How to Add or Remove Recycle Bin to Windows 11 File Explorer

What is File Explorer?

File Explorer is the built-in app in Windows that helps you find and manage your files and folders on your computer.

What is the Recycle Bin?

The Recycle Bin is where Windows keeps deleted files temporarily. Usually, you find the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Why add Recycle Bin to File Explorer’s side menu?

• Quickly open the 🗑️ Recycle Bin without minimizing or searching for the desktop icon.
• Easily restore deleted files right from 📁 File Explorer.
• Keep your desktop clean by removing the 🗑️ Recycle Bin icon from there.

How to add the Recycle Bin to File Explorer’s navigation pane

Adding the Recycle Bin to File Explorer means you can quickly open deleted files. Take your time with this step.

Step 1Open the Windows Registry Editor

You can open the Windows Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key and R together, typing ‘regedit’, and hitting Enter.

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. ⚠️ Admin privileges required: If a message pops up asking for permission, click Yes.

For more details, you can check this guide on how to open the Registry in Windows 11.

Step 2Find the right folder in the Registry

To manage the 🗑️ recycle bin in 📁 File Explorer, you need to find a specific folder in the Registry Editor. Copy and paste this path: Computer\🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSIDcopy\{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}.

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

If you don’t see the folder {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}, you can create it:

1. 🖱️ Right-click on CLSID folder in the left panel.
2. Select New > Key.
3. Name the new key exactly: {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}.

Step 3Add or change a value to show 🗑️ Recycle Bin

Inside the correct Registry folder, you’ll change a setting to show the 🗑️ recycle bin in 📁 File Explorer. Look for ‘System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree’ and set its value to 1.

Look for an item named System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree (this is a setting that controls showing the 🗑️ Recycle Bin).

1. If it’s there, double-click it.
2. If it’s NOT there, 🖱️ right-click on a blank space, then choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it exactly System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree.
3. Set the value data to 1 to turn this feature ON:

   • Value data: 1
4. Then click OK.

Step 4Close Registry Editor and 🔄 restart your PC

Save all your work, close everything, and 🔄 restart your computer to apply the changes.

Step 5Check 📁 File Explorer

Open 📁 File Explorer (press Windows key + E) and look at the left side navigation pane. You should now see the 🗑️ Recycle Bin there for quick access!

Summary

• Adding 🗑️ Recycle Bin to 📁 File Explorer helps you open deleted files quickly.
• You need to carefully edit the Windows Registry and 🔄 restart your PC.
• This keeps your desktop neat by removing the 🗑️ Recycle Bin icon from there.
• After this, the 🗑️ Recycle Bin icon is always ready in 📁 File Explorer’s side menu.
• If you want to put the 🗑️ Recycle Bin back on your desktop later, you can do that easily from Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings.