exam.
  • Users have reported issues when trying to install LockDown Browser, especially when downloading using Internet Explorer.
Feature image for can't install LockDown Browser
Struggling with various browser issues? Try a better option: Opera OneOver 300 million people use Opera One daily, a fully-fledged navigation experience coming with built-in packages, enhanced resource consumption, and great design.Here's what Opera One provides:
  • Optimize resource usage
  • AI and user-friendly
  • Built-in Ad Blocker
  • ⇒ Get Opera One

If you’ve taken any online courses, then you’re probably familiar with LockDown Browser. This browser is often used to administer online exams that protect the integrity of the test.

Most instructors that teach online courses prefer to use LockDown Browser because it discourages digital cheating and forces students to apply themselves more throughout a course.

However, some users have reported the LockDown Browser is not installing. Follow these easy solutions for a quick fix. 

Why can’t I open LockDown Browser?

Your security software, such as a third-party antivirus might be interfering with the browser’s functionality. Thus it is recommended that you temporarily disable it.

There is another possibility that your current default browser is blocking the download of LockDown Browser for some reason, such as a corrupted browser cache or cookies.

What does LockDown Browser do?

LockDown Browser has features that prevent digital cheating during online tests. It’s compatible with Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle.

Can't install LockDown Browser by Respondus.

It also blocks other applications on the device so students can’t switch to another browser or application while taking their exam.

LockDown Browser goes to extra lengths to also protect the exam by blocking print functions, copy and paste, and screenshots.

What can I do if I can’t install LockDown Browser?

1. Install from another browser

There could be an issue with your default browser blocking the download of LockDown Browser. We recommend using Opera One browser. This browser can perform heavy downloads quickly and without consuming a lot of PC resources.

Opera One also offers a lot of security and privacy protection features and will alert users of phishing or malware attacks. Users can browse and download files securely with Opera One’s free built-in VPN.

Many users that reported having issues downloading LockDown Browser were using Internet Explorer. Instead of rearranging the download preferences in Internet Explorer, consider using Opera One instead.

Opera One

Use Opera One browser for seamless and secure downloading.
Free Visit Website

2. Temporarily disable security software

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search Windows Security and hit enter. Search Windows Security
  3. One the left panel select Virus & threat protection. Open Virus & threat protection
  4. Under Virus & threat protection settings click Manage settings. Click on manage settings
  5. Turn off Real-time protection. Turn off real-time protection to install LockDown Browser
  6. Install LockDown Browser.

Turning off Real-time protection should allow users to install LockDown Browser without any issues. Turn this security feature back on once LockDown Browser is installed. However, if you forget, Real-time protection will automatically turn back on after a short time.

3. Login as an administrator

  1. Click on Start menu and search Control Panel then hit enter.
  2. Under User Accounts select Change account type. Click on change account type to become an administrator if you can't install LockDown Browser.
  3. If it doesn’t list you as an administrator then click on your user profile. Click on your profile
  4. Select Change the account type. Select change the account type
  5. Click on Administrator then Change Account Type. Switch to administrator to install LockDown Browser.
  6. Restart PC if prompted.
  7. Install LockDown Browser.

Many eLearning courses and institutions require students to use LockDown Browser to take exams. If you can’t install LockDown Browser, we hope one of the solutions above fixed any issues with downloading the browser.

LockDown Browser gives instructors peace of mind when administering exams with the knowledge that the integrity of the online test is protected. Students can get more out of a course by applying themselves more to exams taken through LockDown Browser.

If you’re an instructor teaching an online course, check out our picks for the best online course-making software.

Let us know in the comments down below the solution that worked for you, or leave a comment if you found a solution that worked and is not listed above.

More about the topics: Education software

Megan Moore

Megan Moore Shield

Megan is a Windows enthusiast and an avid writer. With an interest and fascination in all things tech, she enjoys staying up to date on exciting new developments in the computer and gaming world. When not falling down a rabbit hole of tech news and information, she enjoys painting, watching movies, and taking her dramatic husky for long walks.