How to Install Bonjour on Windows for Device Discovery
Local network clipboard synchronization (Nearby Sync) allows you to copy and paste text and images instantly between devices without relying on internet connections. On Windows, the underlying device discovery can be provided by the Bonjour service.
Recent versions of the Octoclip Windows client (since v1.9.5, February 2026) discover nearby devices through a built-in system API, so Bonjour is no longer required for most users. This guide is for users on older versions, or in environments where you'd rather rely on the dedicated Bonjour service for discovery. If Nearby Sync already works for you, you can skip it.
On macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, Bonjour is pre-installed out of the box. If you do need it on Windows, this guide shows you how to install and verify it.
What Is Bonjour?
Bonjour is a zero-configuration network service developed by Apple. It enables devices on a local area network (LAN) to automatically locate and broadcast services to each other without manual configuration of IP addresses or DNS.
Octoclip relies on Bonjour to broadcast its presence and dynamically discover your other nearby devices (e.g., your iPhone or Mac) on the local network for Nearby Sync.
When Do I Need to Install It Separately on Windows?
Windows does not come pre-loaded with Bonjour components. On older Octoclip versions that depend on Bonjour for discovery, if it is not installed on your Windows PC:
- The Octoclip client on Windows cannot broadcast itself to the network.
- Nearby devices (like iPhones or Macs) may fail to discover your Windows PC.
- Local network sync may not work, leaving Cloud Sync as the alternative.
On current versions, the built-in discovery API usually handles this without Bonjour — install it only if Nearby Sync isn't finding your Windows PC.
Installation Methods
You can install Bonjour on Windows using either the command line (recommended) or by downloading the installer package.
Windows 10 and 11 include a built-in package manager called WinGet. You can install the official Bonjour package in seconds:
- Click the Start Menu and type
cmdorPowerShell. - Right-click Command Prompt (or terminal) and select Run as Administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
winget install --id=Apple.Bonjour -e
- Wait for the download to finish. The service will be installed and started automatically in the background.
Verifying the Bonjour Service Status
To ensure Bonjour is running correctly on your Windows PC:
- Press
Win + Ron your keyboard, typeservices.msc, and press Enter. - Scroll down the list of services to locate Bonjour Service.
- Check the Status column:
- It should say Running.
- The Startup Type should be set to Automatic.
- If it is not running, right-click Bonjour Service and select Start.
Once verified, launch Octoclip. Your Windows PC should now discover and be discovered by nearby devices on the same Wi-Fi.
Copy & Paste Between Devices
With discovery working, walk through your first cross-device copy and paste.
Configure S3 Cloud Sync
Need to sync across different networks instead? Set up Cloud Sync with storage you own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bonjour safe to run?
Bonjour is an official network discovery service developed by Apple. It advertises and discovers services only on your local network, not the public internet, and does not open inbound ports to the outside world. As with any system service, keep it updated through Windows/Apple updates.
Does Nearby Sync work across different Wi-Fi bands?
Yes, as long as your router allows communication between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Some routers have a feature called "AP Isolation" or "Client Isolation" enabled; ensure this feature is disabled in your router settings to allow local sync to work.
Do I need Bonjour if I only use Cloud Sync?
No. If you sync your clipboard history exclusively via WebDAV or S3 Cloud Sync, Bonjour is not required since connection is handled over the internet.
Troubleshooting
Bonjour is installed but devices still cannot find each other?
- Check Windows Firewall: Ensure that the Bonjour service (
mDNSResponder.exe) is allowed to communicate through the Windows Defender Firewall. - Network Profile: Ensure your active Windows network profile is set to Private. Local device discovery is blocked on Public networks for security reasons.
- VPN Active? Active VPNs or proxy client software can route your local traffic through virtual interfaces, breaking local network discoveries. Disable VPNs temporarily to test connection.
Still Encountering Issues?
If your Windows client still fails to pair with other devices after installing Bonjour, contact us at support@octoclip.app or join the discussion in our Community Forum. Please share:
- Your Windows version (e.g., Windows 11 23H2)
- Your router model (if local discovery seems blocked)
- Octoclip client version