How to Put the Recycle Bin on a Desktop

By default, Windows 7 places a shortcut to the Recycle Bin on your desktop. Unlike other shortcuts, the Recycle Bin shortcut graphically changes to depict an empty or full Recycle Bin. If you no longer see the Recycle Bin on your desktop, then someone either removed it or chose to hide desktop icons. In either case, putting the Recycle Bin icon back on your Windows 7 desktop requires a little reconfiguration.

Instructions

Viewing Desktop Icons

1. Right-click an empty area of the Windows 7 desktop. If you cannot see your desktop, hold the "Windows" key and press "M" to automatically minimize all open windows and display your desktop.

2. Hover your mouse pointer over "View" in the right-click menu.

3. Click "Show desktop icons." If you see a check mark next to "Show desktop icons," then desktop icons are already configured for display. If not, click the box to add a check mark there.

Adding the Recycle Bin Icon

1. Right-click an empty area of the desktop and select "Personalize."

2. Click "Change desktop icons" on the left pane of the "Personalization" window.

3. Check "Recycle Bin" in the "Desktop Icons" section of the "Desktop Icon Settings" window, and click "OK" to put the Recycle Bin on the desktop.