Table of Contents
How To Disable Recycle Bin: Recycle Bin is not a software program; it is a built-in part of the Windows system, so it can’t be deleted for good. You can remove or hide it from your desktop if you don’t want to see it or need a clean desktop.
You may already know that at the root of each drive on your Windows PC is a folder called $Recycle.bin that is protected by the operating system. The $Recycle.bin folder is hidden by default. To see it, click the radio button labeled Show hidden files, folders, and drives and check the box labeled Show protected operating system files under Folder Options (File Explorer Options).
This guide shows you three easy ways to get rid of the Recycle Bin on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. Choose your version of Windows and then follow the steps to hide the Recycle Bin.
How To Disable Recycle Bin In Windows 10/11
Remove the Recycle Bin using Run
- Open the Desktop Icon Settings window by presssing Windows + R keys and typing the following command: desk.cpl ,,5
- This simple command will open the Desktop Icon Settings interface.
- As before, uncheck the Recycle Bin option.
- Click on Apply, then OK to save the settings
Use the Settings app
- Press the Windows + I keys at the same time to open the Settings app.
- Select the Personalization option from the menu on the left.
- Click on Themes.
- Go to Desktop icon settings.
- A window containing desktop icons will open.
- From this window, unselect the checkbox next to the Recycle Bin to hide it.
- Now click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
FAQ
What happened to the Recycle Bin in Windows 11?
Right-click or press-and-hold on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, and then click or tap on “Pin to Start.” If you’re using Windows 10, the Recycle Bin icon is added to the tiles section of the Start Menu. In Windows 11, the Recycle Bin is added to the Pinned section of the Start Menu.
Why my files are automatically going to Recycle Bin?
It is usually caused by a faulty operating system, outdated mouse driver, virus attacks, etc. Usually, the deleted files will go to recycle bin from where you can undo deleted files. In some cases, files will be deleted permanently and cannot be found in recycle bin.
Why does Windows 11 delete my files?
Most people are wondering about this issue – will upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 erase all my files? The answer is No. As long as you select “Keep personal files and apps” during Windows Setup, you shouldn’t lose anything. If you didn’t select the option, you may be at the risk of losing data.
Does emptying Recycle Bin free up space?
If not, you pretty much defeat the purpose of the recycle bin and an item you deleted in error may actually disappear before you can retrieve it. So just be careful with this option. Cleaning out your recycle bin opens up space on your hard drive and helps your computer run faster and more efficiently.
Why wont it let me empty my Recycle Bin?
The Windows system requires administrative rights for a user to empty the Recycle Bin. So, if you don’t have admin rights on the PC, the Empty Recycle Bin option will appear grayed out for you. In some cases, the issue occurs when Recycle Bin gets corrupted.