How to Access the Recycle Bin on Windows 10

This guide shows you the quickest and easiest ways to open the Recycle Bin on Windows 10, whether you prefer using the desktop, File Explorer, the Run dialog, or even a keyboard shortcut. You’ll learn several methods so you can choose the one that fits your workflow, and we’ll also cover what to do if the Recycle Bin icon is missing from your desktop.

What You’ll Need

• A PC running Windows 10
• No special permissions or tools are required – all methods use built-in Windows features.

Step-by-Step

Here are the most common ways to access the Recycle Bin. Try the first method that seems easiest for you.

Method 1: Using the Desktop Icon

1. Look at your desktop (the main screen after you log in).
2. Find the Recycle Bin icon – it looks like a wastebasket, and its name is usually “Recycle Bin” right below the icon.
3. Double-click the icon to open the Recycle Bin window.

If you don’t see the icon, skip to the Common Mistakes section below to learn how to bring it back.

Method 2: Using File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer. You can do this by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar (usually at the bottom of the screen), or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Look at the left sidebar of the File Explorer window. You’ll see a list of locations like “Quick access,” “OneDrive,” and “This PC.”
3. Scroll down the sidebar until you find “Recycle Bin.” It’s usually near the bottom, under “This PC” or in a separate section.
4. Click on “Recycle Bin” to open it.

If you don’t see it in the sidebar, you may need to expand the “This PC” section by clicking the arrow next to it.

Method 3: Using the Run Dialog

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type shell:RecycleBinFolder (or simply shell:RecycleBin) into the text field.
3. Press Enter or click “OK.” The Recycle Bin will open in a new window.

This method works even if the desktop icon is hidden.

Method 4: Using the Start Menu

1. Click the Start button (the Windows logo) in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Type “Recycle Bin” into the search bar.
3. Click on the “Recycle Bin” app that appears in the search results.

Method 5: Using a Keyboard Shortcut (if you have the icon on your desktop)

1. Press Windows key + D to show your desktop (if you’re not already on it).
2. Press the Windows key + D again to hide the desktop (this is just to ensure you’re on the desktop).
3. Now, press Windows key + D once more, and then press Enter. This will open the Recycle Bin if it’s the first icon selected on your desktop. (Note: This shortcut only works if the Recycle Bin is the first item on your desktop, which is the default.)

Method 6: Using the Address Bar in File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
2. Click in the address bar at the top of the window (where the folder path is shown).
3. Type Recycle Bin and press Enter.

Common Mistakes

• Recycle Bin icon is missing from the desktop: This is the most common issue. It usually happens because the icon was hidden in Settings. To fix it, right-click on an empty area of your desktop, select “Personalize,” then click “Themes” in the left sidebar. Scroll down and click “Desktop icon settings.” In the window that appears, check the box next to “Recycle Bin” and click “OK.” The icon will reappear.
• Looking in the wrong place: Some users expect the Recycle Bin to be in the system tray (bottom-right corner) or in the Start menu’s app list. It’s not there by default. Stick to the methods above.
• Using the wrong command in Run: Typing “recycle” or “recyclebin” without the “shell:” prefix won’t work. Use exactly shell:RecycleBinFolder or shell:RecycleBin.
• Assuming the Recycle Bin is empty: If you don’t see files, you might have emptied it recently, or the files were deleted with Shift+Delete (which bypasses the Recycle Bin). Check the Recycle Bin properties to see if it’s set to delete files immediately.

Tips

• Pin Recycle Bin to Quick Access: In File Explorer, right-click on “Recycle Bin” in the left sidebar and select “Pin to Quick access.” This way, it will always be at the top of your sidebar for one-click access.
• Add Recycle Bin to the Start Menu: Right-click on the Recycle Bin desktop icon and select “Pin to Start.” This creates a tile on your Start menu for quick access.
• Change Recycle Bin size: Right-click the Recycle Bin icon, select “Properties,” and you can adjust the maximum size for each drive. This is useful if you want to store more deleted files before they’re permanently removed.
• Use the context menu: Right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon gives you options like “Empty Recycle Bin” and “Properties,” saving you a few clicks.

Troubleshooting

If none of the above methods work, try these steps:

1. Check if the Recycle Bin is disabled: Open the Run dialog (Windows key + R), type gpedit.msc (for Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise), and press Enter. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop. Look for “Remove Recycle Bin from desktop.” If it’s set to “Enabled,” double-click it and set it to “Not Configured” or “Disabled.” Then restart your PC. (Note: If you have Windows 10 Home, gpedit.msc isn’t available; instead, use the registry method below.)
2. Use the registry (advanced): Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace. Look for a key named {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}. If it’s missing, right-click on “NameSpace,” select New > Key, name it exactly that, and press Enter. Then restart your PC. (Be careful when editing the registry; make a backup first.)
3. Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start, select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”). Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This scans for corrupted system files and may fix issues with the Recycle Bin.
4. Restart Windows Explorer: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find “Windows Explorer” in the list, right-click it, and select “Restart.” This refreshes the desktop and may bring back the Recycle Bin icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Recycle Bin located on my hard drive?

The Recycle Bin is a hidden system folder, typically at C:\$Recycle.Bin. You shouldn’t need to access it directly; the methods above are the intended way.

Why can’t I see the Recycle Bin on my desktop?

It’s most likely hidden in the desktop icon settings. Right-click the desktop, go to Personalize > Themes > Desktop icon settings, and check the “Recycle Bin” box.

Can I access the Recycle Bin from the command prompt?

Yes, you can open it by typing start shell:RecycleBinFolder in Command Prompt or PowerShell.

How do I empty the Recycle Bin?

Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop and select “Empty Recycle Bin.” Or open the Recycle Bin and click the “Empty Recycle Bin” button in the top menu.

Why are some files not in the Recycle Bin?

Files deleted with Shift+Delete, files deleted from a network drive, or files that exceed the Recycle Bin’s size limit are permanently deleted without going to the Recycle Bin.

Can I recover a file that I permanently deleted?

If the file is not in the Recycle Bin, you may need to use file recovery software, but there’s no guarantee. It’s best to regularly back up important files.

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