Essential Points
- Recycle Bin is a standard icon on the desktop of Windows 11 and remains accessible even if removed.
- To retrieve the Recycle Bin icon, use Settings, the Run Dialog Box, or the Start Menu.
- Moreover, you can access the Recycle Bin via File Explorer or Command Prompt on your Windows 11 device.
While some users appreciate a cluttered desktop filled with icons, others favor a tidy and simplistic view without any icons. One of the crucial icons that typically appears on your desktop upon installing Windows is the Recycle Bin. Even if you choose to remove this icon, it does not hinder your ability to access it. If you’re interested in learning how to open the Recycle Bin in Windows 11, this guide will provide you with the necessary information.
Steps to Access Recycle Bin on Windows 11
In this guide, we’ll explore different methods to access the Recycle Bin on Windows 11.
Opening Recycle Bin from the Desktop
If the Recycle Bin icon has been removed from the desktop, you can restore it and access it easily. To re-add the Recycle Bin to your desktop, follow these steps:
- Launch the Settings on your PC. The shortcut key to open the Settings app is Windows + I.
- Select Personalization from the left sidebar.
- Under Personalization, click on Themes on the right panel.
- Locate and click on Desktop icon settings from the Related Settings.
- In the pop-up window, check the box next to Recycle Bin, then click on Apply followed by OK to confirm the changes.
- The Recycle Bin will now appear on your desktop. Double-clicking its icon will open it.
Accessing Recycle Bin via Run Dialog Box
Another method to open the Recycle Bin is through the Run Dialog Box. Follow these instructions:
- Launch the Run Dialog by pressing Windows + R simultaneously.
- Type shell:RecycleBinFolder in the Run Dialog.
- Press Enter or click OK to access the Recycle Bin.
Opening Recycle Bin via Start Menu
You can also quickly find and open the Recycle Bin from the Start Menu. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key or click on the Start button on the taskbar to open the Start Menu.
- Type Recycle Bin into the search box of the Start Menu and select the relevant search result to access it.
Accessing Recycle Bin via File Explorer
- Open the File Explorer on your computer. You can do this by searching for File Explorer in the Start Menu or using the keyboard shortcut Windows+E.
- Click on the Arrow icon located next to Quick Access in the Address Bar.
- This will reveal a drop-down menu. From this menu, select Recycle Bin to open it.
Opening Recycle Bin via Command Prompt
The Command Prompt provides another method to access the Recycle Bin. Follow the steps below:
- Click on the Search icon on your taskbar to access the Windows Search.
- Type CMD.
- Select Command Prompt to launch it.
- In the Command Prompt window, type start shell:RecycleBinFolder and press Enter.
- This action will launch the Recycle Bin on your PC.
The methods outlined above provide various ways to open your Recycle Bin on your device, ensuring you can manage your deleted files conveniently.
Managing Recycle Bin Properties
Aside from merely accessing the Recycle Bin, you may want to execute tasks like restoring files or clearing the bin. Here’s how to do that:
Recovering Files from the Recycle Bin
If you’ve mistakenly deleted a file and wish to recover it, you can follow these steps:
- Open the Recycle Bin using any of the methods mentioned earlier.
- Scroll through the list of deleted items.
- Right-click on the desired file or folder to restore.
- Select Restore to return the item to its original location.
Clearing the Recycle Bin
To permanently remove all contents from the Recycle Bin, execute the following steps:
- Open the Recycle Bin through any of the provided methods.
- Right-click anywhere within the Recycle Bin window.
- Choose Empty Recycle Bin from the context menu.
- Confirm the action if prompted. Doing so will permanently erase all items and reclaim storage space.
Modifying Recycle Bin Properties
You can customize the behavior of the Recycle Bin by accessing its properties:
- Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon (whether on the desktop or in File Explorer).
- Select Properties from the context menu.
- In the Properties section, you can:
- Set the maximum size for the Recycle Bin.
- Choose to display a confirmation dialog before deleting files.
- Opt for immediate deletion of items without sending them to the Recycle Bin.
- Once you have made your adjustments, click Apply followed by OK to confirm your settings.
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