What Is Bonjour? Do You Need It?

Bonjour, ladies and gentlemen! Have you ever come across the mysterious Bonjour service while exploring a task manager?

Don’t worry, it’s not a virus! In fact, it’s Apple’s version of a zero-configuration networking protocol that helps connect devices on a common network. Before diving deeper, what is bonjour, and how does it work?

In this article, we’ll explore the technology that allows devices with different operating systems to interact with each other in a LAN safely. You no longer need to spend hours defining custom protocols. You’ll learn how to install, use and troubleshoot it, as well as whether it’s necessary for your needs. Let’s dive in!

What Is Bonjour?

Bonjour is a Zeroconf networking protocol that streamlines the connection process between devices within a local network. It avoids the need for manual configurations, making device discovery and connection seamless.

It’s simple enough to pair an Apple printer with a MacBook but not so much when connecting it to a Windows laptop. That’s where Bonjour comes in.

It provides an intuitive framework that allows you to connect devices with different operating systems on a common LAN without defining dynamic configuration protocols. It uses local link addressing and mDNS (multicast Domain Name System) to assign IP addresses and facilitate device discovery and connection.

Here are key things you need to know about Bonjour:

• Initially called Rendezvous, Bonjour helps Apple apps and devices to connect and share media.
• It’s a service, not an app. It runs in the background, and you can’t interact with it.
• It uses IP, UDP and multicast DNS (mDNS) to enable automatic device detection and connections.
• You can access Bonjour API through Foundation, Core Foundation, Java and Python.
• Due to popular demand, Apple released Bonjour for Windows, which runs as the mDNSResponder.exe service on Windows.

Who Needs It?

Now the question is, do you need Bonjour service? To better understand, here are the five common types of target customers for Bonjour:

• Consumers with Apple Devices: Helps apps like Airprint, iTunes and AirPlay to share media libraries across Apple devices like iPhones, Macbooks and Apple TVs.
• Home Automation Enthusiasts: Most home automation systems compatible with Apple HomeKit use Bonjour to discover and connect smart devices in a local network.
• Office and Business Environments: Companies adopting a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model can create custom office environments for hybrid devices. Examples include Cisco’s utilization of Bonjour for office networks.
• Developers and App Builders: Developers who create cross-platform applications, especially those intended for iOS devices on non-Apple hardware, can enable functionalities like file-sharing and media discovery.
• Service Providers: Professionals involved in integrating technology solutions for homes, offices and businesses implement Bonjour for seamless network setup and device integration.

Primary Benefits

Here’s how Bonjour makes your life easier:

• Simplifies network setup: You can set up and configure networks without any technical know-how and allow devices to automatically discover each other.
• Creates a hybrid environment: Don’t be limited by brands. Create local environments accessible by Windows, Linux, iOS and every other web-browsing device.
• Improves connectivity: Use automatic device detection to avoid making mistakes while defining network protocols, enhancing overall security.
• Minimizes bandwidth consumption: Despite all these functions, Bonjour runs as a system service in the background to ensure your devices’ internet speed isn’t affected.

Supported Platforms

The following platforms support Bonjour:

iOS

Bonjour is pre-installed on Apple and AirPort networking devices. You don’t need to install it externally, as the service comes built into the system code. But it also means you can’t remove or uninstall it.

Windows

Bonjour runs as mDNSResponder.exe on Windows. You can either download the source code to design a custom network or use pre-built plugins. It communicates via UDP port 5353. You should reconfigure personal and corporate firewalls before installing Bonjour, as it may block the service.

Once fully implemented, it adds Zeroconf to Internet Explorer and allows interactions between hybrid OS devices. It offers a plugin for Internet Explorer, printer wizards and network communication services.

Linux

Although not Bonjour, zero configuration protocols are available in Linux systems like Ubuntu, Fedora and OpenSUSE, called Avahi. Once installed, computers can contact your system at hostname.local or other custom names. You can enable the SSH server to facilitate remote logins and transfer files via SFTP or SCP.

How Does It Work?

Bonjour modifies Windows system registries to configure and govern how hardware transmits or receives data over a network. Its architecture can work with IPv6 and IPv4 addressing and uses the native local-link addressing support on Windows. It uses:

• PTR records to identify every service in a domain.
• A and AAAA records to translate a hostname into an IP address.
• TXT records to provide service descriptions.

This allows devices to broadcast service advertisements as mDNS on a local network and connect with other devices automatically.

It can also provide location services to applications by adding an abstract layer on mDNS. This layer maintains a list of every application and device on the network and allows you to browse and organize data.

Installing on Windows

Most Apple software includes Bonjour service in their installation packages because Windows doesn’t offer Zeroconf features out-of-the-box. But you may not get the full service with all its components if you download it as part of the software.

In such cases, it can’t design custom networks but only allows the device it’s installed on to find shared libraries. If you’re looking to design a hybrid home or office network, here’s the best way to get the full Bonjour package:

Step 1: Go to Apple Developer’s Bonjour homepage.
Step 2: Click on Bonjour SDK for Windows.

Step 3: Sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 4: Choose the latest version based on your Windows processor.

Step 5: Follow on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Alternatively, you can download Bonjour Print Services for Windows if you want to connect Apple printers to Windows and Linux devices. But it can only run on Windows XP and later versions.

Download Bonjour Print Services for Windows.

How To Uninstall Bonjour

You should take proper consideration before uninstalling because apps using the service might start malfunctioning.

Step 1: Access the Control Panel from the Start menu and click on Uninstall a program.

Step 2: Right-click on Bonjour, select Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: A few residual files might be left even after the uninstallation. Due to Bonjour’s technical nature, it’s advisable to consult tech support for complete removal. Otherwise, open the drive where you initially installed Bonjour (or iTunes), search for the file mdnsNSP.dll and delete it.

FAQs

Is Bonjour compatible with all versions of Windows?

Yes. Apple released the Bonjour service as mDNSResponder.exe for third-party applications, compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP.

Is it safe to uninstall Bonjour?

Yes. You can safely remove Bonjour from your Windows computer without harming system files. However, its removal might result in bugs and lags in the performance of applications relying on Bonjour.

(Note: It’s impossible to remove Bonjour from Apple devices)

Which software uses Bonjour?

All Apple applications have built-in Bonjour service, including Safari, iPhotos, iTunes and more. Some of the popular third-party solutions using Bonjour are ー Adobe Creative Suite CS3, Dassault Systemes’ Solidworks, TiVo, Gizmo5 and more.

How can I activate Bonjour for iTunes on Windows?

Sometimes, you need to manually activate the service after installing iTunes for the music platform to function properly.

• Press the Windows button+R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type compmgmt.msc and press enter to open the computer management portal.
• Click on Services and Applications, then double-click the Services button on the following page to open a list of all services on the computer.
• Find Bonjour Service in the list and right-click on it to select its Properties module.
• In the module, open the General Tab and set the Startup Type to Automatic.
• Click OK and then restart the PC.
• Bonjour should be enabled, and iTunes will function properly henceforth.

Wrap Up

Bonjour is an innovative networking configuration that simplifies device discovery and connectivity, making it easy for you to connect and use wireless devices regardless of their brand or operating system. With its wide support across multiple platforms and applications, Bonjour offers a flexible and easy-to-use solution for device connectivity, whether you’re a developer or a user.

Do you think you’re ready to play around with Bonjour? Do you have any improvements in mind? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment box below. Au revoir!