How to Hide or Show Recycle Bin Icon in Windows 11?

How can I restore the Recycle Bin in Windows 11? If the trash can icon is missing in Windows 11 for some reason, you can get it back by referring to this Gearupwindows article. This post will even help you remove Recycle Bin from Windows 11 if you want.

Microsoft offers an easy way to show or hide the trash can icon in Windows 11. The Recycle Bin acts as a safety net, meaning when you delete a file or program from your PC, it is saved in the Recycle Bin. The Recycle Bin will keep the deleted files safe for you until you delete them on purpose. However, it is also possible to delete a file / folder without sending it to the trash; To do this, select the file / folder that you want to permanently remove from your PC and then press shift + Clear Keys from the keyboard.

If you always use shift + Clear Keys to delete files / folders, then the recycle bin is useless to you. When you install a clean Windows 11, only icons are placed on the desktop: Microsoft Edge and Trash. While you can delete the Microsoft Edge shortcut, right-click it and then choose the Clear Icon it is a little more complicated to get rid of the trash. You can’t delete the Recycle Bin from the Windows 11 desktop that you were running on Windows 10. If you right click on Windows 11 Recycle Bin, you won’t find an option to delete it.

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How can I show or hide the trash can icon in Windows 11 desktop?

Step 1. Open the Settings app by pressing. to press window + I Keys at the same time from the keyboard.

Step 2. Select in the settings window personalization from the left side panel and click the to the right of it subjects Tab.

Step 3. Well, under that Associated settings Section, click the Settings for desktop icons Possibility.

Step 4. Well that Desktop icon settings Window appears. Uncheck the box labeled Trash. Finally click on Apply and then the OK Button.

If you want to restore the Recycle Bin icon to your Windows 11 desktop, repeat the steps above and enable the Recycle Bin option. Now the trash can icon appears on the desktop.

With the above method, you can show or hide all the classic icons including This PC (Computer), Recycle Bin, User Profile, Control Panel, and Network on / from the Windows 11 desktop.

How do I add or remove the trash can icon in Windows 11 desktop using the Run command box?

Step 1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing window + R. Keys at the same time from the keyboard.

Step 2. In the Run box, copy and paste the following command, then press Enter from the keyboard to the. to open Desktop icon settings Window:-

desk.cpl ,,5

Step 3. Uncheck the “Recycle Bin” and then click Apply and OK Buttons or

also read: How to show, hide or resize desktop icons in Windows 11?