Do You Really Need Bonjour on Your Computer?

Apple bundles its Bonjour software with the macOS operating system found on Mac computers. Bonjour is intertwined with macOS, making it difficult to remove from a Mac. Although it is also available for Windows PCs, Bonjour is more of an option on those computers, providing you don’t run apps that depend on it.

What Is Bonjour?

Apple’s Bonjour, which was originally named Apple Rendezvous, is a software program that makes networks easier to use. Unlike apps such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Excel or Adobe Illustrator, Bonjour is not a program you use directly; you won’t see a “Bonjour” icon on your computer desktop. Instead, apps and other programs use it as a “go-between” to communicate over your local data network. It works silently in the background, automating various low-level network tasks. For example, the iTunes app uses Bonjour to find other computers running iTunes on your network, to manage shared media libraries.

Bonjour for the Mac

Bonjour is an important part of iMacs and Mac notebook computers. Parts of Apple’s macOS operating system apps and software depend on Bonjour, so removing it will create serious problems on your Mac. Apps such as iTunes and Safari use Bonjour to communicate with other devices on your company network. Even if your business network is a small one, the fundamental links between Apple programs and Bonjour mean that Mac computers need it.

Bonjour for Windows

A business that runs on Windows PCs and doesn’t have any Apple devices or software that uses Bonjour, usually doesn’t need it. On the other hand, if you have iPhones or use Apple TV at work, and don’t also have a Mac, you likely manage these devices from a Windows computer. Bonjour for Windows lessens the network setup hassles that come up when installing and using these devices. Some third-party software apps, such as Adobe Creative Suite and Dassault Systemes’ Solidworks, also uses Bonjour, so check the documentation for any special software you might own to see if it requires Bonjour.

Saying Goodbye to Bonjour

Usually, the easiest way to remove any app from Windows is via the Control Panel; Bonjour is no exception. On your PC, locate “Control Panel” on the “Start” button menu and click “Programs and Features.” In the list of programs on the computer, find “Bonjour” and right-click on it. Select “Uninstall.”

In some instances, some parts of Bonjour may remain after uninstalling it. Because of the technical nature of Bonjour, you might want to enlist the help of a tech support person to remove the remaining files. In case, one isn’t available, open Windows Explorer and open the folder on your C: drive, “Program Files\Bonjour.” Look for the file, “mDNSResponder.exe,” right-click on it, and chose “Delete.” Find the file “mdnsNSP.dll” and delete it also. If you see the message, “This action can’t be completed because the file is open in Bonjour service,” restart your PC and use Windows Explorer to delete the files again.