What is mDNSResponder.exe? Why is it running on my computer?

This discussion is a part of a series in which we discuss files and services which may raise a question of legitimacy in your minds. Today we will discuss mDNSResponder.exe/Bonjour service process. If you have seen it in the Task Manager and had the question – What is mDNSResponder.exe? Why is it running on my computer? The post will answer that.

What is mDNSResponder.exe?

For clarification, mDNSResponder.exe belongs to Bonjour for Windows, i.e., a Service associated with this task. When you connect an Apple Device or install iTunes on your computer, the application is installed as well. You can think of this as a communication or network interface for Apple devices on Windows. It is useful when you use iTunes to share your library. One instance of iTunes can discover another iTunes shared library on the same network using Bonjour.

Is the mDNSResponder.exe process important?

The process is associated with an Apple service and is not a part of the operating system itself. Thus, it isn’t necessary that it keep running in the background. However, iTunes or other Apple-associated programs need it. If you connect Apple devices with your computer or use share iTunes library, the program is essential. This process doesn’t require a lot of system resources and wouldn’t bother your work.

If you want to disable the Bonjour process use the following method.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run window and type the command services.msc.
2. Press Enter to open the Service Manager window. Locate the Bonjour Service.
3. Right-click on it and then select Properties.
4. Change the Startup Type to Disabled.

You can also consider deleting the Bonjour application from the Programs and Features window to avoid such problems.

Is mDNSResponder.exe/Bonjour a virus?

A virus can have any name in a system. To verify whether a process is a virus or not, we usually check its path from the Task Manager. However, in the case of Bonjour, it is a regular program file in the Programs folder. We cannot differentiate it be merely checking the location. The legit process is located at – %PROGRAMFILES%\Bonjour\ folder.

Check its File Properties and if you feel, run a reputable anti-virus program on the system.

I hope, your query about the application mDNSresponder.exe is answered in this post.

Want to know about these processes, files or file types?

Sppsvc.exe | Windows.edb files |csrss.exe | Thumbs.db files | NFO and DIZ files | Index.dat file | Swapfile.sys, Hiberfil.sys & Pagefile.sys | Nvxdsync.exe | Svchost.exe | RuntimeBroker.exe | TrustedInstaller.exe | DLL or OCX files. | StorDiag.exe | MOM.exe | Host Process for Windows Tasks | ApplicationFrameHost.exe.