What is the recycle bin?
Sometimes files and folders can clutter your computer. The Recycle Bin, the desktop icon that resembles a wastebasket, is where you put a file or folder if you want to delete it.
You can open the Recycle Bin anytime
and see what’s inside by double-clicking the Recycle Bin icon
located on the desktop or by using Windows Explorer.
Inside, you’ll see a list of deleted
items.
Placing
files in the recycle Bin
To
move an items to the recycle bin form the desktop, windows explorer, or my
computer:
1.
Right-click
the file or folder you want to delete.
2.
When
the pop-up menu appears, choose Delete.
3.
A
dialog box appears asking whether you are sure you want to send the file or
folder to the Recycle Bin.
4.
Click
Yes.
To
move an items to the recycle bin form windows explorer or my computer:
1.
Click
the file or folder you want to delete.
2.
The
file or folder darkens.
3.
Choose
delete this file (or Delete this folder) from the File and Folder
Tasks list.
Retrieving
files from the recycle bin
Placing an item in the Recycle Bin
doesn’t mean you can’t retrieve it at a later date. Using the Restore all
items link (located in the Recycle Bin Tasks list) will move all files and
folders in the Recycle Bin back to their original locations on your
computer.
To
restore all items in the recycle bin:
1.
Click
the restore all items link in the Recycle Bins Tasks list.
2.
The
items are restored to their original locations.
To
restore one file, click to select the file:
1.
Restore all items changes to Restore this item.
2.
Click
Restore this item.
3.
The
item is restored to its original location.
Emptying
the recycle bin
Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently
deletes items. From this point, they cannot be recovered. Empty your
Recycle Bin periodically to keep your computer running smoothly.
To
empty the recycle bin:
▶ Click the Empty the Recycle Bin link
in the Recycle Bin Tasks list.
