Macbook Pro M4 Pro Respondus lockdown browser Says "Virtual Machine detected" When I don't have a virtual machine running

It seems ike that lockdown browser is misbehaving, but you can check that! Please boot your Mac in the safe mode to see if the issues persist. Safe mode eradicates all background apps running, so if there is a virtual machine running in the background, it should be terminated. Try and open lockdown browser in the safe mode to see if the issues persist

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > Shut Down.
2. Wait for your Mac to shut down completely. A Mac is completely shut down when the screen is black and any lights (including in the Touch Bar) are off.
3. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until “Loading startup options” appears.
4. Select a volume.
5. Press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
6. The computer restarts automatically. When the login window appears, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

It seems more likely that this is a problem with Respondus than a problem with macOS.

One university site I saw said the anti-virus programs sometimes install virtual machines on your computer and that turning off or uninstalling anti-virus programs may be enough to make Responds happy.

Also, if you have a firewall set, Respondus may want access to be cleared through that firewall.

Various Respondus support threads and other sites report the same problem in Windows systems dating back months or even years. So even running Windows won't be guaranteed solution to this problem. When I was supporting classroom labs and technologies we were always running into problems with Respondus regardless of the platform.

Ayapo, if you have any anti-virus or VPN running, remove it (if your school requires use of a VPN to use their network remotely, remove it and try connecting from on-campus) and see if that helps. If not, talk to your school's IT support resources and of course report the issue to your instructors so they are aware of your difficulty.

Regards.

AyapoPayapo wrote:

Anyone that is facing the same issue should share their experience so that Respondus fixes the browser

To be clear, you need to contact "Respondus". It's their problem to fix, and no one can do that for them.

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

If you don't inform them, they won't know about it.

I thought your concern sounded familiar.

Opening LockDown Browser OEM - Apple Community

Seems like they fixed that problem a while ago. They will need to fix it again. And again, and again... not exactly what I would call "infallible".

Also of possible interest:

Respondus Lockdown Browser has detected a… - Apple Community

AyapoPayapo wrote:

I did contact them, they act like their software is infallible and tell me that its my problem.

They are partially correct. You assumed their software would work properly on a Mac. They are enterprise education developers who wouldn't know a Mac if it hit them in the head. Obviously their software is junk, as all such software is.

But as a Mac user, it is your responsibility to live with that. This is the way it has always been.

Now I can't return the macbook since apparently my return period is over

It would have been difficult to find a used Mac old enough to run the software anyway.

There are a few things you can try. Try installing a VM like Virtual Buddy, Tart, or UTM. Install the oldest guest OS those tools will support.

If that doesn't work, then maybe try to install the OpenCore Legacy Patcher. Normally I tell people to avoid this software at all costs. I have no idea if it will work, but it might be enough to fool the exam software.

If your school or employer is requiring you to use this junk software to take exams, then ask them to provide you with a computer that is pre-configured & verified to connect to take the exam.

etresoft wrote:

If that doesn't work, then maybe try to install the OpenCore Legacy Patcher. Normally I tell people to avoid this software at all costs.

As do I.

I have a better idea. Find a Windows PC, which are often found discarded on city sidewalks. Erase it, install whatever product Respondus requires, use it for whatever purposes you require, and then erase the PC and deposit it back where it came. They're not worth anything anyway. I have tried and failed to give them away, and that's why they wind up on the curb.

There's nothing wrong with your MacBook.

I did contact them, they act like their software is infallible and tell me that its my problem.

Of course they did. Make it their problem.

Hey! Same here , I also had same problem with M4 pro . I was kicked out of the browser due to VM detection. Thankfully Professor gave me another chance to take my exam