If the Recycle Bin Icon is missing from the Desktop of your computer, you won’t be able to clear the Recycle Bin and access deleted files located in the Recycle bin.
When you delete files on your computer, they are not immediately deleted and removed from the computer, instead they are simply marked for deletion and moved to the Recycle bin.
The files marked for deletion remain available in the recycle bin for a period of 30 days, after which they are automatically removed from the computer by the Operating system.
Recycle Bin Icon Missing in Windows 10/11
Having the Recycle Bin readily available on the Desktop makes it really easy to keep track of deleted files, recover accidentally deleted files and permanently delete files (if required) by removing them from the Recycle bin.
You can find below the steps to Recover the Missing Recycle Bin Icon on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer.
1. Restore Missing Recycle Bin Icon in Windows 11
You can Restore the Missing Recycle Bin Icon on your Windows 11 computer by following the below steps.
1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > scroll down and click on Desktop Icon settings tab under “Related Settings”.
2. On the next screen, select the check box next to Recycle Bin.
3. Click on Apply and OK to save this change on your computer.
Note: Make sure “Allow themes change desktop icons” check box is selected.
2. Restore Missing Recycle Bin Icon in Windows 10
If you are using Windows 10, you can follow the steps below to Restore the missing Recycle Bin Icon on your computer.
1. Go to Settings > Personalization.
2. Select Themes in the left-pane. In the right-pane, click on Desktop Icon Settings link located under “Related Settings” section.
3. On the next screen, check the little box next to Recycle Bin.
4. Click on Apply and OK to save this setting on your computer.
Note: Make sure “Allow themes change desktop icons” option is selected.