How to Reset or Repair a Corrupted Recycle Bin on Windows 10 & 11

If you’re seeing an error message stating that the Recycle Bin on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 drive is corrupted, don’t worry. This quick guide will walk you through the steps to reset or repair it.

Key Takeaways

• You can reset or repair a corrupted Recycle Bin using the Command Prompt.
• This method works for any drive on Windows 10 or 11.
• No special software is needed—just follow the simple steps below.

Steps to Reset or Repair the Recycle Bin

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

• Click on the search icon in your taskbar.
• Type “CMD” to search for the Command Prompt.
• Right-click the Command Prompt app and select “Run as administrator.”

2. Use the Command to Reset the Recycle Bin

• Copy the command: rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.bin
• Replace “C” with the drive letter where your Recycle Bin is corrupted (e.g., “Z” if it’s on drive Z).

3. Execute the Command in Command Prompt

• Paste the command into the Command Prompt by pressing CTRL + V.
• Press Enter to run the command.
• The Recycle Bin on the specified drive will be reset.

4. Test the Recycle Bin

• Delete a file from the drive where the Recycle Bin was corrupted.
• Empty the Recycle Bin to confirm the error is resolved.

Conclusion

Repairing a corrupted Recycle Bin on Windows 10 and 11 is straightforward with the right command. Following these steps will resolve the issue, allowing you to manage your deleted files without encountering any errors.

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FAQs

What does the command “rd /s /q C:$Recycle.bin” do?

This command removes the Recycle Bin folder for the specified drive, forcing Windows to recreate it, which resolves corruption issues.

Can I use this method on any drive?

Yes, you can use this method to reset the Recycle Bin on any drive, just make sure to replace the “C” in the command with the correct drive letter.

What should I do if the Recycle Bin is still corrupted after running the command?

If the problem persists, try restarting your computer. If the issue continues, there may be deeper issues with the drive that require more advanced troubleshooting.

Is this method safe to use?

Yes, this method only resets the Recycle Bin on the specified drive and won’t affect your files or system settings.

Do I need to download any software for this fix?

No, you don’t need any additional software. All steps can be completed using the Command Prompt on your Windows system.