Secure Exam App for Windows: install, rules and troubleshooting

Modified on Mon, 8 May, 2023 at 12:06 PM

Secure Exam App for Windows

For: candidates whose institute requires the Secure Exam App

Some institutes run exams inside a locked-down Windows app instead of a normal browser. The app blocks other programs and shortcuts while you write the exam. It works only on Windows laptops and desktops — not on Mac, phones or tablets.

Install and launch

Download the ZIP file from the link your institute gives you.
Right-click the ZIP → Extract All.
Close all other apps (browsers, chat apps, AI assistants, screen recorders).
Open the extracted folder and run ExamSetup.exe.
On first run Windows SmartScreen may show “Windows protected your PC”. Click More info → Run anyway.
Log in with the details from your institute.
When asked, click Allow for camera and microphone.

Rules while the app is running

What	What happens
AI assistants and other third-party apps	Closed automatically within about 3 seconds.
Task Manager “Run new task”	Blocked.
External display (HDMI, VGA, screen mirroring) or USB pendrive	The exam pauses with a warning. Unplug it within 5 seconds or the app closes. Your answers are saved.
USB or wireless mouse	Allowed.
Alt+F4 and F1–F12 (including Fn key combinations)	Blocked on the exam page.

How to exit

Normally: submit the exam.
In an emergency: press Ctrl + Alt + Del → Log out.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
“Windows protected your PC” and no Run button	Click More info first; Run anyway appears below.
You clicked Block for camera/microphone by mistake	Press Ctrl + Alt + Del → Task Manager → select ExamSetup → End Task. Reopen ExamSetup.exe, log in and click Allow for camera and microphone.
Camera still not working	Check Windows camera privacy settings (see System Check setup) and close other apps using the camera.
Exam paused with a display / USB warning	Unplug the external monitor, projector cable or pendrive within 5 seconds.
An app you need keeps closing	That is expected. Close it before launching the exam.
Running ExamSetup.exe from inside the ZIP fails	Extract the ZIP first, then run the file from the extracted folder.

Still stuck? Email [email protected] with your roll number, the exam name, your device and browser, and a screenshot of the message. You can also connect over phone. If your exam is running, contact your institute or proctor first.