How to Add the Recycle Bin to Windows 11 Taskbar

Windows 11 does not provide an inbuilt tool to pin the Recycle Bin to the taskbar. However, the steps in this guide provide a walkaround.

Step 1: Create a Recycle Bin Shortcut

1. Right-click the Windows desktop, select New, and click Shortcut.

2. Then, on the first page of the “Create Shortcut” wizard, enter the following and click Next.

%SystemRoot%explorer.exe shell:RecycleBinFolder

3. Finally, name the shortcut Recycle Bin and click Finish.

Step 2: Change the Shortcut Icon to Recycle Bin

1. Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.

2. Then, click the Shortcut tab, “Change icon.”

3. On the “Look for icons on this file:” enter the path below and click the enter key to load the icons. Then, locate the Recycle Bin icon, select it, and click OK twice.

%SystemRoot%System32SHELL32.dll

Step 3: Pin the Recycle Bin Shortcut to the Taskbar

Press and hold the Shift key, right-click the new Recycle Bin shortcut you created, and select “Pin to taskbar.” The Recycle Bin will be pinned to the taskbar.

Conclusion

Pinning the Recycle Bin to the taskbar makes it easily accessible especially if you’re hiding desktop items. Let me know what you think about this guide by responding to the “Was this page helpful?” question below.