How to remove
Uninstall Bonjour
from Windows

I have a problem with Bonjour program on my PC. I’ve noticed random system crashes and checked the event viewer, which typically indicates Bonjour as the culprit. The truth is that this program is no longer in use as it was necessary for me when I was using iTunes and other Apple products. That’s why I’ve decided to remove it. The problem is that when I try to uninstall it via Control Panel, I receive a notification "The folder path 'Program Files' contains an invalid character,” which prevents the removal process. Could you please tell me what should I do?

Bonjour (also known as zero-configuration networking) is often installed by default along with the Apple products, such as iTunes. Adobe software often comes in a bundle with Bonjour as well. It is an advantageous tool as it allows users to set up a network without any configuration. In other words, it detects all PCs, devices, and even file-sharing servers on the same IP network. Since Bonjour is often installed by default along with other software, people do not even know about it until, for example, they decide to optimize the system by deleting useless programs or when the system starts crashing due to the Bonjour service. It comes out that this software is automatically injected into the list of startup programs, meaning that it is launched by default when the system is booted and uses the CPU whether the PC owner is using the service or not. Usually, Bonjour-related process mDNSResponder.exe can easily be terminated via Task Manager, but it tends to restart automatically, which is a bit annoying. Additionally, many people have reported that they cannot find the uninstaller on the Control Panel and that’s the reason why it is often dubbed as a virus. Finally, even if the Bonjour uninstaller is placed on Add/Remove Programs, the removal is not permitted due to the mdnsNSP.dll folder or “The folder path 'Program Files' contains an invalid character” error message.  Luckily, it’s not a deadlock and the solution is quite primitive. There are several methods that you can try to uninstall Bonjour on Windows permanently and we will list all of them below.

How to Remove Bonjour from Windows?

Due to many complaints that the Bonjour users have expressed on Microsoft forum, it can be assumed that this software utility tends to cause problems for many people. If you have been struggling to remove it as well, we will provide both automatic and manual Bonjour removal methods.

Method 1. Use software removal tool

Have you heard about automatic software removal utilities? Maybe you have one installed on your PC? If so, then it’s about time to use it. Our recommendation would be [rev id="Perfect Uninstaller"]. Download this program and follow the instructions provided in the installation wizard. After that, launch it and set it to uninstall Bonjour. Automatic removal of this tool is highly recommended because it will help you to bypass errors like “The folder path 'Program Files' contains an invalid character,” as well as ensure zero leftovers.

You can also use a specified Bonjour uninstaller called Au Revoir Bonjour! This tool has specifically been designed to uninstall Bonjour, so you may also use it.

Method 2. Uninstall Bonjour manually

1. Click Win key + R, type Powershell, and press Enter.
2. Type "%PROGRAMFILES%\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe" –remove and press Enter.
3. After that, type regsvr32 /u "%PROGRAMFILES%\Bonjour\mdnsNSP.dll" and hit Enter again.
4. Once the process is finished open C:\Program Files\ and remove Bonjour folder.
5. Finally, Click Win key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   Carefully look for any Bonjour-related processes. If you can’t find them, it means that Bonjour removal has been successfully initiated.

Method 3. Delete Bonjour via Control Panel

1. Click on Start menu, then go to Control Panel. (Windows 7,8).  You can also open the Control Panel in a different way: press down Windows key+R at the same time. In the Run Prompt, type control panel, and hit Enter. (Windows 10)
2. In the Control Panel, find Programs section. Here, click Uninstall a Program.
3. Find Bonjour, and select it, and click Uninstall button.
4. Click OK to confirm and close Control Panel.