Bonjour service error 2: Solution
In case anyone else runs into this problem after the archived post from 2021; the Bonjour service on Windows will not start because its Registry entry is set to the wrong file path (Program Files instead of Program Files (x86)); this is a bug-- no amount of reinstalling, restarting, or stoppping and starting the service will fix it, it has to be manually repaired.
To fix this:
- Close iTunes (assuming that's what you're trying to use Bonjour with)
- Head into Start > Search Regedit to open the Registry Editor
- Head to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Bonjour Service
- Change the ImagePath value from "C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe" to "C:\Program Files (x86)\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe" (just adding (x86) to it)
- Close the Registry Editor
- Ctrl + Alt + Delete > Task Manager > Services tab
- Find Bonjour, right click > Open Services
- Find Bonjour again, right click > Refresh, then right click a final time > Start
Done.
You can now use the AirPlay feature of iTunes to play to your Home Pods and vise versa.