How to Resize Recycle Bin on Windows 11
Resizing the Recycle Bin on Windows 11 lets you change how much hard drive space your deleted files take up. By default, Windows sets this limit to about 5% of your total drive capacity.
Making the Recycle Bin smaller frees up valuable gigabytes of storage, while increasing the limit keeps your deleted files around longer before Windows deletes them for good.
Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and select Properties. Choose a drive, select Custom size, and enter your desired size in MB. Click OK to save.
Why resize the Recycle Bin?
Increasing the Recycle Bin size on Windows 11 prevents accidental file loss when the bin fills quickly. A larger Recycle Bin keeps deleted items safe for a longer time. Alternatively, choose to delete files instantly, freeing up space right away.
What happens when done?
Adjusting the Recycle Bin size lets you control how much space deleted files occupy and their retention period. You can set a maximum size, for example, 5000 MB, preventing your storage from filling with old deleted items and ensuring files are permanently removed after a specific duration.
How to change your Recycle Bin size
To resize Recycle Bin Windows 11 settings, right-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and choose Properties from the menu. In the settings window that opens, select the drive you want to change, type a new maximum size in megabytes under the custom size box, and click Apply to save the changes so deleted files take up less or more room.
- Find the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
- Right-click the icon and choose Properties.
Alternatively, open the Recycle Bin folder, click the three dots (…) in the top menu, and select Properties.
- In the Properties window, you will see a list of your hard drive volumes.
- Select the drive you want to change.
- Under the "Settings for selected location" section, click the Custom size bubble.
- Type in your preferred size in Megabytes (MB).
- Click OK to save your changes.
Pro Tip: Bypassing the Recycle Bin
Using the Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut permanently deletes a file, bypassing the Recycle Bin. This method works well for sensitive files requiring immediate removal. Files deleted using Shift + Delete cannot be recovered from the Recycle Bin.
Managing Storage Space
When your PC runs low on disk space, a bloated Recycle Bin is often the culprit.
Important Security Note
Important Note: Most users can adjust these settings, but if you work on a restricted network or a shared computer, you may need administrator permissions to modify system-wide storage configurations. If you encounter an access denied error, check your user account permissions in the Control Panel.
Summary
Resizing your Recycle Bin helps you control how long deleted files are kept, giving you more command over your computer's storage.
Does changing the Recycle Bin size affect all drives?
No, changing the Recycle Bin size on one drive, like your C: drive, doesn't change it for other drives like your D: drive or external ones.
How do I recover files after bypassing the Recycle Bin?
If you bypass the Recycle Bin using Shift + Delete, your files aren't saved there and you'll need special software to try and get them back.
Why is my Recycle Bin icon not updating after changing settings?
If your Recycle Bin icon doesn't look right after changing settings, right-click your desktop and pick 'Refresh' to make it update.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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