By default, Windows 10 and Windows 11 do not show the Recycle Bin and My Computer (This PC) icons on the desktop. If you want to
add the Recycle Bin icon to the desktop, you can do it in just a few clicks through Desktop icon settings — no third-party software needed. You can also add other icons like Control Panel, Network, and User’s Files the same way.
How to Add the Recycle Bin Icon to the Desktop in Windows 10 & 11
- Right-click on any empty space on the desktop and select
Personalize.
- Click on Themes from the left-hand menu, then click Desktop icon settings.Windows 10 — This option appears on the right side under Related Settings.
Windows 11 — This option appears lower on the page under Related Settings, but the layout looks slightly different.
- A small popup will appear. Tick Recycle Bin and Computer to add these icons to the desktop. You can also tick Control Panel, Network, and User’s Files if needed. Click Apply then OK to save.
The icons will appear on your desktop immediately — no restart required.
How to Remove the Recycle Bin Icon from the Desktop
To remove the Recycle Bin icon or any other desktop icon, follow the same steps above. In the Desktop icon settings popup, simply untick
the icon you want to remove and click Apply then OK. The icon will disappear from the desktop straight away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find Desktop icon settings in Windows 11?
If the option is not visible, make sure you are navigating to Settings → Personalisation → Themes and then scrolling down
to the Related settings section. If it’s still missing, try searching for “Desktop icon settings” directly in the Windows search bar.
Can I add the Recycle Bin icon to the desktop without going through Settings?
Not directly — Windows does not allow you to drag the Recycle Bin from File Explorer to the desktop like a regular shortcut. The Desktop icon settings method above is the correct way to add the real Recycle Bin icon.
Is “My Computer” the same as “This PC” in Windows 10 and 11?
Yes. “My Computer” was renamed to “This PC” in Windows 8 and the name has stayed since. In the Desktop icon settings popup, it appears as Computer — ticking it will add the “This PC” icon to your desktop.
Can I add the Recycle Bin to the taskbar instead of the desktop?
Windows does not natively support pinning the Recycle Bin to the taskbar. The desktop is the only built-in location for the Recycle Bin icon. However, you can create a toolbar shortcut as a workaround by right-clicking the taskbar and exploring the toolbar options.
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