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How to Hide or Remove Recycle Bin in Windows 11
Clean your desktop by hiding the Recycle Bin’s icon
3 min. read
Updated onMarch 26, 2024
updated onMarch 26, 2024
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Months before the final version ofWindows 11was available, users had already been testing thepreview build 22000.65.
Some said it’s the best Windows version yet, and some said they’re waiting for the final version to make a decision, but everyone was looking to find out more about its features and how to enjoy it.
One of the things users are curious about when it comes to Windows 11 is how exactly to hide the Recycle Bin from their desktops.
To make things easier for those who need a little customization here and there, today we’ll show you how to keep your desktop clean and hide the Recycle Bin icon.
What is the purpose of the Recycle Bin?
The Recycle Bin is a location where deleted items such as folders and even shortcuts are temporarily stored. It occupies a predetermined amount of storage space on your computer’s hard disk, but you canadjust some settingsto your needs.
You can delete unwanted files manually or with the help of your keyboard. Moreover, there are some excellentRecycle Bin cleanersworthy of your attention.
How to remove Recycle Bin from Desktop in Windows 11
1. Use the Settings app
- Press theWindows + Ikeys at the same time to open theSettings app.
2.Select thePersonalizationoption from the menu on the left.
3.Click onThemes.
4.Go toDesktop icon settings.
5.A window containing desktop icons will open.
6.From this window, unselect the checkbox next to theRecycle Binto hide it.
7.Now click onApplyandOKto save the changes.
The easiest method to hide the Recycle Bin icon is via Settings. From the Desktop Icon Settings, you can choose which icons to be visible on the desktop. All you need to do is uncheck the box for Recycle Bin, and it will be removed from your desktop.
2. Remove the Recycle Bin using Run
Note that while here, you can customize your desktop to your liking. Those who want to have a clean desktop can hide all desktop icons. As for others who want everything on display, they can choose to do so just by following the steps above.
If you want to know how toget the restored files from Recycle Bin if they are missing,then read this guide.
In case youaccidentally deleted files and cannot retrieve them, check out our article to find out what to do.
If you’re interested in more information about the new OS and all its new features, you should take a look at howWindows 11 compares to Windows 10.
For more information regarding the previous version, we have a great guide on how touse Recycle Bin on Windows 10, so don’t miss it.
Do you prefer to have the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop or hide every icon on sight? Don’t hesitate to tell us in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Recycle Bin,Windows 11
Vladimir Popescu
Being an artist his entire life while also playing handball at a professional level, Vladimir has also developed a passion for all things computer-related.
With an innate fascination for research and analysis, and realizing many other people share his passion for this subject, he delved into writing Windows-related articles, so other people can also benefit from the acquired information.
When not writing kick-ass articles, Vladimir likes to spend his time doing Crossfit and creating art.
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