Applies ToWindows 10

Can't find the Recycle Bin on your Windows device? Whether it's hidden or missing after an update, this article will help you quickly locate and restore it.

The desktop doesn't show any icons

If your desktop doesn't show any icons, right-click (or press and hold on a touch device) on the desktop and select View. Ensure that Show desktop icons is checked. If not, select it.

Screenshot of the contextual menu on the desktop that appears when you right-click.

The desktop shows icons, but the Recycle Bin is missing 

If your desktop shows icons, but the Recycle Bin is missing, verify that it's not disabled in your desktop settings.

  1. In the Settings app  on your Windows device, ​​​​​​​select Personalization > Themes or use the following shortcut:

    Open the Themes setting

  2. Select Desktop icon settings

  3. Make sure the check box for Recycle Bin is checked, then select OK

Screenshot of the desktop icon settings in Windows.​​​​​​​

The Recycle Bin icon should be displayed on your desktop.

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