How to Allow or Prevent the Windows 7 Recycle Bin Icon to Display

   Information

The Recycle Bin provides a safety net when deleting files or folders. When you delete any of these items from your hard disk, Windows places it in the Recycle Bin and the Recycle Bin icon changes from empty to full.

This will show you how to allow or prevent the Windows 7 Recycle Bin icon to display from the desktop, Windows Explorer, programs that use Windows Explorer, and the File - Open menu bar window for all users on the computer. By default, the Recycle Bin icon is allowed to be displayed in all user accounts.

   Note

Removable drives do not use or have a Recycyle Bin. Files deleted from removable drives are permanently deleted instead.

   Warning

If set to prevent, then this will only remove the Recycle Bin icon and not prevent a user from using other methods to gain access to the contents of the hidden protected operating system C:\$Recycle.Bin folder though.

EXAMPLE: Desktop Icon Settings window
NOTE: When set to prevent, the Recycle Bin option will be grayed out.

EXAMPLE: Recycle Bin icon Allowed and Prevented in Windows Explorer

OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. To Allow Recyle Bin Icon to Display

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Allow_Display_Recycle_Bin_Icon.zip

Download

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Prevent Recyle Bin Icon to Display

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Allow_Display_Recycle_Bin_Icon.zip

Download

3. Click on Save, and save the .zip file to the desktop.

4. Open the .zip file and extract the .reg file to the desktop.

5. Right click the .reg file (On Desktop) and click on Merge.

6. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

7. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to completely apply.

8. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg and .zip files on the desktop if you like.

OPTION TWO

Through the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, and Desktop. (See screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Remove Recycle Bin icon from desktop and click on Edit. (See screenshot above)

4. To Allow Recyle Bin Icon to Display

A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (See screenshot below step 6)

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Prevent Recyle Bin Icon to Display

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (See screenshot below step 6)

6. Click on OK. (See screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.

8. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to completely apply.

That's it,
Shawn

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