XoLock Troubleshooting Guide
Reference:
Symptom | Likely Cause | First Action |
|---|---|---|
Launch button disabled / Launch locked | System checks failing | Fix permissions or close blocked apps; click Re-check |
Close N apps before launching | Forbidden process running | Quit listed apps completely (check system tray) |
Multiple displays error | External monitor connected | Disconnect extra monitors |
Camera/mic not working | OS permission denied | Open Settings from launcher; enable XoLock |
Screen share fails (macOS) | Screen Recording not granted | System Settings → Screen Recording → enable XoLock |
Network check failed | Firewall or offline | Check internet; allow XoLock through firewall |
XoLock bridge unavailable | Preload/IPC not loaded | Quit and reopen; reinstall if persistent |
SmartScreen / antivirus block | New signing reputation | Contact IT; use signed hash allowlist |
App quits immediately on open | Startup preflight (hardened build) | Close forbidden apps; use single display |
Lockdown overlay during exam | Critical violation | Follow on-screen instructions; contact proctor |
Recovery snapshot banner | Previous crash | Dismiss banner; restart cleanly before next exam |
- System Checks Won't Pass
Blocked Apps Detected:
● Quit every app listed in the System checks panel (not just minimize).
● Check the system tray or menu bar for background agents (Zoom, Teams, Discord, remote desktop).
● Restart XoLock and click Re-check.
Permissions Not Granted:
macOS
● System Settings → Privacy & Security: Camera → XoLock ON; Microphone → XoLock ON; Screen Recording → XoLock ON (required for proctoring).
● After changing settings, quit XoLock fully (Cmd+Q) and reopen.
Windows
● Settings → Privacy → Camera / Microphone → allow desktop apps including XoLock.
● Use launcher Open Settings buttons for direct links.
● On older Windows builds, status may show as granted by default; if capture still fails, check app-specific privacy toggles.
Network Check Failed:
● Confirm internet connectivity.
● Disable VPN or proxy if it blocks Xobin endpoints.
● Corporate firewall: allow outbound HTTPS to assessment and backend URLs.
● Click Re-check after network changes.
- Can't Launch Assessment
Invalid Link or Assessment ID
● Paste the full link from your invitation email.
● Verify that the link is provided via Xobin
Launch Hangs or Times Out
● Ensure system checks are green.
● Restart XoLock.
● Verify the assessment link is valid and reachable.
Forbidden Processes Error at Launch
● A blocked app started after the preflight scan, close it and retry.
● Common culprits: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Slack, OBS, TeamViewer, Parsec, virtual machines.
- Bridge Unavailable
The launcher cannot reach window.xolock (the Electron preload bridge).
- Fully quit XoLock (Cmd+Q / Alt+F4) and reopen.
- On Windows, accept any UAC/ permissions prompt if shown.
- Reinstall the latest XolockSetup.exe.
- If DevTools was opened, refresh the launcher window.
If still failing, contact support with the app version from the install folder.
- During the Assessment
● Lost fullscreen / window minimized: XoLock should refocus automatically. Click back into the XoLock window if needed.
● Copy/paste blocked: Expected during proctored sessions. Clipboard is restricted inside XoLock while the session is active.
● Lockdown overlay appeared: Indicates a critical violation (e.g. cursor left primary display, repeated focus loss). Read the overlay message; contact your proctor.
● Exam frozen or crashed: On next launch, a Recovery snapshot found banner may appear. Dismiss it and restart per proctor instructions.
● Exit assessment: Use the Exit assessment button, or Cmd+Q / Ctrl+Q. Avoid force-quit via Task Manager unless instructed.
- Windows-Specific Issues
SmartScreen: Windows Protected Your PC
● Verify that the publisher is Xobin and the file is signed.
● IT: allowlist installer SHA-256; submit false-positive to Microsoft Security Intelligence.
Antivirus Quarantine
● Restore or add exceptions for Xolock in the Antivirus.
● Use genuine Xolock Application Setups provided by Xolock.
App Exits on Startup (Managed Systems)
Close forbidden apps and disconnect extra monitors before opening XoLock.
- macOS-Specific Issues
● Gatekeeper block: Verify that the app is provided by Xobin and not from unofficial sources.
● Screen sharing fails despite permission: Close Xolock, Turn off Screen Recording for Xolock, Restart Xolock and then turn it on again.
- When Contacting Support
Provide the following when contacting support:
● OS and version (Windows 10/11, macOS version).
● XoLock version (from install path).
● Screenshot of the System checks panel.
● Assessment link format (redact the token).
● Time of incident.
● Whether the device is MDM-managed.
Updated on: 06/23/2026
Thank you!