How to Add Recycle Bin to This PC in File Explorer in Windows 11

This article explains how to add the Recycle Bin to “This PC”, as well as its benefits and risks. Having quick access to deleted storage within File Explorer can streamline your workflow, especially in data-focused environments. But some may prefer removing the feature for a sleeker, distraction-free workplace.

Read on to learn how to add the Recycle Bin icon to “This PC” in File Explorer, what to expect before deploying changes, and commonly asked questions.

Access the Recycle Bin from File Explorer

⚠️ These methods require administrator privileges.

Integrating features like the Recycle Bin into File Explorer creates a centralized work interface for information management systems. The steps to add the Recycle Bin icon to “This PC” apply to all editions of Windows 11, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise.

Method 1: Add Recycle Bin to “This PC” via Registry Editor

⚠️ These methods modify important Registry keys. Before you proceed, create a backup.

For the current user:

1. Press Win + R, type Regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Use the Registry Editor’s address bar to go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace

1. 1. If you don’t see My Computer and/or NameSpace, do the following:
      1. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
      2. Right-click on the right-hand pane and select New > Key.
      3. Name the new key MyComputer.
      4. Right-click on MyComputer and select New > Key.
      5. Name the new key Namespace.

3. Right-click on an empty space on the right-hand pane.
4. Select New > Key.
5. Name the new key {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}. This CLSID represents the Recycle Bin.
6. Close the Registry Editor.
7. Restart File Explorer or your PC to apply changes.

How to add the Recycle Bin icon to “This PC” for all users:

1. Press Win + R, type Regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Use the Registry Editor’s address bar to go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace

3. Right-click on an empty space on the right-hand pane.
4. Select New > Key.
5. Name the new key {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}. This CLSID represents the Recycle Bin.
6. Close the Registry Editor.
7. Restart File Explorer or your PC to apply changes.

Method 2: Remove Recycle Bin from “This PC” via Registry Editor

Removing unnecessary elements from File Explorer helps create an efficient environment that prioritizes relevant apps and lessens distractions.

For the current user:

1. Press Win + R, type Regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Use the Registry Editor’s address bar to go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace

3. Delete the key named {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}. This removes the Recycle Bin icon from “This PC”.
4. Close the Registry Editor.
5. Restart File Explorer or your PC to apply changes.

For all users:

1. Press Win + R, type Regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Use the Registry Editor’s address bar to go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace

3. Delete the key named {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}. This removes the Recycle Bin from “This PC”.
4. Close the Registry Editor.
5. Restart File Explorer or your PC to apply changes.

Method 3: PowerShell script for automation

Leverage PowerShell’s scripting capabilities and deploy Registry changes across your entire enterprise for zero human error.

1. Press Win + R, type powershell, and hit Enter.
2. Execute the commands you need:
   1. Add the Recycle Bin icon to File Explorer
      1. Run this command:

New-Item -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}" -Force

1. 1. 2. Reboot File Explorer with this command:

Stop-Process -Name explorer -Force

1. 2. Remove Recycle Bin icon from File Explorer
      1. Run this command:

Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}" -Force

1. 1. 2. Reboot File Explorer with this command:

Stop-Process -Name explorer -Force

Additional considerations for accessing the Recycle Bin via File Explorer

Modifying system settings to add the Recycle Bin to This PC must be done correctly for consistency and stability. Here are the key points to consider during enterprise deployment.

Per-system setting

Use the “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” registry path to add the Recycle Bin icon to the File Explorer (Windows 11) on a workstation. This ensures that the feature will appear on This PC, regardless of the user.

Alternatively, you can use the “HKEY_CURRENT_USER” command/key path when you want the changes to apply to a specific user.

No impact on functionality

Adding/removing the Recycle Bin icon to/from File Explorer won’t break it. This is merely a UI change that gives you a convenient shortcut within your computer’s main hub, so rest assured.

Desktop icon settings

Customizing the Recycle Bin in This PC won’t reflect on your desktop icon settings.

You normally access the Recycle Bin through your computer’s desktop, and its graphic can be personalized to your needs. For more options, go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings.

Roaming profiles

Configure worker profiles to retain Registry changes with roaming profiles. This ensures that your Recycle Bin is still accessible through This PC even after a session has ended.

Before rolling out changes, perform feasibility tests in controlled environments to uphold your stability policies.

Add the Recycle Bin to “This PC” to consolidate your workspace

The Recycle Bin serves as your digital “safety net”, and having its icon on your File Explorer helps you fully manage deleted files. While this adds more to your toolkit, you should always be cautious when adding/deleting system settings and prioritize stability and security over anything else.