Alongside a number of major Mac OS X updates posted at Apple’s Support Downloads section, there is a Bonjour Print Services update for Windows users, recently released by the Mac maker. Allowing those who haven’t yet made the switch to find and configure a Bonjour-enabled printer from their PC, Bonjour Print Services deploys what is called a 'Bonjour Printer Wizard' onto their hard drives, complete with a desktop shortcut to manage the service whenever it’s needed.
Bonjour for Windows is bundled with Bonjour Print Services for Windows: Bonjour Print Services for Windows lets you discover and configure Bonjour-enabled printers from your Windows computer using the Bonjour Printer Wizard.
On its website, Apple addresses Windows PC users explaining that, 'Bonjour Print Services for Windows lets you discover and configure Bonjour-enabled printers from your Windows computer using the Bonjour Printer Wizard.' It encourages you to fire up Windows Update first, in order to make sure you have the latest Service Pack installed for your computer. Only then will Bonjour Print Services work properly for you. The system requirements for three different versions of Windows are listed as follows:
- The Bonjour Printer Wizard will be installed in ' Program Files Bonjour Print Services,' Apple says. Download Apple Bonjour Print Services for Windows (Free) # Bonjour Print Services # Bonjour.
- I see that Apple offers a free download of Bonjour for Windows/Bonjour Print Services for Windows. Is there any good reason for me to install.
- Bonjour Print Services supports Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, but we strongly recommend either:
- Windows XP Service Pack 3;
- Windows Vista Service Pack 2;
- Windows 7.
A number of printer requirements is also provided, with Apple noting that, 'Bonjour Print Services works with either: network printers over Wi-Fi or Ethernet [and/or] USB printers shared via a Mac or an AirPort base station.' As a fan of Apple’s Mac OS X, you’d probably believe that only a Windows PC user would not frown at the sight of a third set of requirements that, without fail, Apple posts just under the printer requirements.
Sure enough, even those who rock Microsoft’s OS without a hiccup will be annoyed by having to check and see that UDP port 5353 is open for Bonjour to work correctly. The Bonjour installer configures the Windows firewall automatically during installation on supported systems, according to Apple, but if you have a separate 'personal firewall' enabled, you’ll have to tweak that UDP port. The Bonjour Printer Wizard will be installed in 'Program FilesBonjour Print Services,' Apple says.
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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 FilesBonjour.” 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.
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About the Author
Chicago native John Papiewski has decades of IT consulting experience, and has worked with a wide range of businesses including finance, real estate, distribution and publishing. His articles have appeared in various outlets including azcentral.com and seattlepi.com. Please, no workplace calls/emails!
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Papiewski, John. 'Do You Really Need Bonjour on Your Computer?' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/really-need-bonjour-computer-73335.html. 17 August 2018.
Papiewski, John. (2018, August 17). Do You Really Need Bonjour on Your Computer? Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/really-need-bonjour-computer-73335.html
Papiewski, John. 'Do You Really Need Bonjour on Your Computer?' last modified August 17, 2018. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/really-need-bonjour-computer-73335.html
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