You can Fix ‘Recycle Bin is Greyed Out’ issue on Windows 11/10 and you can do so by following the instructions in this step-by-step guide. It will assist you in regaining access to the Recycle Bin option within the Desktop Icon Settings panel, allowing you to once again display or conceal the Recycle Bin on the Desktop. You can quickly resolve the issue even if it was disabled inadvertently or as a result of malware, adware, or other software.
There are two different approaches to resolving the issue on a computer running Windows 10. You have the option of using the Registry Editor or the Local Group Policy Editor. If you are using the Windows 11 Home edition of the operating system, you will need to use the Registry Editor method because your computer does not have the Local Group Policy Editor installed.
Why ‘Recycle Bin is Greyed Out’ issue on Windows 11/10
- The Recycle Bin has been disabled. This can be done accidentally or intentionally by a user or by a third-party program.
- The Recycle Bin is full. If the Recycle Bin is full, it will be greyed out and you will not be able to delete any more files to it.
- The Recycle Bin is corrupted. This can happen due to a variety of factors, such as a power outage, a virus infection, or a hardware failure.
- There is a problem with your user account permissions. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you may not have permission to access the Recycle Bin.
- There is a problem with the Windows system files. If the Windows system files are corrupted, it can cause a variety of problems, including the Recycle Bin being greyed out.
Fix: ‘Recycle Bin is Greyed Out’ issue on Windows 11/10
Check if the Recycle Bin is Enabled
- To make your desktop your own, right-click it and choose “Personalize.”
- Get to the left sidebar and click on “Themes.”
- After going down a bit, click on “Desktop icon settings.”
- Check that the “Recycle Bin” box is marked. Check it if it’s not already and click “Apply” or “OK.”
Perform a System Restore
- To open the Run box, press Win + R.
- This will start the System Restore wizard. Type rstrui and press Enter.
- To choose a restore point from a time when the Recycle Bin worked properly, follow the steps shown on the screen.
- After making your choice, confirm it and wait for the system restore to finish.
- Once the restoration is done, make sure the Recycle Bin works the way it should.
Create a New User Profile
- Click on Accounts and then on Family and other users.
- To make a new user profile, click “Add account” and then follow the on-screen instructions given.
- Use the new profile to log in and see if the Recycle Bin works.
Check Group Policies
- Click on Accounts and then on Family and other users.
- To make a new user profile, click “Add account” and then follow the on-screen instructions given.
- Use the new profile to log in and see if the Recycle Bin works.
Run System File Checker
- Press Win + X and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This command will scan and repair corrupted system files.
- After the scan is complete, restart your computer and check if the Recycle Bin is accessible.
FAQs
The Recycle Bin icon on your desktop may become grayed out due to a bug in the desktop icons. If that doesn’t work, you can try adding the Recycle Bin icon again.
To move the Recycle Bin icon to the Quick Access area, click and hold on the icon in the address bar. In Windows 11, a shortcut will be made and pinned. On the other hand, you can right-click the Quick Access icon in the Navigation Pane and choose “Pin current folder to Quick Access.”
Recycle Bin is not a separate app on Windows PCs. It is a part of Windows File Explorer. Remember, when you open Recycle Bin, it opens in the Windows File Explorer. So, if you cannot empty Recycle Bin, restarting the Windows File Explorer should help.
