How to Remove the Trash Can From Desktops

Declutter your computer desktop by removing the Recycle Bin.

Deleting a file or folder on a Windows computer transfers it to the trash can -- also known as the Recycle Bin -- on the computer desktop screen. The Recycle Bin temporarily stores deleted items until the computer shuts down or the user choose to permanently delete the item. This gives users some time to retrieve mistakenly deleted files and folders. The Recycle Bin is a useful utility, but you can easily remove it from the computer desktop by changing the desktop icon settings.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button on the desktop toolbar.

2. Type "desktop icons" into the search field at the bottom of the Start menu.

3. Click the "Show or Hide Common Icons on the Desktop" link from the search results. This opens the "Desktop Icon Settings" dialog box.

4. Click the check-box beside "Recycle Bin" to remove it from view.

5. Click the "OK" button. This hides the Recycle Bin on the computer desktop.

Tips & Warnings

• Removing the Recycle Bin icon from view doesn't permanently delete the feature. To return the Recycle Bin to the desktop, follow the same procedure but click the check-box to select the "Recycle Bin" in Step 4.

References

• Microsoft Windows 7: Show or Hide the Recycle Bin

Resources

• Microsoft Windows 7: Help & How-To