The Recycle Bin normally sits on the Windows 7 desktop, but it can disappear after a theme change or a cleanup, and some people prefer a completely empty desktop. Windows 7 lets you show or hide it with one checkbox. This guide shows how, along with ways to open the Recycle Bin when it’s hidden and how to bring back a missing icon.
Note: Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020, so it no longer receives security updates. These steps still work, but consider upgrading to a supported version of Windows.
Quick Answer
Right-click the desktop and choose Personalize, click Change desktop icons on the left, check or uncheck Recycle Bin, and click OK.
Add or Remove the Recycle Bin from the Desktop
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop and select Personalize.
- In the left pane of the Personalization window, click Change desktop icons.
- In Desktop Icon Settings, check Recycle Bin to show it, or uncheck it to hide it.
- Click OK.
If “Personalize” Is Missing (Home Basic and Starter)
Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic don’t include the Personalization window. Instead:
- Click Start and type desktop icons in the search box.
- Click Show or hide common icons on the desktop.
- Check or uncheck Recycle Bin and click OK.
Hide Every Desktop Icon at Once
If you want a clean desktop without removing icons one by one, right-click the desktop, point to View, and uncheck Show desktop icons. Repeat to bring them back.
Open the Recycle Bin When It’s Hidden
- Windows Explorer: type Recycle Bin into the address bar and press Enter.
- Run box: press Windows + R, type
shell:RecycleBinFolder, and press Enter. - Navigation pane: in Explorer, click Organize > Folder and search options and check Show all folders to list Recycle Bin on the left.
Change or Restore the Recycle Bin Icon
In Desktop Icon Settings, select Recycle Bin (full) or Recycle Bin (empty) and click Change Icon to pick another image, or click Restore Default to undo a custom icon. Uncheck Allow themes to change desktop icons if a theme keeps replacing it.
Troubleshooting
- Checkbox is grayed out: a Group Policy setting may hide it. In gpedit.msc (Professional and higher), go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop and set Remove Recycle Bin icon from desktop to Not Configured. On work PCs, ask your IT team.
- Icon doesn’t update when full or empty: click Restore Default for both icons, then press F5 on the desktop.
- Deleted files skip the Recycle Bin: right-click Recycle Bin > Properties and make sure Don’t move files to the Recycle Bin is not selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hiding the Recycle Bin delete my files?
No. Hiding the icon only removes the shortcut from the desktop. Deleted files stay in the Recycle Bin until you empty it.
Can I pin the Recycle Bin to the taskbar?
Not directly. A common workaround is to drag the Recycle Bin onto the Jump List of the pinned Windows Explorer icon, so you can right-click Explorer and open it from there.
Summary
- Right-click the desktop > Personalize.
- Click Change desktop icons.
- Check or uncheck Recycle Bin.
- Click OK.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.