Dnssd.dll Missing or Not Found: 5 Ways to Download it in Windows

The dnssd.dll file, developed by Apple, is critical for the effective functioning of several apps, including iTunes, Bonjour, and AirPort Utility. If the DLL is missing or corrupted, you get an error message that reads, The program can’t start because dnssd.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.

Issues with dnssd.dll usually appear due to repeated overwriting of the DLL (that leads to its corruption), missing Apple programs and components, and deletion of the file by the installed antivirus.

Before you proceed to the solutions, restart the computer, download all pending updates for Windows and any installed Apple software, and disable active third-party antiviruses. For most of you, these basic fixes will do the trick!

How can I download dnssd.dll if it’s missing?

1. Add/replace the DLL

When you receive the dnssd.dll was not found error in Windows, your primary approach should be to add/replace the DLL in the designated directory. For most, the dnssd.dll location is one of these: C:\Windows\System32 C:\Windows\SysWOW64

So, go to another PC running the same Windows iteration and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) > copy dnssd.dll to a USB flash drive > connect it to the affected PC > move the DLL to the System32 or SysWOW64 folder > restart the computer to apply the changes.

Remember, you should never download DLLs from third-party websites as these packages are often bundled with malware that can harm the PC.

2. Install iTunes

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Microsoft Store in the text field, and click on the relevant result.
2. Search for iTunes and open the app page.
3. Click the Get or Install button to download iTunes.
4. Once done, restart the computer and verify whether you are still facing the dnssd.dll missing error in Windows.

If the iTunes version available on the Microsoft Store doesn’t fix the DLL error, you can get an older iTunes version from Apple’s official website.

3. Install Bonjour

1. Go to Apple’s website, and click the Download button to get Bonjour Print Services for Windows.
2. Run the downloaded setup and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
3. Finally, reboot the PC, and you will find dnssd.dll in the System32 and SysWOW64 folders.

What helped me download dnssd.dll was installing the Bonjour Print Services for Windows. The service allows you to discover and manage Bonjour-enabled printers on the network.

4. Reinstall AirPort Utility

1. Go to Apple’s official page, and click the Download button to get the AirPort Utility.
2. Run the setup, and when asked whether you want to perform a repair or uninstall the utility, choose Remove and confirm the change.
3. After AirPort Utility is removed, again run the setup, and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the utility.
4. Finally, restart the computer and verify whether the DLL not found error is fixed.

5. Whitelist dnssd.dll in your antivirus

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security in the text field, and click on the relevant result.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
4. Now, click on Add or remove exclusions.
5. Click the Add an exclusion button and select File from the list of options.
6. Go to the path where dnssd.dll is stored, either System32 or SysWOW64, select the DLL, and click Open.
7. Finally, launch the app triggering the missing dnssd.dll error and check for improvements.

If the previous solutions didn’t work, your antivirus may be deleting dnssd.dll. In this case, adding an exception for the DLL will fix things in no time. Also, if you are using a third-party antivirus, check its official website for the precise steps to whitelist the file.

In case nothing here helped, you must contact Apple’s support for a resolution, since, at this point, it’s most likely a bug in their software to blame for the DLL error.

If you frequently face such issues, considering getting a top-rated DLL repair tool to automatically detect and replace problematic DLLs.

For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.