- Windows 11 allows you to hide the recycle bin from settings or advanced methods.
- Hiding the trash can does not remove the feature, just the icon, while still being accessible from other locations.
- There are options to fully customize desktop icons and manage order and privacy.
Does it bother you to see the Recycle Bin taking up space on your computer's desktop with Windows 11? You're not alone. Many people prefer to keep this area organized and clean, displaying only the icons they really need or no icons at all. Although the trash can is a classic element that's been with us since the early days of Windows, Hiding it can help you achieve that minimalist and functional environment you are looking for., without losing its usefulness.
In this article we explain in great detail How to hide the recycle bin from the desktop in Windows 11 Using the simplest, fastest, and safest methods. We'll explore both the most classic method from the system settings and advanced alternatives for users who want to go even deeper into customization. You'll also learn how to access the trash even when it's not visible and the different options to organize and leave your desktop looking flawless.
Why does the recycle bin always appear on the desktop?
Since time immemorial, the Recycle Bin has been one of the main icons that Windows places on the desktop by default. Its function is simple and very useful: temporarily store the files we delete, in case we ever need to recover them or simply empty it to free up space on the hard drive.
However, its permanent presence can be a source of annoyance for those who seek to keep their desk clear, either because aesthetic preference, organization or productivityThis has led many users to wonder whether it's really necessary to keep the icon visible, especially if they rarely access the trash can through the desktop.
Some argue that, for accessibility reasons, it's better to leave it visible. However, Microsoft offers several options for those who wish to hide it and still enjoy its benefits without sacrificing the desktop's clean appearance.
Classic ways to hide the Recycle Bin in Windows 11
The easiest and most direct way to hide the recycle bin from the desktop in Windows 11 is by using the customization options included in the system configuration. Here's how to do it step by step:
- Open Windows Settings: Click the Home button and access the Settings app, or press the key combination win + i.
- Go to the Personalization section: Within the menu on the left you will find the “Personalization” option.
- Access Topics: Now find and select the section called “Themes”.
- Configure desktop icons: Look for the "Desktop icon settings" link. Depending on your version of Windows 11, it may be visible on the right side, or you may need to look within the advanced Themes settings.
- Uncheck the Recycle Bin boxIn the pop-up window, you'll see a list of the main system icons. Simply uncheck the recycle bin icon.
- Save the changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
At that precise moment, the trash can will disappear from the desktop. and the change will be immediate, without the need to restart the computer.
What happens after hiding the recycle bin?
It is important to emphasize that Hiding the trash does not remove it from the system.The files you delete will still be there, and you can recover or empty them whenever you need to. The only difference is that it will no longer be visible on the desktop, but will be accessible from other parts of the operating system.
In fact, you can quickly access the trash from:
- The start menu: Search for “Recycle Bin” and it will appear as a result, allowing you to open it immediately.
- the file explorer: In the left sidebar, if you have the option to show all folders enabled, you can see the trash without any problems.
- You can add the trash can to the quick access panel from the Explorer by dragging the icon from the desktop (before hiding it) to the left pane of File Explorer. This way, even if it's not visible on the desktop, you'll always have access to it from File Explorer.
Thanks to this, You gain visual order without losing functionalityManaging deleted files is just as easy as before.
Advanced alternatives to hide the recycle bin
If you want to go a step further and hide the trash can by advanced methods or you need to do it quickly on multiple computers or profiles, there are other options that can be useful, especially if you work in professional environments or want to automate everything.
Using group policies
For users with Windows 11 Pro, the group policies They offer a way to apply this change centrally and even prevent other users from displaying the trash again without permission.
- Balance Win + R and run “gpedit.msc” to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to “User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop.”
- Search for “Remove the Recycle Bin icon from the desktop.”
- Double-click on that policy, select "Enabled," apply the changes, and accept.
The effect will be the same but with an extra layer of control, ideal for system administrators.
Edit the Windows Registry
For the more daring or those who want a more "deep" method, modifying the Windows' register It also allows you to hide the trash can. This method should be used with caution:
- Open the run window (keys Win + R) and type “regedit”.
- Navigate to the route: HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ HideDesktopIcons \ NewStartPanel
- Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value with name {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}.
- Edit that register and set its value to 1.
When you restart your computer, the trash can will no longer be displayed on the desktopYou can even automate this process with PowerShell by running the following command directly in the terminal Windows with administrator permissions:
New-ItemProperty -Path «HKCU:/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Explorer/HideDesktopIcons/NewStartPanel» -Name «{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}» -Value 1 -PropertyType DWORD -Force
This method It is effective and silent.
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