> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://docs.xobin.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
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# How to install XoLock?

**BEFORE YOU INSTALL**

**System Requirements:**
● Windows: 64-bit Windows 10 or later.
● macOS: Compatible with Apple Silicon.
● Stable internet connection for assessment delivery and proctoring.
● Single monitor recommended; external displays may block launch.
● Camera and microphone for proctored assessments.

**Close Conflicting Apps Before First Launch:**
XoLock blocks apps such as Slack, Discord, Teams, Zoom, remote desktop tools (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Parsec), screen recorders (OBS, Loom), virtual machines, and other browsers. Close these before launching an assessment.

**SCENARIO A: Standard User Install for Windows**
1. Download the latest signed installer: XolockSetup.exe (from your organization's Xobin download link or IT portal).
2. Run the installer. 

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/d/4/8/6/d48615b0c54f4000/ss-1_1pv4wd4.png)

If Windows SmartScreen or antivirus warns, confirm the publisher is Xobin and the file is signed. Contact IT if blocked.
3. Complete the Squirrel install. Shortcuts are created automatically; no admin rights are required for per-user install.
4. Launch XoLock from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
5. Grant first-run permissions: allow camera and microphone when Windows Privacy prompts appear, or use the launcher's Open Settings links (Settings → Privacy → Camera / Microphone).

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/d/4/8/6/d48615b0c54f4000/xolock-permissions_1g9jzwg.jpg)


6. Allow network access if firewall prompts appear.
7. Paste your assessment link in the launcher to begin.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/d/4/8/6/d48615b0c54f4000/image_13nu3ys.png)

Typical install location: C:\Users<username>\AppData\Local\xolock\app-<version>\
Updates: Re-run a newer XolockSetup.exe; Squirrel handles in-place updates.

**SCENARIO B: Standard User Install for macOS**
1. Download the XoLock DMG from your organization's download link.
2. Open the DMG and drag XoLock.app to Applications.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/d/4/8/6/d48615b0c54f4000/ss-2_g8z78g.png =500x395)

3. On first launch, if macOS blocks the app, right-click XoLock → Open → Open again, or use System Settings → Privacy & Security → Open Anyway.
4. Grant macOS permissions when prompted: Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording under System Settings → Privacy & Security. Use the launcher's permission buttons or Open Settings shortcuts.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/d/4/8/6/d48615b0c54f4000/ss-3_1k1v938.png =500x325)

5. Paste your assessment link in the launcher to begin.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/d/4/8/6/d48615b0c54f4000/ss-5_7e7zvg.png =500x325)

To update the application, reinstall the application’s latest version using the latest .dmg installation package

|| Please contact your IT Admin in case of Scenarios C, D and E.

|| Candidates are required to contact their respective educational institution in case of Scenarios C, D and E.

**SCENARIO C: IT-Managed / MDM Deployment for Windows**
Recommended Approach:
1. Obtain the signed artifact: XolockSetup.exe and/or XoLock-Windows-x64.zip. Verify SHA-256 against your organization's published checksum (checksums.json from release artifacts).
2. Deploy via MDM (Intune example): App type Line-of-business (LOB) or Win32 app. Install command: XolockSetup.exe /S. Detection rule: file exists at %LocalAppData%\xolock\ or Squirrel registry key. Assignment: Required for exam lab devices; Available for BYOD candidates.
3. SmartScreen / Defender allowlisting: Submit signed installer hash to Microsoft if reputation is still building. Add path allowlist for %LocalAppData%\xolock**\XoLock.exe.
4. Firewall: Allow outbound HTTPS to Xobin assessment and violation-logging endpoints.
5. Optional hardened exam-lab config: Set XOLOCK_ASSESSMENT_ENFORCE_PREFLIGHT_ON_STARTUP=true to quit on startup if forbidden apps or multiple displays are detected. Set XOLOCK_WINDOWS_LOCKDOWN=1 only for dedicated exam kiosks (requires runtime user consent). Do not enable registry or shell replacement unless devices are dedicated exam machines.
6. Secrets / API keys: Do not rely on packaged .env in production; inject XOLOCK_VIOLATION_LOG_API_KEY and backend URLs via MDM at install or first-run provisioning.

**SCENARIO D: IT-Managed / MDM Deployment for macOS**
1. Obtain the signed and notarized DMG.
2. Deploy via MDM: Package XoLock.app as PKG or deploy the DMG. Install to /Applications/XoLock.app.
3. Privacy Preferences Policy Control (PPPC) profiles: Pre-approve Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording for XoLock to avoid candidate friction.
4. Gatekeeper: Use notarized builds.
5. Network: Allow outbound HTTPS to Xobin domains.

**SCENARIO E: Corporate-Restricted / No Admin Rights**
1. XoLock Windows installer runs as invoker (no elevation by default).
2. Per-user install under %LocalAppData% usually works without admin.
3. If IT blocks .exe downloads, request MDM deployment or an approved download portal.
4. macOS users without admin may need IT to install to /Applications and deploy PPPC profiles.

**Post-Install Verification:**
1. Open XoLock, the launcher shows System checks.
2. Confirm: no blocked apps detected; camera, microphone, screen sharing, and network are allowed.
3. Paste a test assessment link and confirm Launch assessment is enabled.
4. If XoLock bridge unavailable appears, quit and reopen the app, or reinstall.