Show or hide the Recycle Bin

Windows 7 

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The Recycle Bin usually appears on the desktop. If you don't see the Recycle Bin, don't panic—it might just be hidden.

Watch this video to learn how to show or hide the Recycle Bin (0:53)

To show or hide the Recycle Bin on the desktop

1. Click the Start button , type desktop icons into the search box, and then click Show or hide common icons on the desktop.
2. In the Desktop Icon Settings dialog box, do one of the following:
   • To hide the Recycle Bin, clear the Recycle Bin check box.
   • To show the Recycle Bin, select the Recycle Bin check box.
3. Click OK.

Note

• Even when the Recycle Bin is hidden, deleted files are still stored there temporarily until you choose to permanently delete them or recover them. For more information, see Permanently delete files from the Recycle Bin or Recover files from the Recycle Bin.