How to Remove the Recycle Bin From a Windows Desktop

This article explains how to hide the Recycle Bin from your Windows desktop. It also shows how to open it if you need to even though it's hidden, plus how to set it up so files are removed instantly when you delete them (i.e., they skip the Recycle Bin completely).

How to Remove the Recycle Bin From a Windows Desktop

These instructions work in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista; Windows XP directions are further down the page.

1. Right-click the desktop and select Personalize.

   In Windows 11 and Windows 10, open Settings (WIN+i) and then Personalization > Themes.

2. In Windows 11 & 10, select Desktop icon settings from the Related settings area.

   In Windows 8, 7 & Vista, choose Change desktop icons.

3. Uncheck the box next to Recycle Bin, and then select OK to save.

Windows XP Directions

Windows XP is similar in some ways to newer Windows versions, but it's missing the option to hide the Recycle Bin. For that, we'll instead go into the Windows Registry to make a small change.

1. Open Registry Editor. The quickest method is to go to Start > Run > regedit > OK.

2. Use the folders on the left to navigate to this path:

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

3. Select this key so it's highlighted:

   {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
   

4. Go to Edit > Delete.

5. Select Yes on the confirmation box about deleting the key.
   

The change should take effect immediately; just refresh the desktop (right-click > Refresh) to see it disappear. If it doesn't, restart your computer.

To get the Recycle Bin back on the desktop in Windows XP, either restore the registry backup (only do this if you want it back immediately after hiding it) or repeat the steps above, but this time create a new registry key in the NameSpace key and name it the same string you deleted in Step 3.

You Can Still Open the Recycle Bin If You Don't See It

Despite Recycle Bin no longer showing up on the desktop, it's not actually gone. This is because there isn't an option within Windows to completely delete it.

This means you can still open it to view deleted files and restore deleted files from the Recycle Bin. It also doesn't affect your ability to recover files already emptied from the Recycle Bin.

To access the hidden Recycle Bin, simply search for it from the taskbar, or change the File Explorer location to Recycle Bin.

If you prefer the command line, you can enter this in the Run dialog box to instantly open the Recycle Bin:

shell:RecycleBinFolder

How to Skip the Recycle Bin to Delete Files Immediately

Hiding the Recycle Bin makes it a little harder to empty, but it's a task you'll need to do if you're running low on disk space.

If you don't have plans to ever open the Recycle Bin in the future, or you want to keep your deleted files a bit more private, you can edit the bin's settings so the items you put into the Recycle Bin delete instantly. To be completely clear: The Recycle Bin will empty itself each time you attempt to move an item there.

Here's what to do:

1. Right-click the Recycle Bin icon and choose Properties from the menu.

   If you've already hidden the icon, follow the steps above that explain how to access it, then right-click the empty area in the Recycle Bin window, and then choose Properties.

2. If you see multiple locations in the list, choose the Recycle Bin location you want to edit.
   

3. Select Don't move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted.

   Windows XP's name for this option is a little different: Do not move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted.

4. Select OK to save.