The Bonjour Service on Windows 11 has been encountering issues, especially after recent updates. If you're facing problems such as the service not starting or specific error messages, here are some steps to fix it or consider alternatives if necessary:


1. Check and Restart Bonjour Service

  • Open the Services app by searching in the Start menu.
  • Look for "Bonjour Service," then right-click and select Properties.
  • Set the Startup type to Automatic and click Start if the service isn’t running. Restarting it may resolve simple issues.

2. Registry Path Correction

  • If Bonjour isn’t starting due to a registry path issue, you may need to update the path manually.
  • Open Registry Editor (type regeditin the search box) and navigate to:
    sql
    Copy code
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Bonjour Service
  • In the ImagePath entry, make sure the path points to C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe (or C:\Program Files (x86)\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe if it's a 32-bit version on a 64-bit system).

3. Repair Apple Software

  • If Bonjour was installed as part of Apple software (like iTunes or iCloud), repairing the main application might fix Bonjour issues.
  • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (or Programs and Features), find the relevant Apple software, and choose Repair.

4. Reinstall Bonjour

  • Uninstall Bonjour from Settings > Apps > Installed apps, then reinstall it. You can reinstall it by downloading it through the iTunes or iCloud installation package, as it’s bundled with Apple software.

5. Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Conflicts

  • If Bonjour still doesn’t work, there may be a conflict with other software.
  • Perform a Clean Boot by disabling third-party applications and restarting. Then, manually enable each service until you find which one conflicts with Bonjour. Disable or uninstall any conflicting software, if possible.

6. Alternative to Bonjour Service

If Bonjour issues persist and you don’t require Apple-specific functionality, you may consider these alternatives:

  • mDNSResponder: Bonjour’s main component, can be replaced with other DNS services if you need multicast DNS but not Bonjour specifically.
  • Apple-Free Networking: Many apps, like printers, offer other network discovery protocols (e.g., Universal Plug and Play, or UPnP) that don’t rely on Bonjour.
  • Manual Configuration: For devices that require Bonjour, you might be able to set static IP addresses or manually configure connections instead.


These solutions should help resolve common Bonjour Service issues related to the Windows 11 update. If problems persist, you might need to consider reinstalling the service or temporarily removing conflicting software like security tools or VPNs. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, consider using third-party network discovery software that may provide similar functionality.