How to Remove Recycle Bin from the Desktop in Windows 10/11

Whichever reason you have to remove the recycle bin from the desktop, Windows offers a few options to have an empty desktop. Keep in mind that removing it does not mean deleting it. Windows does not offer a way to delete it completely.

This guide will show you a few ways to remove the recycle bin from the desktop in Windows 10 and 11.

Removing the recycle bin from the desktop

Method 1

The fastest and easiest method to hide the recycle bin is to hide your desktop icons.

1. You can do this by right-clicking on your desktop, then hover over the View option.

2. On the pop-up that appears, click on Show desktop icons to deselect the icons on the desktop.

   Your desktop should now be empty. You can undo this by following the same steps as above.

Method 2

You can also remove the recycle bin from the device settings. to do this:

1. Press the Win + I keys on the desktop to open device settings.

2. On this window, select personalization to open more personalization settings.

   

3. Select themes from these settings
   

4. Select Desktop icon settings on this new page.

   

   You should see a pop-up window appear.

   

5. Uncheck the box next to the Recycle bin to remove it from the desktop as shown below.

   

6. Once done, click Okay on that pop-up window then the recycle bin should disappear from the desktop

How to open the Recycle bin after removing it from the desktop

As mentioned earlier, you cannot delete the recycle bin completely, so it is still accessible after removing it from the desktop.

To access it, search from the start menu the name Recycle Bin then press Enter to Open it.

You can also search for it from the file explorer location. You can do this from any location in the file explorer.

Another option is to use the run dialogue box. Use the command below then press Enter to open the hidden recycle bin.

shell:RecycleBinFolder

This will instantly open the Recycle bin.

Conclusion

This guide shows you how to remove the recycle bin from the desktop. Removing it from the desktop does not mean deleting it so you can still access the hidden recycle bin.

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