How to Get Trashcan on Desktop Windows 11? [Easy Guide]
The Trashcan, officially known as the Recycle Bin, is one of the most essential components of the Windows operating system. In Windows 11, Microsoft redesigned the interface and removed several desktop icons by default to maintain a clean look. The Recycle Bin still exists, but its icon may be hidden.
Other common reasons include accidental deletion of the desktop shortcut, changes in theme settings, system file errors, or use of tablet mode on certain devices.
If you are wondering how to get the Trashcan in Windows 11, this easy guide walks you through every possible method in a clear and simple way.
Let’s do it!
How to Get Trashcan on Windows 11?
To get the Trashcan on Windows 11, open Settings, go to Personalization, select Themes, click Desktop icon settings, and enable the Recycle Bin option. Once applied, the Trashcan icon will reappear on your desktop instantly.
Windows 11 provides multiple built-in ways to restore the Trashcan icon. The most reliable method is through Desktop Icon Settings, but there are also alternative options like search access, File Explorer, and registry fixes for advanced users.
Let’s explore the simple steps in detail!
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
The first step is accessing the Settings app, which controls all personalization and system features in Windows 11.
Click on the Start menu located at the center of the taskbar. From the Start menu, select Settings. You can also press Windows key plus I on your keyboard to open Settings instantly.
Once the Settings window opens, make sure you are on the main dashboard where categories like System, Bluetooth, devices, and Personalization are visible.
Step 2: Go to Personalization Settings
In the Settings window, locate and click on Personalization from the left sidebar. This section allows you to customize the appearance of your desktop, including wallpapers, themes, and icons.
After clicking Personalization, you will see several options related to visual customization. Scroll slightly if needed to find the option labeled Themes.
Step 3: Open Themes in Windows 11
Click on Themes to open theme-related settings. Themes control not only wallpapers but also desktop icons like This PC, Network, and Recycle Bin.
Inside the Themes section, scroll down until you see Related settings. Under this heading, look for Desktop icon settings and click on it.
Step 4: Enable the Recycle Bin Icon
A small window titled Desktop Icon Settings will open. This window displays a list of standard Windows desktop icons.
Look for Rthe ecycle Bin in the list. If the checkbox next to it is unchecked, this is why the Trashcan is missing from your desktop.
Click the checkbox next to Recycle Bin to enable it. After selecting it, click Apply, then click OK.
As soon as you apply the changes, the Trashcan icon will appear on your Windows 11 desktop.
Step 5: Verify Trashcan Appearance on Desktop
Once the settings are applied, minimize all open windows and check your desktop. You should now see the Trashcan icon, officially labeled Recycle Bin.
Double-clicking this icon will open the Trashcan, allowing you to view deleted files, restore them, or permanently delete them.
If the icon does not appear immediately, right-click on an empty area of the desktop and select Refresh.
Step 6: Access Trashcan Using Search If the Icon Is Still Missing
If the desktop icon still does not appear, you can confirm that the Trashcan exists by using Windows Search.
Click on the Search icon in the taskbar and type Recycle Bin. When it appears in the search results, click on it to open.
This confirms that the Trashcan is present in the system, and the issue is only related to the desktop shortcut.
Step 7: Create a Desktop Shortcut for Trashcan
If enabling the icon through settings does not work for some reason, you can manually create a shortcut.
Open File Explorer and type the following command in the address bar: shell:RecycleBinFolder
Press Enter, and the Trashcan window will open. Right-click inside the window and choose the option to create a shortcut on the desktop. This provides another way to access the Trashcan easily.
Step 8: Check Tablet Mode and Desktop Visibility
On some touchscreen or convertible devices, Tablet mode can hide desktop icons.
Go to Settings, open System, then select Tablet. Make sure desktop icons are allowed, and tablet optimizations are turned off if you prefer the traditional desktop view.
After adjusting these settings, return to the desktop and check for the Trashcan icon again.
Step 9: Restart Windows Explorer
Sometimes, desktop icons fail to refresh due to Windows Explorer glitches.
Press Ctrl plus Shift plus Esc to open Task Manager. Locate Windows Explorer in the list, right-click on it, and select Restart.
After a few seconds, the desktop will reload, and missing icons, including the Trashcan, may reappear.
FAQs
What is the Trashcan called in Windows 11?
The Trashcan in Windows 11 is officially called the Recycle Bin. It performs the same function as storing deleted files temporarily.
Can I permanently delete the Trashcan from Windows 11?
No, the Trashcan cannot be permanently deleted from the system. You can only hide or remove its desktop icon.
Why did my Trashcan disappear after a Windows update?
Windows updates sometimes reset desktop icon settings, which can hide the Recycle Bin icon. Re-enabling it fixes the issue.
Can I change the Trashcan icon in Windows 11?
Yes, you can customize the Recycle Bin icon through Desktop Icon Settings by selecting a custom icon.
Is it safe to delete files from the Trashcan?
Yes, deleting files from the Trashcan permanently remove them from your system. Make sure you no longer need the files before doing so.