Why and how to disable Bonjour

Bonjour is Apple’s auto-network discovery protocol that, among other things, allows iTunes to discover other iTunes libraries on the same network and for devices such as the iPod/Phone/Pad and Apple TV to discover each other and share their libraries or remote control each other. However, if you don’t use any of these functions it is yet another service that:

• Contributes to your bootup time
• Consumes RAM and CPU resources
• Increases the attackable surface area of your computer, posing a potential security risk

Below are two methods to disable it:

Method 1: Remove Bonjour

1. Open Command Prompt (Under Accessories in the Start Menu)

2. Enter and execute the following command:

   “C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe” -remove move “C:\Program Files\Bonjour\msdnsNSP.dll” “C:\Program Files\Bonjour\msdnsNSP.old”

   Note under 64 bit versions of windows this will be:

   “C:\Program Files (x86)\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe” -remove move “C:\Program Files (x86)\Bonjour\msdnsNSP.dll” “C:\Program Files (x86)\Bonjour\msdnsNSP.old”

3. Reboot

4. Delete the Bonjour folder

Method 2: Disable the Bonjour service

1. Open the Start Menu, right-click Computer and select Manage
2. In Computer Management select Services and Applications and then select Services
3. Right-click Bonjour Service and select Properties
4. Change Startup type from Automatic to Disabled
5. If the Service status is Started click the Stop button
6. Click OK