By default, the Recycle Bin is set to be automatically cleared every 30 days. However, it is possible to Prevent Recycle Bin Files from Being Automatically Deleted in Windows 11/10.
Prevent Files in Recycle Bin from Being Automatically Cleared
Many times we delete a File or Files on the computer and later on come across the need to restore deleted files from the Recycle Bin.
For this reason, many users prefer to manually clear the Recycle Bin, instead of allowing the System to Automatically clear the Recycle Bin.
This can be achieved by Disabling Storage Sense and also by excluding Recycle Bin from Storage Sense activities on the computer.
1. Disable Storage Sense in Windows 10
If you prefer to manually perform disk clean up and optimization activities on the computer, you can simply turn OFF Storage Sense feature on your computer.
Windows 11: Go to Settings > System > Storage > move the toggle next to Storage Sense to OFF position.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > System > Storage > move the toggle next to Storage Sense to OFF position.
After this, any file that you delete on the computer should be available in the Recycle Bin.
2. Prevent Storage Sense from Deleting Recycle Bin Files
It also possible to allow Storage Sense to Run on the computer, while preventing it from automatically clearing the Recycle Bin.
Windows 11: Go to Settings > System > Storage > scroll down and click on Storage Sense in the right-pane.
On the next screen, set Delete files in my recycle bin…. option to Never.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > System > Storage and click on Change how we free up space automatically option in the right-pane.
On the next screen, set Delete files in my recycle bin option to Never.
After this, Deleted Files will always be available in the Recycle Bin, until the Recycle Bin is manually cleared by the user.