Bonjour and other support: how to remove iTunes components from Windows. How to remove Apple Software Update from Windows? Apple software what kind of program

Many users of Windows systems quite often find “Apple” applets on their computer, without completely understanding where they came from and how to get rid of them. One of these applications is Apple Software for the program, let's try to figure it out. We will also touch upon issues related to the advisability of its content in Windows.

Apple Software Update: What is this program?

Let's start with the fact that many users encounter this auxiliary utility only because they have previously installed some “Apple” software products designed to work on Windows systems.

The same iTunes application, designed to synchronize Apple mobile devices with Windows operating systems, independently installs additional modules like Bonjour and Apple Software Update during the installation of the main program. What kind of program is this and is it possible to remove it? Let’s take a closer look.

What is this applet for?

First of all, you should pay attention to the very name of this application. After all, if you translate it, by and large this applet can be called a tool for automatically updating Apple software products, which, in theory, are present on the user’s computer.

Yes, indeed, installing the latest updates does not raise any questions. But sometimes it also happens that, in terms of competition, a given service begins to try to get maximum priority over executing Windows processes. And on this basis, as is already clear, conflicts cannot be avoided. And in all this, as it turns out, one single service is to blame - Apple Software Update. What kind of program this is and whether it is needed on a computer running Windows is quite difficult to say. If the user needs updates to the software components of this particular developer, then, naturally, there is no need to delete this application. Otherwise it will become the most useless tool you can find.

How does Apple Software Update work?

The application itself, as is already clear, is not advertised during installation (in the installer of the same iTunes program there is no hint of installing any additional components).

But this applet is installed in the background and starts working in the same way when the user doesn’t even know about it.

Here is the official Apple Software Update product. What kind of program this is is a little clear. And now a few words about what it really is. In general, this is the most common updater, monitoring the release of the latest versions of Apple software products and installing them in a timely manner. But is this necessary for a Windows user? Of course not. The only way to update is iTunes. So why keep such an application on your computer? Wouldn't it be easier to get rid of it?

How to delete an application in the standard way?

Now let's move on to practical views on Apple how to remove it and get rid of the remnants, now we'll see.

The simplest solution is to go to the programs and components section, which is located in the standard “Control Panel”. In the list you just need to select the applet you are looking for and delete it using the standard method. Please note that if you sort programs by publisher, it is advisable to uninstall everything else from Apple applications.

After this, you will have to use the registry editor (regedit), where you will need to find all entries related to Apple in one way or another and completely delete them. The same applies to residues that may be found in Explorer. After completing all the procedures, of course, it is advisable to run some kind of optimizer and clean the registry or hard drive.

How to use uninstallers?

But the easiest way is to turn to programs like iObit Uninstaller, which can remove any application (even built into the operating system shell) entirely.

Here the procedure is as follows:

• launch the program;
• in the list of installed applications, find the necessary components and remove them;
• turn on powerful scanning;
• delete leftovers by activating the file destruction line.

Upon completion of the procedure, a system restart is usually not required, but just in case it is better to do it in order to be completely confident about the most complete removal of both the main program and its related products.

By the way, if you delete all the registry keys that are found, the main application like iTunes may stop working. So in this case you will have to get rid of records selectively. Pay special attention to the location of the files.

It is quite possible that the Bonjour applet will create its own copy, which then, even in the absence of Apple software, will still be activated and will track updates in the same way (if not worse).

But programs of this type allow you to remove the selected and related software products so completely that then you don’t need to rummage through the registry or look for leftovers in the file manager at all.

Bottom line

As you can see, everything is simple. Here the essence of the question comes down to something else: how advisable is it to keep such an updater on your computer? After all, if you look at it, with one iTunes application installed, you generally don’t need updates for other software products. But the program will search for them, regardless of your desire. Therefore, get rid of it immediately, and at the same time remove everything else, including Bonjour - an application that, in fact, is nothing interesting, but also belongs to the category of applets that monitor your computer, if you suddenly decide to install some program from Apple or even enter a website advertising a software product.

Our article is devoted to a brief overview of the Apple Software Update (ASU) application. You will find out what this program is and what it is needed for. We will also tell you how to completely remove it from your PC.

The Apple Software Update app is an add-on that can be installed on Windows, iOS, and Linux devices. It is standardly integrated into the software of MAC computers, iPad tablets, iPhone smartphones, and iPod media players. On devices with Windows OS, it is installed along with iTunes or QuickTime players.

Apple Software Update is a program that is responsible for timely updating of all used Apple applications.

ASU functionality

When you enter Software Update, it diagnoses the Apple applications available on your device. A simple interface allows you to visually assess the number of available updates. The user can independently mark in the compiled list the programs that he would like to update. Using this application helps solve the following problems:

• Check for new versions of Apple software;
• Automatically update applications;
• Provide the device owner with the latest versions or modified, corrected versions of programs;
• Carry out simultaneous replacement of several programs;
• Fix errors in previously installed applications (by replacing them with new versions).

If the user does not currently wish to update, he can reschedule the installation of new versions. A subsequent offer to replace old versions of the software will come to the user if there is a critical need for replacement (incorrect operation of individual programs) or when new additions/updates are released. You can completely disable messages from Apple Software Update only by uninstalling the program.

Using ASU on Windows

Installing Apple players on Windows requires timely updating of programs for their proper operation and constant expansion of functionality. Software Update is responsible for updating application data correctly. Specialized software does not affect the operation of other programs (developed by other companies). Ensures the correct functioning of iTunes and QuickTime players, installation of new versions of original software from Apple.

How to remove Apple Software Update

The following almost always happens: you installed iTunes on your computer, and along with it you received several more products from Apple. Many people are not happy about this and want to get rid of unnecessary software. This is what happens with our program - many people want to remove Apple Software Update from the system.

You can remove the application using standard methods:

1. Delete and clear folder caches C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Apple\Installer Cache And …\Application Data\Apple Computer\Installer Cache.
2. Launch the Registry Editor, find (ctrl+f) and delete all entries about the program.

I would like to add that it is advisable to get rid of it using specialized cleaners - CCleaner or Perfect Uninstaller. There are many such cleaners and there is plenty to choose from. Using the same CCleaner, you will not only uninstall the application, but you can also immediately clear the registry (Registry tab) of all residues. Here's a short video on using Perfect Uninstaller to remove ASU.

This article will be of interest to those computer and laptop users who have discovered a program called Apple software update on their device and want to know the answer to at least 2 questions: What is this program and where did it come from on the computer?

What does Apple software update do?

Those who are more experienced computer users should have immediately noticed the presence of the word Apple in the name of the program. And it’s here for a reason. The thing is that Apple software update is a proprietary Apple utility, which is designed to monitor the relevance of versions of other Apple programs. If you find a new version, such as the Safari browser or iTunes, installed on your computer, Apple software update will immediately give you a corresponding message.

Updates found by apple software update

This is easily confirmed by the banal translation of the program name into Russian. Apple is the name of the manufacturer. Software - software. Update - update. Together we get a “software update from Apple.”

To the official website of the program.

And Apple software update gets onto your computer during the installation or update of one of several Apple programs: Safari, iTunes, Icloud for Windows, QuickTine.

If at least one of the above programs was installed on your computer or is currently installed, then the Apple software update was installed along with it.

conclusions

As you can see, Apple software update is not a particularly important program. If you do not use other Apple programs or are able to independently update one of their programs installed on your computer, then this application can be deleted, thereby freeing up the memory of your computer.

Uninstalling apple software update through the control panel

After all, do not forget that Apple software update constantly hangs in RAM and monitors for updates to other programs, which on weak computers can slow down their work, eating up system resources.

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An official program for automatically checking and downloading updates for third-party applications on an Apple device that were pre-installed on a Windows PC.

Apple Software Update is a utility responsible for monitoring new software updates on the IOC, downloading and installing them. Apple operating systems include the program by default, while Windows owners download it separately. Apple Software Update does not work separately from the iTunes application, so you need to install a starter program.

Main functions

The most basic function is to search for third-party software and then install it on the computer. Fully autonomous operation does not require third-party actions, which allows you to connect to official Apple servers immediately after launch. This is where information about all possible updates comes from. Software Update provides information about the latest software version and the one that would be recommended to be installed. The user receives a complete list of updates. An undoubted advantage is the automatic translation into your native language.

The user has the right to choose which updates he wants to install. A simple interface that is understandable to everyone provides check marks for selected items. There is a mode in which all updates are downloaded in full. The last step is to click on the “Install” button and wait for the download process to complete. It is important to remember that all actions must be carried out by the administrator so that system files are not changed by updates.

Additional features

One of the main advantages of the program is the ability to automatically scan. In the settings, the user can select the period for checking for updates from daily, monthly or never at all. This choice allows the owner of an Apple device to forget about constant intrusive notifications and receive them according to their own interest.

Key Features

• The main task of Apple Software Update is to check for software updates and install them;
• Ability to operate the program offline, automatically;
• Compatible with every version of Windows, which allows you to expand the boundaries of the number of active users;
• An accessible interface that is understandable to everyone, the ability to select the desired updates and disable unnecessary functions.

iTunes on Windows computers does not always work correctly - almost all iPhone owners know this. Regular errors in the operation of the Apple program force users to resort to alternative software (iMazing, iTools), the functionality of which is sufficient to replace iTunes. If the user has “found” suitable software for transferring data from a computer to an iPhone and wants to say goodbye to the inconvenient iTunes, he should know that it will not be possible to completely remove the Apple program from the computer in the usual way.

Why delete iTunes: common reasons

iTunes removal occurs for the following reasons:

The program is no longer needed. Alternative software for data transfer is much easier to use, because it allows you to export files from your computer without synchronization. In addition, such programs are not inferior to iTunes in terms of functionality.

An earlier version of iTunes is required. Difficulties in mastering the new version are the main argument for returning to the previous one.

If iTunes installed on your PC crashes regularly, do not make a hasty decision to remove the program. Typically, updating iTunes to the latest version solves problems.

What you need to completely remove iTunes from your computer

Complete removal of iTunes assumes that all components that were installed simultaneously with the program will also end up in the Recycle Bin. These components include:

Apple Software Update - is responsible for updating Apple programs.

Apple Mobile Device Support - allows you to synchronize Apple gadgets with iTunes.

Bonjour is a module for automatically searching for software services, services, and network devices.

Apple Application Support - Contains detailed instructions that the computer must follow in order to perform a function. In some versions of iTunes OS, iTunes creates two similar components at once: for 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

It is not recommended to remove components separately from iTunes or in random order.. Also, do not restart your PC until the iTunes components are completely removed.

Step-by-step instructions for uninstalling a program on Windows

Step 1. Close iTunes related processes. To do this, use the task manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete). The following processes must be stopped manually:

AppleMobileDeviceHelper.exe is the process responsible for the correct interaction of iTunes with Apple devices.

AppleMobileDeviceService.exe is the process that allows iTunes to recognize Apple gadgets.

iTunesHelper.exe is the process responsible for establishing connections between Apple gadgets and iTunes.

Before uninstalling iTunes, you need to close all processes associated with it

Even if iTunes is not open, the listed processes are active in the background.

A complete list of iTunes processes in Windows is provided on the official Apple portal: https://support.apple.com/ru-ru/HT201999.

Step 2. Remove iTunes itself and its components. You need to get into the “Control Panel”: on Windows 7 it is located in the “Start” menu; on Windows 8 it is appropriate to use a search engine (query “Control Panel”). In the "Control Panel" you should go to the "Programs and Features" section - the "Uninstall a program" subsection.

You should uninstall iTunes through the “Control Panel”

Find iTunes in the list of programs, right-click and select “Uninstall”, then wait until the uninstallation process completes (Windows will not allow you to erase two programs at the same time). Also erase the remaining components exactly in the order in which they were presented above.

In the Programs section, you can organize components by publisher

To avoid wasting time searching through the entire list, it is recommended to organize programs by publisher. All iTunes components have a common publisher - Apple Inc.

Media files purchased from the iTunes Store are located in the Music library on drive C in the iTunes folder. Send this folder to the Trash if you want to get rid of all traces of iTunes.

Finally, go through your C drive and erase the folders from the following list (if you find them):

C:\Program Files\iTunes\;

C:\Program Files\Common FilesApple\;

C:\Program Files\iPod\;

C:\Program Files\QuickTime\;

C:\Windows\System32\QuickTime\;

C:\Windows\System32\QuickTimeVR\;

C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Apple\;

C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Apple Computer\;

C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Apple Inc\;

C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\.

Step 3. Clear your registry of iTunes entries. This procedure is unfamiliar to many Windows users, so we will pay special attention to it.

Click “Start”, in the “Search programs and files” field, enter regedit (on Windows 8, use the search engine).

On Windows 8 you can get to the registry through a search engine

Run the regedit.exe program.

Open the “Search” menu via Ctrl+F, and type iTunes in the “Search” field.

iTunes recordings should be searched through a search engine (Ctrl+F)

If, at the end of the procedure, entries appear in the search results, right-click on each of them and select “Delete.”

If a registry search turns up such entries, delete them

To quickly clean the registry, you can use special software - uninstallers. The most famous uninstallers are CCleaner (free program) and Uninstall Tool (paid).

When all three steps are completed, restart your computer - after that you can be sure that iTunes has disappeared without a trace.

Video instruction: removing iTunes and its components

How to remove iTunes from Mac OS

On computers with OS X, iTunes is a pre-installed program - removing it will not be as easy as with Windows. If the user tries to drag a program file to the Trash, he will see this unfriendly message:

It is not possible to delete iTunes by directly moving it to the Trash

In fact, iTunes is not as necessary for a Mac computer as Apple developers imagine. If the user selects a similar program for playing media files, he will not need iTunes at all.

Here's how to get rid of iTunes on Mac:

1. Go to the Applications folder and find iTunes.
2. Right-click on the icon and go to “Properties”.
3. Click on the padlock icon and enter the administrator password.
4. In the "Sharing and Permissions" section, select "Read and Write".

In the "Sharing..." section you need to set "Read and Write"

Now you can get rid of the utility in the same way as Windows PC owners. Close the Properties menu, trash the app, and empty the Trash.

After deleting in this way, all music tracks and libraries with multimedia files will remain in place.

There is another way to remove iTunes from Mac, but it is suitable for more sophisticated PC users:

iTunes will be deleted past the Trash.

Using uninstallers to remove iTunes is pointless. For example, the Clean My Mac utility does not recognize this program at all.