Issue: Safe Exam Browser (SEB)/ Configuration Issues

Leading to Exam Session Not Launching or Black Screen Errors

🔍 Description of the Problem

You may face one or more of these issues while trying to access your exam:

• After downloading SEB, the test does not open.
  
  

• The configuration file does not open.
  
  

• SEB shows “Failed to start session” error.
  
  

• SEB termination fails after exam completion.
  
  

• The screen goes completely black and does not respond.

These issues happen when SEB is unable to start or apply the exam configuration properly.

• On Windows, this is often caused by background applications like Anydesk, TeamViewer, or other remote desktop software interfering with SEB.
  
  

• On macOS, security permissions or outdated SEB versions may block the configuration file from launching.

✅ Step-by-Step Solution

✅ Step-by-Step Solution

For Windows (10 / 11)

1. Close Conflicting Applications

• Quit any remote access tools (e.g., Anydesk, TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, Zoom remote control).
  
  

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Open Task Manager → End these processes if running.
  
  

2. Restart SEB

• Double-click the exam configuration file again to re-launch SEB.
  
  

• If the configuration file does not open, right-click → Open with → Safe Exam Browser.
  
  

3. Update SEB

• Ensure you are using the latest SEB version recommended by your exam provider.
  
  

• Download the updated installer from the official SEB website.
  
  

4. Clear Old Configurations

• If SEB fails repeatedly, uninstall SEB → Restart your PC → Reinstall fresh.
  
  

• Re-download the configuration file and try again.
  
  

5. Allow Permissions in Firewall/Antivirus

• Sometimes SEB is blocked by firewall or antivirus.
  
  

• Open Windows Security → Firewall & Network Protection → Allow an app through firewall.
  
  

• Ensure Safe Exam Browser is checked for both Private and Public networks.
  
  

6. Restart Your System

• Always restart your system before re-launching SEB after troubleshooting.
  
  

For macOS (Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma)

1. Quit Conflicting Applications

• Close any remote access software or screen-sharing apps (e.g., TeamViewer, Zoom screen sharing, AnyDesk).
  
  

2. Check Security Permissions

• Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access / Screen Recording.
  
  

• Ensure Safe Exam Browser is allowed access.
  
  

3. Open Configuration File Correctly

• Right-click the configuration file → Select Open with → Safe Exam Browser.
  
  

• If the file does not open, re-download it from the exam portal.
  
  

4. Update SEB

• Ensure you have installed the latest version of SEB for macOS.
  
  

• Download from the official SEB website.
  
  

5. Restart SEB / System

• Quit SEB completely.
  
  

• Restart your Mac and open the configuration file again.
  
  

📝 Additional Notes / Troubleshooting Tips

• Always use the official SEB version provided or recommended by your exam authority.
  
  

• Do not keep remote desktop apps or screen-sharing tools running in the background.
  
  

• If SEB still fails:
  
  

• Uninstall SEB completely.
  
  

• Restart your device.
  
  

• Install SEB again and re-download the configuration file.
  
  

• For persistent black screen errors, try running SEB on another system as backup.