Updated 2026-10-30
How to Fix 'Virtual Machine Detected' in Respondus LockDown Browser (macOS & Windows)
Respondus LockDown Browser runs hardware and hypervisor checks at launch. If it reports 'virtual machine detected' on a physical Mac or Windows PC, use this checklist to clear the conflict.
1. Update to the latest NoLock loader on macOS (MacBook Neo & Apple Silicon)
On macOS 27 and newer Apple Silicon hardware such as the MacBook Neo (A18 Pro), hardware model and CPU topology sysctls must remain coherent. Update NoLock and re-arm so LockDown Browser 2.1.6.01 reads your native hardware profile cleanly.
2. Quit background hypervisors and emulators
Fully quit Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, UTM, VirtualBox, Docker Desktop, and Android Studio emulators before launching LockDown Browser. Background hypervisor daemons can trip Respondus’s VM check even when no guest OS window is open.
3. Check Windows 11 virtualization and virtual display adapters
On Windows 11, virtual display drivers (such as spacedesk, Duet Display, or virtual capture adapters) and active sandbox sessions can trigger VM alerts. Remove unused virtual display drivers and test with your school’s practice quiz.
Frequently asked questions
Does NoLock trigger 'virtual machine detected' on MacBook Neo?
No. The current NoLock build preserves native hardware identity on MacBook Neo and all Apple Silicon Macs so LockDown Browser 2.1.6.01 launches without VM errors.
Should I run LockDown Browser inside a VM?
No. Respondus actively detects virtual machines. Run LockDown Browser and NoLock natively on your host macOS or Windows 11 system.