How to Resize Recycle Bin on Windows 11
Resizing the Recycle Bin in Windows 11 lets you control how much space it takes up on your hard drive.
The Recycle Bin is a special folder that holds files you’ve deleted. It acts like a safety net, allowing you to recover items you accidentally remove.
By default, Windows 11 sets a limit for the Recycle Bin’s storage. For a 1TB hard drive, this might be about 5% of its capacity.
Changing this setting helps if you often delete big files or need to make more room on your PC.
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?
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
Changing your Recycle Bin size on Windows 11 is a way to better manage your computer's storage space. This process helps control how much room deleted files take up. To start, find the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, then right-click it and select 'Properties'.
- Find the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
- Right-click the icon and choose Properties.
Alternatively, you can 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
Managing Storage Space
If your computer is running low on space, your Recycle Bin might be using up more room than you'd like.
Important Security Note
Important Note: Most users can adjust these settings, but if you're 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, try right-clicking your desktop and picking '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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