Tutorial: How to Remove Recycle Bin from Desktop

Every Windows user can attest that the Recycle Bin is one of the most essential built-in features in a PC. It’s a place where all deleted files are kept until you are ready to erase them permanently. That’s why the Recycle Bin is on your Desktop by default so you can easily access it whenever you accidentally delete a file.

While it’s beneficial, there are users who want a minimalist desktop to give more emphasis on the background wallpaper. Others also just don’t want the recycle bin to be accessible from the desktop to protect its contents.

If you share the same sentiments, we have your back! Below, you will learn how to remove Recycle Bin from Desktop in 3 easy ways. These methods work on Windows 11 and earlier versions. Read on for more details!

Method 1: Hide/Remove Recycle Bin from Desktop via Settings

Recycle Bin may seem irremovable because it comes in by default, you can actually hide it via Settings. Windows is a versatile OS; and so it allows you to customize your experience as much as possible, including removing the Recycle Bin icon. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1

Click the Windows icon on the Taskbar and select the Settings icon. You may also press Windows key + I if you want to open it quickly. Scroll down to Personalization. In Windows 11, you can right-click on your desktop and hit Personalize.

Step 2

Once you’re in the Personalization menu, click on Themes. Look for Related Settings and hit Desktop Icons Settings.

Step 3

A window will appear. There, look for the Recycle Bin and untick the box beside it. Then, click Apply, and then OK. After that, proceed to your desktop and the recycle bin should be gone.

Method 2: Remove Recycle Bin from Desktop via the Windows Registry

In case the Recycle Bin is still showing on your desktop, there’s another way to remove it via the Windows Registry. The registry is a hierarchical database that is made to help the Windows operating system in managing your PC. It makes sure that the OS has access to all essential resources and settings. One of the things it can do is remove the Recycle Bin.

However, following this method can be a bit risky as it could corrupt the registry, affecting all other system functions, if something goes wrong. Only do this at your own discretion. Also, you can back up the registry just to be safe.

Step 1

Launch the Run tool by pressing the Windows + R keys simultaneously. Then, type in “Regedit.exe” and click OK.

Step 2

When the Registry window is up, follow this trail:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace

If possible, you may paste it on the address bar right below the File tab.

Step 3

Under the NameSpace folder, look for this registry key:

“645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E”

Right-click on it and hit Delete. Afterward, close the registry and go back to your desktop. The Recycle bin should appear no longer.

Method 3: Remove Recycle Bin from Desktop via the Local Group Policy Editor

If you don’t want to take the risk of the previous method, you can try removing the Recycle Bin from your desktop via the Local Group Policy Editor instead. It is typically used to access advanced settings that are not found on the Control Panel or regular settings menu of the computer. The good news is one of the things you can use the editor for is removing the recycle bin icon.

Step 1

Similarly, press Windows + R at the same time to summon the Run tool. Then, type in “gpedit.msc” in the Open bar and click the OK button.

Step 2

Scroll down to User Configuration. Next, click on Administrative Template and then Desktop. Afterward, double-click on the “Remove Recycle Bin icon from desktop” option.

Step 3

There, tick the Enabled option under the Not Configured option. Then, click Apply and then OK right after. To effectively apply the changes you’ve made, you may need to restart your computer.

Bonus: Recover Permanently Deleted Files from the Recycle Bin

Now that you know how to remove the recycle bin from your desktop, you may be interested in recovering permanently deleted files from there. Perhaps, you’ve cleared by mistake or whatnot. While cleared files seem impossible to restore, that’s not the case if you use a Windows recovery tool like Tenorshare 4DDiG.

It’s a program that can scan, select, and recover all deleted data no matter the cause. Yes! Data loss due to accidental deletion, virus attacks, software bugs, hardware issues, and even natural disasters are covered. Even if the files have been damaged, this app can get them back to 100% health.

Besides that, you don’t need to worry about the file type of the files you wish to recover. 4DDiG can restore 2000+ file types to date. In theory, that’s any file on your computer including screenshots, videos, photos, documents, game files, and more. And the best part is there’s no quality loss after they’ve been recovered. The app will preserve their original size, details, etc. It’s like you’ve never lost or deleted them in the first place.

Compatibility isn’t a problem, too. 4DDiG works on any PC or laptop that runs on Windows 11 or earlier versions. If you want to try this powerful Windows recovery tool, just click on the banner above to download and install it for free.

Conclusion

Removing the recycle bin from desktop is not for everyone. But if you want your PC or laptop’s home screen free from any icons, it’s definitely a good idea. The good thing is you can always hide or remove it whenever you like. Just follow the methods above to do it. However, we do recommend the first method as it’s the safest option among the three.