Lecture Notes: Hiding and Revealing the Recycle Bin on Windows

Method 1: Using Themes and Related Settings

1. Open Themes Settings
   • Go to search.
   • Type in "themes and related settings" and click on it.
2. Access Desktop Icon Settings
   • Click on "Desktop icon settings" (Requires Windows activation).
3. Hide the Recycle Bin
   • Uncheck the Recycle Bin option.
   • Click on "Apply".
4. Reveal the Recycle Bin
   • To reveal, check the Recycle Bin option again.
   • Click on "Apply" and then "OK".

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor (Requires Windows 11 Pro or Beta)

1. Open Group Policy Editor
   • Go to search.
   • Type in gpedit.msc and click on it.
2. Navigate to Desktop Settings
   • Expand "Administrative Templates".
   • Click on "Desktop".
3. Enable Hide Recycle Bin
   • Double-click on "Hide Recycle Bin".
   • Enable it.
4. Update Group Policy via Command Prompt
   • Go to search.
   • Type in "CMD".
   • Run CMD as administrator and click "Yes".
5. Run Group Policy Update Command
   • Type in gpupdate /force.
   • Press Enter.
6. Restart Computer
   • Restart your computer to apply changes.