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Deleted Files Not Going to Recycle Bin in Windows 10 [Fix]

Check the Recycle Bin Settings

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

SomeWindows 10users are surprised when the deleted files and other items are not going to theRecycle Bin. And it’s usually the misconfigured settings or an improper parameter to blame.

The Recycle Bin is a repository of files deleted with File Explorer, so you would usually expect to see recently erased files there. However, the Recycling Bin doesn’t always include deleted files.

Where do deleted files go in Windows 10?

Deleted files usually go into the$Recycle.binsystem folder from which you can restore them. This folder is in the rootC:directory.

However, as it’s a hidden folder, you’ll probably need to adjust some File Explorer settings to see$Recycle.binin your HDD’s root directory. You don’t need to see that folder, as there’s a direct shortcut to the Recycle Bin.

If you can’t find recently deleted files in the Recycle Bin, they’ve probably been erased. Files in the Recycle Bin aren’t truly deleted, but you can still erase files without them going into the bin first.

Users might get a little confused when that happens, as they expect files to be in the Recycle Bin.

What can I do if deleted files are not going to recycle Bin in Windows 10?

Before we proceed to the slightly complex solutions, here are some quick points to consider:

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Use a dedicated data recovery tool

Let us tell you from the start thatStellar Data Recoveryhas powerful file recovery capabilities, and we’re not talking about time-consuming procedures that you most likely try to avoid.

Most users have no idea how intuitive this tool is. Don’t be one of them, and read ourawesome Stellar Data Recovery reviewto learn all about it.

Whether it’s a lost document you have in mind, a photo, or some videos, Stellar’s tool has you covered. You need to try this widely trusted Windows data recovery solution.

Even inexperienced users will enjoy its user interface, while the data recovery process is self-explanatory.

All you need to do is to select the Recycle Bin folder location, clickScan, and thenRecoverto get back all recovered data.

Stellar Data Recovery

2. Deselect the Don’t move files to Recycle Bin option

If no deleted items appear in the Recycle Bin, you probably need to deselect theDon’t Move Files to Recycle Binoption Once done, all deleted files will go to Recycle Bin from now.

3. Increase the maximum size limit for Recycle Bin files

The Recycle Bin also includes aCustom sizeoption. That option enables you to adjust the maximum size of files you can delete and move to the Recycle Bin.

If you delete a file that eclipses that maximum figure, you will find deleted files not showing in Recycle Bin.

As such, entering a higher number in theMaximum sizetext box will also ensure that more files go to the Recycle Bin.

4. Reset the Recycle Bin

When deleted files are not going to Recycle Bin in Windows 10 or the latest iteration, another solution is to reset the app to its default settings. This will clear any misconfiguration that might be triggering the error.

Before you leave, find out how torecover files removed from the Recycle Bin.

As for the actual procedure, do keep in mind that it’s easier and less time-consuming to go forStellar Data Recoveryfrom the very start.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

Deleted Files Not Going to Recycle Bin in Windows 10 [Fix]#

Where do deleted files go in Windows 10?#

What can I do if deleted files are not going to recycle Bin in Windows 10?#

1. Use a dedicated data recovery tool#

Stellar Data Recovery#

2. Deselect the Don’t move files to Recycle Bin option#

3. Increase the maximum size limit for Recycle Bin files#

4. Reset the Recycle Bin#