How to Use UnSafeExamBrowser

Follow these steps to download, install, activate, and exit the application.

1 Download the Application

💌

After your purchase is confirmed, you will receive an email containing both your license key and a download link for the installer. Check your inbox (and spam folder) — it usually arrives within 60 seconds of payment.

  1. Open the email from UnSafeExamBrowser.
  2. Click the Download UnSafeExamBrowser button in the email.
  3. Save the file UnSafeExamBrowser.exe to your computer.

Recommendation: Download and use the application on a personal mobile hotspot rather than your school or institution's Wi-Fi. This avoids network-level monitoring or restrictions that may interfere with the software.

2 Install the Application

  1. Locate the downloaded UnSafeExamBrowser.exe installer.
  2. Double-click it to run. If Windows shows a SmartScreen warning, click More info → Run anyway.
  3. Follow the on-screen installer steps and click Install.
  4. Once complete, a shortcut will appear on your Desktop.

3 Activate Your License

  1. Launch UnSafeExamBrowser from the Desktop shortcut.
  2. When asked, open your license email and copy your key.
  3. Paste the key into the license field.
  4. Click Activate.
  5. The application will verify your key and start automatically.

Note: Your license is tied to this one computer from the moment of activation. If you need to move to a different machine, contact support@unsafeexambrowser.com — transfers are free.

4 Using USEB Companion Browser

USEB Companion Browser is included with 1-Year and Lifetime plans only. This optional Electron-based companion application provides enhanced functionality during your exam sessions.

What is USEB?

USEB is a standalone application that works alongside UnSafeExamBrowser to provide additional tools and features. Once installed, it runs discreetly in the background and can be toggled on or off during your exam without interrupting your session.

How to Use It:

  1. Launch USEB from the folder where it was installed (usually included in your download package).
  2. Start UnSafeExamBrowser and begin your exam as normal.
  3. Press and hold Shift, then press A, then S to toggle USEB visibility on or off during your exam.

Quick Toggle Shortcut:

Shift + A + S

USEB remains running in the background and can be shown or hidden instantly using this shortcut — no need to restart your exam or UnSafeExamBrowser.

Plan Requirement: USEB Companion Browser is a premium feature available only with 1-Year and Lifetime license plans. If you're on a shorter plan and need this feature, you can upgrade your license at any time by contacting support@unsafeexambrowser.com.

🔓 How to Exit / Go Back

While the browser is running in locked mode, normal keyboard shortcuts and taskbar access are disabled. To exit or go back, use the same shortcut:

Exit & Go Back shortcut:

Shift + F12

Press and hold Shift, then press F12. This works both to exit the application entirely and to go back during a session — returning you to the normal Windows desktop.

Shift+F12 not working? On some laptops the function keys require FnLock to be active. Try toggling it by pressing Fn + Esc, then try Shift+F12 again.

⚠ Troubleshooting

  • Didn't receive the email? Check your spam/junk folder. Still missing after 5 minutes — contact support.
  • Key says "invalid"? Make sure you copy the full key with no extra spaces. Keys are case-sensitive.
  • Application won't start? Right-click the shortcut and choose Run as administrator. Requires Windows 10/11 64-bit.
  • Need to transfer to a new PC? Email support@unsafeexambrowser.com — it's free.