Respondus LockDown Browser, or LDB as it is commonly known, is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system. Instructors use it to ensure the integrity of student exams. We want to ensure that students have a seamless experience when taking exams using Respondus LockDown Browser, so below, you will find the best practices for using it as a student.
What you can find in this article:
Download Respondus Lockdown Browser
Download LDB from the OU's Respondus LockDown Browser download page.
Important: Using a version of Respondus LockDown Browser other than the University of Oklahoma version or attempting to use unauthorized tools during an exam may be recorded by the testing system and could be interpreted as a potential academic integrity concern.
Keep both your device and Respondus Lockdown Browser updated
You must keep your device, preferred web browser, and Respondus Lockdown Browser updated for a successful exam environment. Not keeping up with updates can jeopardize your exam experience and leave you vulnerable to security issues.
As of September 16, 2026, Respondus LockDown Browser is supported on the following operating systems:
- MacOS version 12 and higher
- Windows 11 & 10 (build 19045 and newer for 10)
Did you know that your computer must meet specific requirements to use LDB, read more on the Respondus Computer Requirements article.
How to update your device and LDB:
Potential Issues to Avoid
Use the best wifi connection
Turning off device notifications and disabling sleep
- Turn off your device notifications and disable sleep before you take an exam. Both of these can interfere with your exam experience with Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Swipe Gestures
If using a laptop, turn off the trackpad gestures also known as "swipe gestures."
Swipe gestures can lead to LockDown Browser terminating your quiz and kicking you out. For more information, please review this article: Swipe or Trackpad Gesture Lock Out
Taking an Exam with LockDown Browser
Canvas has two exam types: Canvas Classic Quizzes and Canvas New Quizzes. When you click on a quiz using LDB in Canvas, it will either tell you to open LDB to take the quiz (Classic Quiz) or it will start the launch for LDB (New Quiz).
- For Canvas Classic Quizzes:
- When you open a Classic Quiz, you will see a message that Respondus LockDown Browser is required.
- You will not be able to use any password managers or autofill tools to log into Canvas using LDB, so it is important that you know your username and password before attempting to log in.
- Open the Respondus LockDown Browser application.
- When prompted to choose a server, select University of Oklahoma - Canvas.
- Next, you will log into the University's Single-Sign-On page using your OU username and password.
- After signing in, navigate to your course and open the quiz.
- For Canvas New Quizzes:
- When you open a New Quiz, a new window will appear showing an "Assessment is Loading" message with a rocket ship.
- Respondus LockDown Browser should launch automatically; however, if it does not, open the application manually.
- You may also see a pop-up asking to open the "rldb" link with LockDown Browser. Select Always Allow, then click Open Link.
Save your answers frequently!