Chapter 26: How to use the Recycle Bin in Windows 11

Windows 11, like previous versions of the operating system, has an essential file management tool called the Recycle Bin. In this chapter, we will learn how to use the Recycle Bin in Windows 11 effectively and safely.

What is the Recycle Bin?

The Recycle Bin is a special folder in Windows that temporarily stores deleted files and folders. When you delete a file or folder, it is not immediately removed from your computer. Instead, they are moved to the Recycle Bin, where they can be restored or permanently deleted.

Locating the Recycle Bin

In Windows 11, the Recycle Bin can be found on the desktop. If you don't see the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, right-click anywhere on the desktop, select 'Personalize' and then choose 'Themes'. Here, click on 'Desktop Icon Settings' and check the box next to 'Recycle Bin' to make it visible on the desktop.

How to use the Recycle Bin

Using the Recycle Bin in Windows 11 is quite simple. When you delete a file or folder, it is automatically moved to the Recycle Bin. To access the Recycle Bin, simply double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. Here, you can see all the files and folders that have been deleted.

Restore files and folders

If you deleted a file or folder by mistake, you can easily restore it from the Recycle Bin. Open the Recycle Bin, locate the file or folder you want to restore, right-click on it and select 'Restore'. The file or folder will be moved back to the original location from where it was deleted.

Permanently delete files and folders

If you want to permanently delete a file or folder from the Recycle Bin, you can do so by selecting the file or folder, right-clicking it and choosing 'Delete Permanently'. Be careful when using this option, as once a file or folder is permanently deleted, it cannot be recovered.

Empty Trash

If you want to free up space on your hard drive, you can empty the Recycle Bin. This will permanently delete all files and folders in the Recycle Bin. To empty the Recycle Bin, open the Recycle Bin, right-click anywhere in the Recycle Bin window and select 'Empty Recycle Bin'. A confirmation window will appear asking if you are sure you want to permanently delete the items. Click 'Yes' to confirm.

Final considerations

The Recycle Bin is a useful tool for managing deleted files and folders. However, it is important to remember that the Recycle Bin is not a safe place to store files that you want to keep. If you need a place to store files temporarily, it's best to move the files to a separate folder instead of deleting them. Additionally, it's always a good idea to regularly back up your files to avoid data loss.

With this chapter, we hope you learned how to use the Recycle Bin in Windows 11 effectively. In the next chapter, we'll explore another important Windows 11 tool: File Explorer.