Most students get confused when they sit down for an online exam and wonder if any helpful tools will work. The moment LockDown Browser loads, everything feels strict and locked away. Many students start searching one simple question: what AI extensions can I use with a LockDown Browser? It sounds like an easy thing to check, but the rules behind this browser are tighter than regular exam tools.
LockDown Browser is built to freeze everything that might give extra help during a test. It stops new tabs, blocks outside apps, and shuts down most AI tools the moment the exam begins. Even then, students still ask if there is any safe way to use AI before the exam, or if popular tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, or rewriting extensions stand any chance of working during a proctored test.
In this guide, we’ll break everything down clearly. You’ll see how this browser works, which tools get blocked, and what options students can actually use without breaking rules. The goal is to make this topic easy to understand and give you the real situation, not guesswork.
How LockDown Browser Works
LockDown Browser is designed to turn a normal computer into a controlled exam space. When the exam starts, the browser closes everything running in the background. It stops messaging apps, search engines, shortcuts, and any tool that might give extra information. The system acts like a shield around the test so students cannot open anything outside the exam window.
The moment LockDown Browser launches, it checks the device for open programs. If it finds a tool that could help during the test, it forces it to close. Students cannot copy text, cannot paste answers, and cannot switch to another tab. Even simple shortcuts like taking screenshots or opening the task manager stop working while the exam is active.
LockDown Browser also works with proctoring. Some schools use webcam checks, audio monitoring, or screen recording. These features help teachers confirm that the student is staying on the exam screen. The browser blocks websites, apps, and AI tools because even small openings can lead to unfair advantages.
The main idea is to remove every distraction and every tool that students might use to search for help. This creates a focused testing space where the exam stays secure and the results remain fair for everyone.
Why LockDown Browser Blocks Extensions
LockDown Browser blocks extensions because every extension can open a door to outside help. Even small tools that look harmless can read text, give hints, or connect to online services. During an exam, these actions break the rules, so the browser shuts them down before the test even begins.
Most extensions run quietly in the background. They check spelling, rewrite sentences, translate text, or search the web in seconds. The browser cannot risk any of these features slipping through. To keep the exam fair, it stops the whole extension system instead of checking each extension one by one.
The browser treats all extensions the same. It does not matter if the tool is for writing, reading, or summarizing. If the exam needs a secure space, then every extension becomes a possible threat. By blocking everything, the system makes sure students rely only on what they know, not on outside tools.
Core Exam Security Features
LockDown Browser uses several layers of protection to keep the exam space safe. These features make sure the student cannot open anything outside the test. When the exam begins, the browser locks the whole screen, so the student stays inside the exam window. This creates a controlled environment where only the test questions remain visible.
The system also blocks the shortcuts that normally open other apps or hidden menus. This prevents students from reaching notes, documents, or search tools. Even the common actions students use by habit stop working because they can expose exam content or allow outside help.
Many schools add webcam and mic monitoring to take security one step higher. The camera watches the student and the surroundings, while the mic listens for unwanted sounds. These tools help teachers confirm that the test is being completed honestly.
Here are the main protections that work together during the exam:
- Screen lock that stops switching
- Shortcut blocking that prevents quick tricks
- Webcam check for face and room monitoring
- Mic check for unusual background sounds
- App blocks that close running programs
All these protections build a safe space where the exam stays fair and the student can only rely on their own knowledge.
What AI Extensions Can I Use With a LockDown Browser?
Students often hope that at least one AI tool might stay active during the exam, but LockDown Browser does not allow any AI extension to run. The moment the exam starts, the browser closes every helper tool so nothing can rewrite text, answer questions, or offer hints. The system treats all AI tools as a risk because they can give support that breaks exam rules. This is why students see a locked screen where no extension appears.
The browser does not check each tool one by one. Instead, it shuts down the entire extension framework. This makes the exam space clean and prevents hidden tools from slipping in. Even if a student installed a small writing helper before the test, it still gets blocked when the browser loads.
Why AI Extensions Aren’t Supported
AI extensions can read text on the screen, rewrite content, or connect to online servers. These actions give help that breaks exam rules and creates an unfair advantage. LockDown Browser blocks them to keep the testing space secure and controlled.
Here are the main reasons these tools are stopped during exams:
- They scan the test content
- They connect to outside servers
- They rewrite answers for students
- They run silently in the background
These actions make the exam unsafe, so the system blocks every AI extension without exceptions.
Can ChatGPT, Grammarly, or QuillBot Work
These tools cannot run inside the LockDown Browser. ChatGPT extensions need internet access and active scripts, and both are blocked. Grammarly needs background scanning to check grammar, and the browser does not allow that. QuillBot rewrites sentences through an online engine, and the browser stops this connection. All of these tools stay disabled so the exam remains fair and distraction free.
Compatibility of Popular AI Tools
Many students wonder if common AI tools might still work during an exam. These tools are used every day for writing, checking grammar, and shaping ideas. When the test begins in LockDown Browser, users quickly notice that none of these helpers appear on the screen. The browser shuts down each one because they need background access that the system does not allow.
The tools may look simple on the surface, but they use powerful scripts under the hood. They check text, connect to servers, and offer instant feedback. These actions are blocked the moment the exam starts. The result is a clear and fixed test environment where students only see the exam questions.
Below are the main tool categories students ask about the most.
ChatGPT and Browser AI Assistants
ChatGPT extensions and other AI writing assistants do not work inside LockDown Browser. They need strong internet access and active scripts to read and generate text. The browser stops those actions because they can produce answers that give an unfair benefit. Even light tools that summarize or explain content stay disabled during the entire test.
Grammarly and Grammar Checkers
Grammar checkers cannot run because they scan the text on the screen. This scanning process counts as outside help, so the system blocks it to protect exam honesty. Students will not see pop ups, grammar suggestions, or corrections because the browser closes every part of the tool before the test loads.
Here is what these tools usually try to do but cannot inside the exam:
- Scan text in real time
- Compare writing to online patterns
- Offer grammar corrections
- Suggest rewrites or tiny edits
All these actions are considered outside support, so they stay disabled.
Rewriting Tools Like QuillBot
QuillBot and other rewriting tools need an online engine to change the wording of any sentence. LockDown Browser does not allow these engines to load because they create a path to outside information. The system treats rewriting tools the same as full AI assistants. They stay blocked so answers come only from what the student knows.
What Tools Are Actually Allowed
Even though LockDown Browser blocks all AI tools, a few basic features still work because they do not affect exam fairness. These tools help students see the test clearly and manage the exam without giving answers or hints. The main goal of the browser is to stop outside support, not to make the test harder to navigate.
Some system features continue to function because they stay inside the device and do not open any outside connection. This includes simple tasks like controlling the brightness, adjusting sound levels, or typing with the built in keyboard. These actions happen inside the device and do not break the exam rules.
The exact tools allowed can change based on your school, but the general pattern is always the same. Only tools that do not provide extra help remain active. Anything that can rewrite, search, check, or guide the student gets blocked before the exam begins.
System Features That Still Function
LockDown Browser lets a few basic features stay active because they support the test environment and do not provide academic help. These features make the exam smoother without affecting the fairness of the test.
Here are the common features that stay available:
- Laptop keyboard and touchpad
- Brightness and volume controls
- Basic text input inside the exam window
- Calculator tool only if your school enables it
- Zoom options for better reading
These functions are safe because they do not connect to the internet or process information outside the exam page.
Institution Approved Resources
Some schools allow small resources directly inside the exam window. These materials appear as part of the test and cannot be changed or replaced. They are controlled by the teacher and the exam system, not by the student.
These resources may include short notes, built in calculators, reading passages, or simple reference charts. Students cannot open their own files, but they can use the materials that the instructor has added to the exam. This keeps the experience fair for everyone while still supporting the test requirements.
AI Detection & Monitoring Rules
LockDown Browser does more than block tools. It also works with proctoring features that watch the testing environment from start to finish. These monitoring tools help teachers confirm that the exam is being completed honestly. Every action on the screen stays recorded so nothing can slip past the system.
When the exam begins, the browser checks the device for running apps. If it finds anything that might help the student, it closes it instantly. This includes AI tools, hidden programs, and small background apps. The goal is to create a clean testing space where nothing outside the exam window runs in the background.
Schools that use webcam monitoring add another layer of protection. The camera watches the student’s face, posture, and eye movement. If the student looks away for too long or tries to check another device, the system notes it. The microphone also listens for unexpected sounds that might hint at help from another person. These recordings allow the teacher to review anything that looks suspicious.
All these checks work together to keep the exam secure. The system does not guess or assume. It records the entire session so teachers can see exactly what happened. This helps schools maintain fairness and protect the value of online exams.
How LockDown Browser Detects Extensions
LockDown Browser stops extensions before the exam loads. It checks the device for anything that needs internet access or background scanning. AI tools fall into this category because they read the screen, rewrite answers, or send data to online servers.
Here are the common actions it blocks:
- Scanning text on the screen
- Sending data to outside servers
- Running background scripts
- Opening quick search windows
If any of these actions appear, the browser shuts the tool down to protect the exam.
Proctoring, Webcam and Mic Monitoring
Proctoring tools add a human layer and a technical layer to the exam. The webcam keeps a clear view of the student throughout the test. The mic listens for noises that suggest coaching or background help. The screen recorder shows every click, scroll and movement that happens during the session.
These tools do not provide answers. They only watch and record, which helps teachers keep the exam honest. Schools use this data to review any moments where the system notices unusual activity.
Safe Alternatives to AI Extensions
Even though AI tools do not work inside LockDown Browser, students still have safe ways to prepare for their exams. These alternatives do not break any rules because they are used before the test begins or work offline without giving unfair help. They support learning without interfering with the exam system.
One of the best approaches is to use study tools before starting the test. Many students practice with sample questions, read summaries, and make notes that help them understand the topic clearly. Since these steps happen before the exam starts, they stay within the rules and help students feel more confident.
Offline tools also help during revision. These tools do not need an internet connection and do not run scripts that the browser might block. They are simple, reliable, and support the learning process without crossing exam limits.
Students can combine these methods to build a strong understanding before the exam. This makes the actual test feel easier because there is no need to depend on AI during the exam.
Pre Exam Study Tools
Students often rely on basic tools that help them prepare without breaking exam rules. These tools improve understanding and give students a clear sense of what to expect on test day.
Here are some useful options:
- Practice worksheets
- Summary notes made by the student
- Concept maps for quick revision
- Textbooks or instructor guides
- School provided study material
These resources keep the learning process balanced and do not connect to any outside server.
Offline Resources for Practice
Offline resources are helpful because they do not interact with the internet or run background scripts. These tools allow students to build confidence in a safe and honest way.
Examples include:
- Flashcards prepared earlier
- Handwritten notes
- Offline reading apps
- Basic calculators for practice
- Local reference books
These methods support a clean learning environment and prepare students for the exam without depending on AI.
Final Thoughts
LockDown Browser creates a controlled test space where students can focus on their exam without any outside tools. It blocks AI extensions, background apps and online helpers because these tools can change answers or offer support that breaks exam rules. The browser keeps the testing environment simple by allowing only basic system features that do not affect the fairness of the test.
Students still have many safe ways to prepare before the exam. Offline notes, practice sheets and study guides help build confidence without depending on AI tools. These methods give students a strong understanding of the topic, which makes the exam experience smoother and less stressful.
The main idea is clear. Inside LockDown Browser, no AI extension will work. Outside the exam, students can use simple and honest tools to study and improve their learning. This balance keeps the exam fair for everyone and helps students trust the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any AI tool inside LockDown Browser
No, the browser blocks all AI tools because they can give help that breaks exam rules.
Does LockDown Browser detect background apps
Yes, it checks running apps and closes anything that could affect exam fairness.
Can I use another device for AI during the exam
No, proctoring tools can record your surroundings, and this can lead to violations.
Can I prepare with AI before the exam
Yes, you can use AI tools while studying, but not once the exam begins.
Does Grammarly work inside LockDown Browser
No, Grammarly does not work because it scans and checks text, which the browser blocks.



