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Emptying Trash Bin

GiGi 0 Reputation points
2026-05-31T19:49:21.47+00:00

I'm trying to free up storage on my computer. How do I locate and empty trash in Windows 11?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage
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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-31T19:49:29.7166667+00:00

    To free up storage by emptying trash in Windows 11, use the Recycle Bin. There are two common cases:

    1. Desktop icons are hidden (no Recycle Bin visible)
      1. Right-click on the desktop and select View.
      2. Make sure Show desktop icons is checked.
      3. If the Recycle Bin icon appears, right-click it and select Empty Recycle Bin, then confirm.
    2. Desktop shows icons but Recycle Bin is missing
      1. Open Settings.
      2. Go to Personalization > Themes.
      3. Select Desktop icon settings.
      4. Check the box for Recycle Bin, then select OK.
      5. On the desktop, right-click Recycle Bin and select Empty Recycle Bin, then confirm.

    Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently removes those files and frees the disk space.


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  2. CrazyKats 15,775 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-05-31T20:52:00.2566667+00:00

    Hi,

    Open Settings, System, Storage and

    Storage will find plenty of Temporary

    and other files that can be removed.

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  3. John Jefferson Doyon 72,030 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-31T20:27:06.92+00:00

    Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

    Do you see a Recycle Bin icon on your desktop? If so, right-click it and select Empty Recycle Bin.

    If you don't see it on the desktop:

    • Press Windows + S.
    • Type Recycle Bin and open it.
    • Review the files if needed.
    • Click Empty Recycle Bin at the top.

    The Recycle Bin is only one place that uses storage. If you're still low on space after emptying it, I can show you how to find other large files and folders that may be taking up space.

    "Free up drive space in Windows" https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/free-up-drive-space-in-windows-85529ccb-c365-490d-b548-831022bc9b32

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