Where is Recycle Bin in Windows 11? (Ultimate Guide)

Introduction

Have you ever deleted a file on your Windows 11 computer and then thought, “Wait—where did it go?” 😅 Don’t worry, you’re not alone! One of the most frequent questions Windows users ask is: Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 11? Whether you’re new to Windows or just updated your system, finding the Recycle Bin should be easy. But Microsoft made some subtle changes in Windows 11 that can trip people up.

In this friendly guide, we’ll walk you through exactly where to find the Recycle Bin, how to restore deleted files, and how to customize and fix common issues. So let’s jump in and sort it out together! 👍

What is the Recycle Bin?

Before we look for it, let’s understand what it is.

The Recycle Bin is like the temporary trash folder on your computer. When you delete a file, Windows 11 doesn’t always erase it permanently right away. Instead, it moves the file to the Recycle Bin—so you can recover it later if you change your mind.

Picture the Recycle Bin as a safety net. You drop things into it when you’re cleaning up, but you can still grab them before they vanish forever!

Why the Recycle Bin Matters

• Accident protection: Mistakes happen, and the Recycle Bin gives you a second chance.
• Easy recovery: Deleted pictures, documents, videos can be restored with a click.
• Control over space: You decide when to empty it and free up space.

How to Find Recycle Bin in Windows 11

Let’s get straight to the good stuff—where to find it! Here are the most common and easiest ways.

Method 1 – Using the Desktop

The most familiar place the Recycle Bin lives is right on the Desktop.

Yes, just like classic Windows!

👉 Look for the trash can icon labeled "Recycle Bin". If it’s there—great! If not—keep reading.

Method 2 – Using File Explorer

If you don’t see it on your desktop, try this:

1. Open File Explorer (folder icon on the taskbar).

2. Click This PC or Quick Access on the left pane.

3. Scroll—sometimes the Recycle Bin appears in the sidebar or under Other locations.

Not all computers show it here by default, but it’s worth a look!

Method 3 – Using Windows Search

If you still can’t spot it:

1. Click the Search icon (magnifying glass) on the taskbar or press Windows key + S.

2. Type "Recycle Bin".

3. Click the search result that appears.

Bingo! 👏 Windows will open the Recycle Bin window for you.

Method 4 – Through Run Dialog

Techie tip alert! ⚡

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type explorer.exe shell:RecycleBinFolder.

3. Press Enter.

This command opens the Recycle Bin directly—even if the icon is missing.

How to Pin Recycle Bin to Taskbar or Start Menu

Want faster access? Let’s pin it!

Option 1. Pinning to Start Menu

1. Search for Recycle Bin in the Windows search bar.

2. Right‑click the Recycle Bin icon.

3. Select Pin to Start.

Now it’ll show up as a tile in your Start Menu—ready when you need it!

Option 2. Pinning to Desktop or Taskbar

Unfortunately, Windows doesn’t let you directly pin the Recycle Bin to the taskbar like regular apps. But there’s a workaround:

1. Right‑click your Desktop → New > Shortcut.

2. For location, type: %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe shell:RecycleBinFolder.

3. Name the shortcut Recycle Bin.

You’ll get a desktop icon you can drag anywhere—even into the taskbar area!

Nifty, right? 😊

Common Recycle Bin Problems & Fixes

Sometimes things go wonky. Let’s troubleshoot!

1. Recycle Bin Missing from Desktop

This is the #1 complaint.

If the icon is gone:

1. Right‑click the Desktop.

2. Select Personalize.

3. Go to Themes → Desktop Icon Settings.

4. Check Recycle Bin and hit Apply.

Boom! Your icon should reappear.

2. Recycle Bin is Emptying Automatically

If your Recycle Bin keeps emptying itself, it might be due to:

• Storage Sense settings (Windows auto cleanup).
• A cleanup app.
• System optimization tools.

To check Storage Sense:

1. Go to Settings → System → Storage.

2. Select Storage Sense.

3. Toggle it off or adjust cleanup rules.

This gives you control over when files get permanently deleted.

3. Files are Accidentally Deleted from the Recycle Bin

Oops! Sometimes we don’t just delete files—we empty the Recycle Bin too. 😱 Don’t panic. There are still ways to recover your files:

Option 1. Use Windows File History

If you enabled File History before the deletion:

1. Go to the folder where the file was stored.

2. Right-click → Restore previous versions.

3. Select the version you want and restore it.

Option 2. Use Backup & Restore (Windows 7)

Windows 11 still supports the old backup system.

👉 Open Control Panel → Backup & Restore (Windows 7) and check your backups.

Option 3. Use Third-Party Recovery Tools (Recommended)

If the above options don’t work, recovery software like MyRecover can scan your drive for permanently deleted files and restore them safely.

1. Install MyRecover on a different drive.

2. Select the drive where your files were deleted.

3. Click Scan to find deleted files.

4. Preview and select the files you want.

5. Click Recover and save them to a safe location.

Tips to Use Recycle Bin Efficiently

Now that you’ve found it, here are some smart ways to make the most of it!

1. Recovering Deleted Files

Accidentally deleted something?

1. Open the Recycle Bin.

2. Find the file (use search if needed).

3. Right‑click it → Restore.

It’ll bounce back to its original folder like magic! 🎩✨

2. Changing Storage Allocation

By default, Windows only lets the Recycle Bin use a percentage of your disk space. If you deal with big files, you may want to adjust it.

1. Right‑click Recycle Bin → Properties.

2. Adjust the Maximum Size slider for each drive.

3. Click Apply.

Larger space means more deleted files can be stored before permanent removal.

Conclusion

There you have it! 🎉 The Recycle Bin in Windows 11 might have moved around a bit from what you’re used to, but it’s still easy to access—whether it’s on the Desktop, via Search, File Explorer, or even the Run dialog.

And once you’ve got it back in view, you can restore files, customize settings, and avoid accidental losses like a pro.

If your Recycle Bin goes missing or acts up, don’t panic—just follow the tips above. You’ve totally got this!