Steps to Add Recycle Bin to Windows 11 File Explorer

Key Notes

  • Direct modifications in the Registry are necessary for adding Recycle Bin.
  • An option exists for pinning Recycle Bin for quicker access without Registry changes.
  • You can easily revert any changes made through the Registry.

Unlocking Quick Access: How to Add the Recycle Bin to Windows 11 File Explorer

Discover how to enhance your Windows 11 experience by adding the Recycle Bin to both the navigation pane and the This PC section in File Explorer. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for quick and easy access.

Add Recycle Bin to File Explorer on Windows 11

To add a Recycle Bin entry on File Explorer, use these steps:

Step 1: Access the Start Menu

Open Start on your Windows 11 device.

Step 2: Launch the Registry Editor

Search for regedit and select the top result to open the Registry.

Step 3: Navigate to the CLSID Path

Go to the following Registry path to add Recycle Bin to the left pane:

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

Step 4: Create a New DWORD Entry

Right-click the {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} key, choose New, and select DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Step 5: Name Your Entry

Type System. IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree and press Enter.

Step 6: Modify the DWORD Value

Double-click on the newly created key and change its value from 0 to 1.

Step 7: Confirm Your Changes

After updating the value, click the OK button to apply your changes.

Step 8: Optional – Add to the This PC Page

To add the Recycle Bin to the “This PC” page, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace

Step 9: Create the Namespace Key

Right-click the NameSpace key, select New, and click Key. Name the key as {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} and press Enter.

Once you complete these steps, the Recycle Bin icon will be visible in both the “This PC” section and the left navigation pane for quicker access.

Pro Tip: You can also pin the Recycle Bin from the desktop to Quick Access for faster navigation without modifying the Registry.

Additional Tips

  • Remember to back up your registry before making any changes.
  • Verify that changes are visible by refreshing your File Explorer.
  • If needed, you can remove the Recycle Bin by following the same steps and deleting the entries created.

Summary

Creating a direct link to the Recycle Bin in Windows 11 File Explorer enhances your user experience by providing quick access to a commonly used function. Following the outlined steps, users can customize their navigation pane and the This PC page effectively.

Conclusion

By adding the Recycle Bin to your File Explorer, you streamline your workflow and minimize unnecessary navigation hassles. Whether through registry modifications or simple pinning techniques, you can now have easy access to manage your deleted files.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is it safe to modify the Windows Registry?

Yes, modifying the Registry is safe as long as you follow instructions carefully and back up your data before making changes.

What if I accidentally delete the wrong registry key?

If you delete the wrong key, you can restore it from your backup or recreate it if you have the original settings noted down.

Can I customize the icons in the navigation pane further?

Yes, advanced users can customize various icons in Windows by creating new keys and values in the Registry corresponding to different features.