The Windows 11 Recycle Bin acts as a temporary storage place for files before they’re permanently deleted from your computer. However, there are times where the Recycle Bin icon gets in the way. Thankfully, there is a way to hide it.
Today, we’ll show you how to Remove Recycle bin from Desktop in Windows 11 (as well as bring it back if it has disappeared).
What is the Recycle Bin?
The Windows 11 Recycle Bin is the place where your deleted files and folders are sent before they’re permanently deleted. It can be found on your Desktop. The actual size of your Recycle Bin is based on how much storage your computer has. You can check how big the Recycle Bin is by right-clicking on it and viewing the Properties (this is also where you can set it so your computer bypasses the Recycle Bin and automatically deletes files permanently).
There are some exceptions to when files are sent to the Recycle Bin. If the file is too large, it will automatically be permanently deleted instead. Also, if you Shift + Delete a file, the file will skip the Recycle Bin and be permanently deleted. Now, let’s look at how to remove the Recycle Bin from Desktop in Windows 11.
How to Hide or Show Recycle Bin in Windows 11
If you’re on Windows 11 and want to remove the Recycle Bin from Desktop, this can be done in just a few clicks. Follow these steps on how to hide the Recycle Bin in Windows 11:
- Right-click your Desktop, then click Personalize.
- Click on Themes, then Desktop icon settings.
- Hide the Recycle Bin by making sure it’s unticked. Click Apply.
- To show it again, make sure the box is ticked.
Bear in mind that, when you remove the Recycle Bin from Desktop in Windows 11, it’s merely hiding it. The Recycle Bin still exists and can be accessed through other means. Therefore, you should think of it as reducing the chances of someone finding it, not eliminating them.
How to Hide All Desktop Icons in Windows 11
There’s a quicker way on Windows 11 to hide the Recycle Bin, but this method will simply hide all the icons on your desktop. If you’re going after the clean look, or simply want to temporarily hide your icons on the Desktop, follow these steps:
- Right-click your Desktop.
- Hover over View, then click Show desktop icons. This will hide all the icons on your desktop.
- To bring them back, repeat steps one and two.
Again, this will not delete the contents on your Desktop, it will merely hide them.
See also: How to Hide Taskbar in Windows 11
Benefits of Hiding Recycle Bin
There are a few reasons why someone might want to remove Recycle Bin from Desktop on a Windows 11 computer. Here are the most common reasons:
- 🗑️ Cluttering – The Recycle Bin can take up valuable space on the desktop. Hiding it can help to declutter the desktop and free up space.
- 👀 Privacy – Some people may want to hide the Recycle Bin to prevent other users of the computer from seeing what files have been deleted.
- ✨ Aesthetics – Some people may prefer a cleaner, more minimalistic look for their desktop and hiding the Recycle Bin can help to achieve this.
- 🔒 Security – If you have sensitive information that you don’t want other people to see, even after it is deleted, you can hide the Recycle Bin to reduce the chances of other users viewing your deleted files.
Keep in mind that if you hide the recycle bin, it’s not just removing the icon from desktop but it also hides the Recycle Bin folder itself, making it harder to restore any accidentally deleted files.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll know how to remove the Recycle Bin from Desktop in Windows 11. After you understand how to hide Recycle Bin in Windows 11, you can repeat the same steps to make the Recycle Bin visible once again.
