Respondus lockdown browser not able to access computer camera/microphone

[Paige0208]

I have tried restarting my computer, unistalling and reinstalling the respondus lockdown, turned off my "real time" antivirus software, and ensuring that no other applications were using my microphone or camera that would block the respondus lockdown from being able to use it. 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Paige0208 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It seems you're facing an issue with Respondus LockDown Browser not being able to access the microphone or camera on your HP laptop, even after attempting several common troubleshooting steps. Let’s go over some additional troubleshooting suggestions to help resolve this issue.

1. Check Camera and Microphone Permissions

Ensure that Respondus LockDown Browser has permission to use your camera and microphone:

• Windows 10/11:
  1. Open Settings from the Start menu.
  2. Go to Privacy > Camera and ensure that Allow apps to access your camera is turned on.
  3. Do the same under Privacy > Microphone for the microphone access.
  4. Scroll down to check if LockDown Browser is listed and ensure that it's allowed.

2. Check Device Manager for Camera and Microphone

Sometimes the camera or microphone might have issues at the hardware level:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Imaging Devices and Audio Inputs and Outputs to find your camera and microphone.
3. Right-click on both devices and select Update Driver to make sure the drivers are up-to-date.
4. If you see any yellow exclamation marks, right-click the device and select Uninstall Device, then restart your laptop, and Windows will attempt to reinstall the necessary drivers automatically.

3. Test Camera and Microphone

Before testing it in Respondus LockDown Browser, make sure the camera and microphone work in other applications:

• Open Camera (search for "Camera" in the Start menu) to test if your camera is functioning properly.
• Test the microphone in Voice Recorder or any other application to check if the microphone is working.

4. Run the Respondus Diagnostics Tool

Respondus provides a Webcam Check tool for troubleshooting:

• In the LockDown Browser, you can run the Webcam Check to make sure your camera and microphone are being detected.
• This tool is available through the LockDown Browser’s Help menu, or you might be able to access it directly on the exam screen before starting the test.

Important: If the webcam or microphone doesn't appear in the check, this might be due to permissions or device issues.

5. Check for Conflicting Software

Sometimes, other software (like system utilities, third-party security tools, or other camera software) can interfere with the proper functioning of your camera and microphone.

• Close all applications that might be using the camera or microphone. Check apps like Skype, Zoom, or even Windows Camera that might be accessing the devices.
• If you have any third-party webcam or microphone management software, disable it temporarily.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support