Add Recycle Bin to Windows 11 File Explorer

This article explains how to add the Recycle Bin to the File Explorer navigation pane in Windows 11.

File Explorer is a built-in file management application in Windows. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for accessing and managing files and folders stored on your computer’s hard drive, external drives, and network locations.

The Recycle Bin in Windows is a folder where deleted files and folders are temporarily stored before being permanently deleted from your computer. The Recycle Bin is typically on your desktop.

You can add the Recycle Bin to the File Explorer navigation pane to easily access deleted items.

Adding the Recycle Bin to the File Explorer navigation pane can be helpful in cases where you accidentally delete a file or folder and want to restore it. With the Recycle Bin readily accessible from the navigation pane, you can easily find and restore deleted items without searching for the Recycle Bin on the desktop or in the Start menu.

Additionally, it can help you keep your desktop clean and organized by removing the Recycle Bin icon.

Add the Recycle Bin to the navigation pane in File Explorer

As mentioned, users can add the Recycle Bin to the navigation pane in File Explorer. Here’s how to do it.

First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path below. If you don’t see the {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} key, you will need to create a new key and name it that.

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

Next, double-click the (REG_DWORD) name on the key’s right pane to open it.

System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree

Then, enter a value 1 to display the Recycle Bin on the File Explorer navigation pane.

If you do not see the System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree item, right-click a blank area, and create a new DWORD (32-bit) registry item.

Then, enter a value 1 to display the Recycle Bin.

Save your changes and restart your computer.

When done, the Recycle Bin should appear on the navigation pane.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Adding the Recycle Bin to the File Explorer navigation pane provides easy access to deleted items.
• The process involves making changes in the Windows Registry and restarting the computer
• This feature helps in quickly finding and restoring deleted files without cluttering the desktop
• Removing the Recycle Bin icon from the desktop enhances its cleanliness and organization