Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

Have you ever deleted a file and then decided against deleting it and wondered where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10?

The Recycle Bin gives you that second chance in case you ever change your mind about deleting a file from your computer.

Its purpose is to store those files you delete as long as you don’t choose the “Permanently Delete” option.

So, usually, when you delete a file, it goes straight into the Recycle Bin, which you can access anytime to restore it.

Table of Contents

  1. Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10
    1. How does the Recycle Bin work?
    2. Where is my Recycle Bin?
  2. Wrap Up

Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

How does the Recycle Bin work?

Every time you delete a file on your Windows 10 PC, it does not immediately get deleted from the system. It is sent to the Recycle Bin instead.

The Recycle Bin holds the file for as long as possible until you manually remove it or give an order to empty the Recycle Bin.

You should note that sometimes you can delete a file permanently without first sending it to the Recycle Bin.

But limiting things to the scope of this article, we will be focusing on deleting a file to the Recycle Bin and answering the main question: where is recycle bin in Windows 10? Let’s get right to it!

Where is my Recycle Bin?

Above, there are some different methods to find out the Windows 10 Recycle Bin location:

Access the Recycle Bin shortcut from the Windows 10 Desktop screen

This is the easiest way to locate the Recycle Bin. By default, every Windows 10 computer has the Recycle Bin located at the upper-left corner of the desktop screen. Simply locate it and double-click on the desktop icon to open it.

Use the “Search Box” on Windows 10

The Search Box has proven to be an incredibly useful tool for searching for applications and programs on Windows 10.

If, by chance, you can’t find the Recycle Bin shortcut on your Windows 10 desktop screen, simply type “Recycle Bin” into the search box, and you will be able to access it from the search results.

Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

Open Recycle Bin with Start Menu shortcut

You may not find the Recycle Bin in the Start Menu shortcut, but you can pin it there yourself, just like you would pin any other program.

Go to your Desktop screen like in, and right-click on the Recycle Bin icon. From the options, click on “Pin to Start”.

Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

The image below shows the result after clicking on “Pin to Start”:

Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

Find the Windows 10 Recycle Bin with File Explorer’s address bar

You can access the Windows 10 Recycle Bin location with File Explorer. The steps to do that are highlighted below

  • Open File Explorer by pressing “Windows Key + E” on your keyboard;
Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

  • Click on the address bar and delete “Quick Access”. Type in “Recycle Bin”, and the option will be displayed in the results, as shown in the image below. Click on it to go straight to Recycle Bin.
Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

Alternatively, you can also click on “>” right before “Quick Access” in the address bar.

This will release a drop-down menu from which you can click on Recycle Bin and access it.

Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

Locate the Recycle Bin using the “Run” prompt

You can find the Recycle Bin in Windows 10 using the Run window. Start by pressing the “Windows + R” keys. In the dialogue box, enter the command, “shell:desktop” and click “Ok” or press the “Enter” key.

Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

After you have pressed “Ok”, you will be taken to a new page with all the programs you have on your desktop. Locate “Recycle Bin” and access it from there.

Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

Alternatively, you can also go to the Recycle Bin folder directly using the Run prompt. Simply press the “Windows + R” keys and enter “shell: RecycleBinFolder” in the text box.

Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

Press “Ok”, and you will be taken directly into the Recycle Bin folder.

Where is the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

Wrap Up

What’s your preferred method of accessing the Windows 10 Recycle Bin? Finding the Windows 10 trash location is easy.

You have multiple options depending on which is more convenient for you. The good thing is that all these methods are simple and straightforward.

Most people use the desktop shortcut. Let us know the method you love most.

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