How To Hide Recycle Bin In Windows

Some Windows users prefer to keep their Recycle Bin hidden for different reasons. It could be a data privacy concern, or it could be a visual aesthetics preference. It is possible to hide the Recycle Bin, but you cannot delete it.

How To Hide Recycle Bin In Windows

There are two popular ways to hide the Recycle Bin. Both methods work across all Windows platforms. We will take a look at both methods first. Then we will answer some frequently asked questions about the recycle Bin.

Hide Recycle Bin Using the Desktop Icon Settings.

This one is more popular and accessible by all users. You don’t need to restart the PC to apply changes. So it is much easier to toggle settings.

Windows 10 and Windows 11

The steps above will hide Recycle Bin In Windows 10.

Windows 8 and 8.1

This should hide Recycle Bin In Windows 8.

Windows 7

These steps will hide Recycle Bin In Windows 7.

Using Local Group Policy Editor

This approach is a little more advanced than the previous. But, not a lot of users have easy access to it, which makes it better security-wise. It also supersedes the first approach. Once enabled, you cannot change settings using the first approach.

For Any Version of Windows Except All Windows (N) Home Versions

Tip: To get the recycle Bin back, change to Not Configured or Disabled.

How to Access the Recycle Bin After Hiding It?

You can always reverse the hide feature by undoing the same steps as above. But if you want to keep accessing it when hidden, there are a few different alternative ways to open it.

Does Removing Recycle Bin Delete It Forever?

No. Recycle Bin is a folder feature provided by Windows. Removing it only makes it disappear from the Desktop. You can still send files to the Recycle Bin when deleted unless the default settings are changed. Anyone using the computer can still access the Recycle Bin by any other means described above.

How to Bypass Recycle Bin When Deleting Files and Folders?

The Recycle bin is temporary storage. You need to clean Recycle Bin regularly to delete files and folders. But, it is possible to bypass it and go to the permanent deletion. There are two ways to skip the Recycle Bin.

Why Should I hide Recycle Bin in Windows?

Recycle Bin is meant as temp storage for files you no longer need. But it can store them indefinitely if you never reach the bin storage limit.Privacy ReasonsPerhaps you are someone who doesn’t want other people to snoop around in your deleted files. In such a case, you’d want to hide Recycle Bin in windows. There is always the option to delete them forever, but what if you want the files back? Hiding the Recycle Bin is the best option so that you can access and recover your deleted files when needed. But at the same time, you make it harder for others to view them by hiding them.Free Your Desktop ViewIf you are like me, you too prefer a clean desktop view. You likely want to remove all files and shortcuts from the Desktop. Doing so, you would also want to hide Recycle Bin in windows desktop. Some backgrounds do look better without the icons!

Is It Possible to Limit the Size Taken Up by the Recycle Bin in My Disk?

Yes. Follow the steps below:

Right-click on the Recycle bin to bring up its Properties.As shown in the screenshot, you can find the size allocated in each partition. Click on the desired partition.Enter the maximum size you’d want to be taken up by the Recycle Bin in the units of MB.Click OK.