If you’ve recently updated Windows (to Windows 10 or 11) or are simply accustomed to seeing the Recycle Bin on your desktop, you might be frustrated trying to find it inside File Explorer. The short answer is: The Recycle Bin does not appear as a standard folder in File Explorer’s default "This PC" view.

However, it is accessible—just not where most people expect. Here is the complete breakdown of why Microsoft made this change and the several ways you can find it.

Sometimes an update hides the Recycle Bin from the desktop too. Here’s how to bring it back:

Yes. Press Win + E, then Alt + D to focus the address bar, type Recycle Bin, and press Enter.