How to View $Recycle.bin Files in File Explorer?

What is $Recycle.bin?

The $Recycle.bin folder is a system folder in Windows operating systems that stores deleted files and folders before they are permanently removed from the storage device. It's essentially the backend of the Recycle Bin that you see on your desktop.

What Does $Recycle.bin Do?

When you delete a file (but not using Shift + Delete), Windows doesn't remove it immediately. Instead, it moves the file to the $Recycle.bin folder so you can recover deleted files later if needed. It preserves the original location and metadata, allowing easy restoration.

How to Find Recycle Bin File Location?

It's found at the root of each drive (e.g., C:\$Recycle.bin, D:\$Recycle.bin). By default, it is a hidden and protected system folder. You must enable "Show hidden files" and uncheck "Hide protected operating system files" in File Explorer > Folder Options to see it.

Each user account has its own subfolder inside $Recycle.bin, with names like S-1-5-21-... (these are Security Identifiers, or SIDs).

How to Show and View $Recycle.bin Files in File Explorer?

To show and view $Recycle.bin files in File Explorer, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Open File Explorer

Press "Windows + E" or click the folder icon on your taskbar.

Step 2: Enable Viewing Hidden Items

1. Click on the "View" tab at the top.

2. Check the box labeled "Hidden items".

✅ This will display hidden folders like "$Recycle.bin".

Step 3: Unhide Protected System Files (Important!)

1. Click on the "View" tab again.

2. Select "Options" on the far right, then "Change folder and search options".

3. In the "Folder Options" window: Go to the "View" tab.Scroll down and uncheck"Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).

4. Confirm by clicking "Yes" when prompted. Click "Apply" > "OK".

Step 4: Navigate to the "$Recycle.bin"Folder

Go to the"root of any drive", such as:

"C:\$Recycle.bin"

"D:\$Recycle.bin"

You’ll see folders with long names (like "S-1-5-21-...")—these represent "user-specific Recycle Bin data".

Step 5: View or Restore Files

Double-click your user SID folder.You’ll see deleted files and folders.

You can copy them out, right-click > "Restore", or simply view their properties.

Encounter Access Issue?

If you're trying to access a $Recycle.bin SID folder (like S-1-5-21-...) and encounter an access issue, such as "You don’t currently have permission to access this folder.Access is denied."

It typically means your account doesn’t have the necessary permissions. This is a common situation when:

• You're using a different user account than the one that deleted the files.
• You're not running as an administrator.
• The files are protected or belong to a system or another user profile.

In this case, you can try the following methods to solve the access issues.

1. Take Ownership of the SID Folder

Right-click on the S-1-5-21-... folder > choose Properties.

Go to the "Security" tab > click "Advanced".

Next to "Owner", click "Change".

Enter your username (or type Administrators), then click "Check Names".

Click OK, then check "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects". Click Apply and OK to confirm.

Reopen the folder — you should now have access.

2. Use Command Line to Take Ownership (Advanced)

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Windows + X > choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).

Run the following command:

takeown /F "C:\$Recycle.bin\S-1-5-21-201246411-3464133651-3812014351-1004" /R /D Y

icacls "C:\$Recycle.bin\S-1-5-21-201246411-3464133651-3812014351-1004" /grant administrators:F /T

(Replace XXXX with the correct SID)

Bonus Tip: Recover Files More Easily

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Summary

The $Recycle.bin folder is an essential part of Windows that temporarily holds your deleted files, giving you a chance to recover them before permanent deletion. Now, you should learnt how to view $Recycle.bin files. Although it’s hidden by default and can sometimes be tricky to access due to permissions, you can solve it by adjusting folder settings or taking ownership of the folder.

For easier and safer recovery, especially in complex scenarios like emptied Recycle Bins or formatted drives, using a professional recovery tool like MyRecover can save time and effort, making file restoration simple and reliable.It is even able to recover data from deleted partition and unbootable computers.