Overview:
For people who use MacBooks, it is common that Bonjour is working on Mac. But you have no idea what it is used for on your MacBook. While, for Windows users, it seems more confusing that there should be an Apple application on Windows 10, 8, 7, etc. In this sense, you would better to know what Bonjour is and whether you really need it on Mac and Windows systems.
Overview Discovery (formerly Bonjour Browser) is a utility that displays all of the Bonjour services available on the local network or on Wide-Area Bonjour domains. Use it to debug your latest program, detect computers connected to your network, or just keep tabs on what services are available. Perfect for network admins or developers. Right-click the Bonjour Service and select 'Properties'. In the General tab, set the Startup type to 'Automatic'.
What is Bonjour?
Developed by Apple, Bonjour, also named mDNSResponder.exe process, is the zero-configuration networking which is a group of technologies including address assessment, service discovery, and hostname resolution. Simply put, it is used to make network connecting easier to use.
And by default, Bonjour is preinstalled on macOS and iOS systems, but it is said that Bonjour software can also be installed on Windows systems like Windows 10. But unlike normal applications such as Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, etc.
Bonjour won’t run in the foreground, so it is unlikely that you see it simply from on the Desktop. But it detects the presence the connected device easily and connects programs on your computer to the local network. What’s more, it is worth noting that Bonjour is usually embedded in Apple applications such as Safari and iTunes.
More often than not, Bonjour works in the background for apps. For instance, on Safari, the embedded browser for iOS and macOS, Bonjour is employed to locate webpages that advertise on the browser on the local network; on Bonjour Printer wizard, it is used to recommend you which printer is more compatible for connecting.
Related: What is Microsoft AU Daemon? How Can I Disable it?
Do I Really Need Bonjour on my computers?
Either you need this application depends on the operating system and your needs.
If you are using macOS or iOS system, Bonjour is said to have been inbuilt on your Mac. That is to say, Bonjour is an essential part on your MacBook on macOS or iOS.
It enables applications and services on Mac systems to communicate with other devices connecting to the same local network. In such apps like iTunes and Safari, Bonjour is a necessary component for them to run for device on macOS or iOS. In a word, you do need Bonjour software for your Mac devices.
If your PC is on Microsoft Windows and you do not have any other Mac device, normally there is no need to download Bonjour on Windows 10, 8, 8.1, 7. However, if you are using iPhone or any other Apple products on iOS or macOS systems, there is also a need to install Bonjour on PC with Windows systems to access the “shard music libraries”.
Related: What is Hxtsr.exe? Should I Remove it on Windows 10?
How Do I Remove Bonjour from Windows 10, 8, 7?
Provided that you have any Apple product or software, you are not supposed to delete Bonjour software from Windows systems. But if you do want to say goodbye to Bonjour, it is also feasible to get rid of completely. Normally, there are two options available for you. If option one fails to uninstall Bonjour completely, just go on to option 2.
Option 1: Uninstall Bonjour for Windows 10 in Control Panel
Just like uninstalling Windows apps, you can also remove Bonjour software in Control Panel.
1. Open Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, find out Programs >Uninstall a program. Here you would better View by Categories to locate the items you need easily.
3. In Programs and Features, scroll down to pinpoint Bonjour and right click it to Uninstall it.
4. Restart Windows system to take effect.
At this moment, Bonjour application will be removed from Windows 10. To some degree, high CPU by it will be fixed as well.
Option 2: Uninstall Bonjour by deleting Bonjour services and folders
As said before, Bonjour will be installed on Windows systems so long as you have downloaded and installed applications such as iTunes. And if it can’t be deleted completely via Control Panel, you are advised to delete all the Bonjour services and files on Windows 10, 8, 7.
Specifically, the corresponding service or process of Bonjour software should be mDNSResponder.exe and the file is mdnsNSP.dll.
Remove mDNSResponder.exe in Command Prompt:
1. Search Command Prompt in the search box and then right click the best-matched result to Run as administrator.
2. In Command Prompt, copy and paste the following command and then hit Enter key to remove Bonjour process.
“%PROGRAMFILES%BonjourmDNSResponder.exe” –remove
You can also deactivate Bonjour file to completely uninstall this software.
1. In Command Prompt, run the command below to remove the file.
regsvr32 /u “%PROGRAMFILES%BonjourmdnsNSP.dll”
2. Reboot Windows system to take effect.
It is natural that without the required services and files, Bonjour will have also been uninstalled from Windows systems.
To summarize, Bonjour can be of great use for some apps to run on both Mac and Windows system. But if you show no interest in it and fear that it may bring troubles, you can remove it from Windows 10, 8, 7.
To see what’s eating system resources and slowing down the PC, Windows users constantly access Task Manager. With that said, it seems you happen to notice mDNSResponder.exe/Bonjour process running in Task Manager and are here to know about it, right?
Worry not; this article will answer all your questions related to mDNSResponder.exe/Bonjourservice running in Task Manager.
Attention: This article is part of our ongoing series explaining why you see 100% CPU usage due to different processes like
Want to get an idea about all this? Start reading.
So, let’s begin. First thing first.
What is mDNSResponder.exe?
mDNSResponder.exe, also known as Bonjour process, is Apple’s native zero-configuration network application for Mac. It gets installed automatically by iTunes and is not a virus. Does this make you feel any better? Do you want to know more about it?
Well, Bonjour service enables automatic network discovery, thereby allowing different computers running iTunes to interact with each other. The only problem with mDNSResponder.exe is that it runs 24/7 and uses system resources. This means that even when you are not using iTunes, it will consume system resources. Therefore, if you want to disable it, read further to know how to do that.
How does mDNSResponder.exe get installed?
As already discussed, Bonjour is an Apple-related process and gets installed with iTunes. Users don’t get an option to opt-out of this service. However, if you don’t use iTunes for sharing libraries, you can remove it.
Note: If you use iTunes, then removing mDNSResponder.exe/bonjour is not recommended. However, if you don’t use it anymore and are bothered because it runs unnecessarily, then here you go.
How to Remove Bonjour Service from Windows 10?
Note: If you think you will use iTunes in the future, instead of removing it, follow the steps explained to disable it.
How to uninstall Bonjour/ mDNSResponder.exe from Windows 10?
The easiest and simplest way to get rid of Bonjour service is to use Advanced System Optimizer. Using it, you will not only be able to remove mDNSResponder.exe but will also be able to get rid of invalid registry entries. This system optimization tool offers Uninstall Manager, Registry Cleaner, Driver Updater, Malware Cleaner, and more.
To use it and remove Bonjour from Windows, follow the steps below:
1. Download, install, and run Advanced System Optimizer.
2. Click Regular Maintenance > Uninstall Manager
3. Run the scan to see a list of all installed applications
4. Select Bonjour from the list and click Uninstall
5. After performing this step, we suggest running the Registry Cleaner module under Registry Optimizers
6. This will help clean all invalid registry entries that might also be causing problems.
7. This is the safest and easiest way to get rid of Bonjour services on Windows. So, what are you waiting for? Try this 24-hour fully functional trial version today.
8. However, if you are still thinking and meanwhile would like to disable Bonjour services manually, follow the steps below:
Workable Fixes to Remove Bonjour print and other related services
1. Disabling it via Windows Services
To disable Bonjour services, follow the steps below:
1. In Windows search bar type Services
2. Select the search result to open the Windows Services window
3. Navigate to Bonjour Service
4. Right-Click > Properties
5. Here click, the downward arrow next to Startup type and select Disabled
6. Click Apply > Ok
7. This will disable Bonjour print services and other related Bonjour services on Windows 10
8. Restart the system to apply changes.
9. Now head to Task Manager and check for mDNSResponder.exe/ Bonjour service. You will not find it running.
However, if you want to remove it, proceed ahead.
How To Remove Bonjour Service From Windows 10
1. Type Command Prompt in the Windows search bar
2. Right-click the search result and select Run as administrator
3. Here type cd..until you reach C:
4. Now type cd program files > Enter
Note: If you are running 64-bit of windows, then type cd program files (x86) > Enter
5. Next type cd Bonjour > Enter
6. Afterward, enter mDNSResponder.exe /?
7. This will help you know the command and file you should remove.
8. So, the file we have to delete is mDNSResponder, and the command is mDNSResponder.exe –remove
9. Once you enter this command, you will get the message about successful file removal.
10. Lastly, you will need to change the .dll file. This is done so that the service doesn’t restart on its own. To do so, in Command Prompt window type: ren mdnsNSP.dll mdnsNSP.renamed
Done. This way, you have easily removed the Bonjour service and can stop mDNSResponder.exe from running.
After performing these steps, if you regret them, the only way to get the service back is to head to the Apple page and install Bonjour.
Hope this helps you remove mDNSResponder.exe from Windows 10 system. If you liked the article, please share your feedback in the comments section.
FAQ –
What is Bonjour, and do I need it?
Bonjour is a service developed by Apple that helps iTunes interact with other services. It comes built-in with Apple’s OSX and iOS operating system.
Is it safe to uninstall Bonjour?
Yes, if you no longer use iTunes, then you can safely uninstall it.
Is Bonjour service a virus?
No, it is a legit file developed by Apple and is not a virus. If you have ever used iTunes, you will find this service running on your system even when iTunes is not in use.
What programs use Bonjour?
Bonjour is used by iTunes, iPhoto, iChat, Skype Gizmo5, and several other programs.
Can I stop Bonjour service?
Yes, you can disable Bonjour service from the Windows Services window. To do so, press Windows + R. Type services.msc > ok. Look for Bonjour service > right-click > Properties > Disable under Startup > Apply > Ok.
That’s it.
Do you need Bonjour for Windows?
Bonjour Service For Mac Desktop
Bonjour is not an essential Windows service. If you are not using any Apple device, you can easily remove it or disable it from running.