6 Ways to Empty the Recycle Bin in Windows 10 & 11

By Timothy Tibbetts

on 06/15/2023

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The Recycle Bin is a nice feature that saves deleted files so they can easily be restored. While we all empty the Recycle Bin regularly, there are many ways to empty it that should suit your needs.

1: Empty the Recycle Bin From Desktop

Most of us are used to right-clicking on the Recycle Bin on the Desktop and click on Empty Recycle Bin.

2: Empty the Recycle Bin From File Explorer

Download Add or Remove the Recycle Bin to File Explorer Navigation from MajorGeeks. This is perfect for those of us who don't use our Desktop often.

Once you apply the registry files, right-click on Recycle Bin and click on Empty Recycle Bin.

3: Empty the Recycle Bin From File Explorer Ribbon

Double-click the Recycle Bin and click on Empty Recycle Bin.

There are additional options here as well.

4: Empty the Recycle Bin From Disk Cleanup

Press the Windows Key + R, and type in cleanmgr and press Enter.

Check Recycle Bin, click OK, click Delete Files.

Disk Cleanup will automatically close.

5: Empty the Recycle Bin From Command Prompt

Open the Command Prompt.

Type in:

PowerShell Clear-RecycleBin -force -ErrorAction:Ignore

6: Empty the Recycle Bin From PowerShell

Open PowerShell.

Type in:

Clear-RecycleBin -force -ErrorAction:Ignore

Similar:

How to Add or Remove the Recycle Bin to File Explorer Navigation

How to Pin the Recycle Bin to the Taskbar in Windows 10

How to Empty the Recycle Bin When Shutting Down Your Computer

How to Automatically Empty the Recycle Bin in Windows 10

How to Protect Files and Folders from Being Deleted

How to Securely Delete Files in Windows 10 With PowerShell and Cipher

How to Add 'Secure Delete' to the Windows 10, 8 and 7 Context Menu