The Windows Recycle Bin is a standard feature that allows you to temporarily keep files and folders you've deleted from your computer. Occasionally, you may need to clear out your Recycle Bin to create more storage space on your device. This guide from MiniTool System Booster provides six methods to help you empty the Recycle Bin step by step.

Why Should You Clear Out Your Recycle Bin?

Each time you delete a file or folder from your computer, it gets moved to the Recycle Bin. This program acts as a storage area for deleted items, providing a safety net against accidental deletions. By default, the Recycle Bin folder is located in the C:\$Recycle.Bin directory, meaning all the metadata of the deleted files, folders, and shortcuts accumulate in the C: partition.

While the Recycle Bin gives you the opportunity to reconsider and recover the items you've previously deleted, it does have its limitations. The deleted files still reside on your computer, taking up valuable hard drive storage space. Over time, this can clutter your Windows system and affect performance.

Thus, regularly clearing your Recycle Bin is advisable. Below are six distinct methods to empty the Recycle Bin on Windows 10/11. Scroll down for detailed instructions.

How to Empty the Recycle Bin Using MiniTool System Booster?

Clearing the Recycle Bin involves permanently removing files from it. For this purpose, MiniTool System Booster is a great choice. This PC optimization software helps enhance your computer's overall performance by defragmenting drives, disabling unnecessary startup programs, ending resource-heavy processes, and cleaning up junk files, among other things.

Moreover, MiniTool System Booster can identify and resolve over 30,000 issues on your computer. It features the Deepclean function, which thoroughly cleans your system to provide more free storage space for programs to run efficiently.

Here’s how to empty the Recycle Bin using MiniTool System Booster:

Step 1. Download MiniTool System Booster and enjoy most features for free during the first 15 days. Launch it to access the main interface.

Step 2. Click on Performance Home and then choose Deepclean from the dropdown menu.

Step 3. Tap on START CLEAN and it will sequentially initiate seven tasks. You can run them individually or skip some based on your preferences.

The Windows Cleanup task can help you delete items copied to the clipboard, log files, memory dump files, temporary files, and also empty the Recycle Bin. After scanning, you can select the items you wish to remove and click CLEAN SELECTED in the upper-right corner.

How to Empty the Recycle Bin Through the Desktop?

The simplest way is to empty the Recycle Bin directly from your desktop. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Locate the Recycle Bin shortcut on your desktop.

Step 2. Right-click on it and select Empty Recycle Bin from the context menu.

How to Empty the Recycle Bin Using Disk Cleanup?

Windows includes a built-in utility called Disk Cleanup that allows you to remove unnecessary files occupying space on your hard drive, including Temporary Internet Files, Delivery Optimization Files, Thumbnails, Downloaded Program Files, and files in the Recycle Bin. Here’s how to empty the Recycle Bin through it:

Step 1. Press Win R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2. Type cleanmgr and press Enter to launch Disk Cleanup.

Step 3. Select C drive and click OK.

Step 4. Check the box beside Recycle Bin and click OK to begin the process.

How to Empty the Recycle Bin Using Storage Sense?

Storage Sense is another Windows-built program designed to help you manage disk space more effectively. It can also clear the Recycle Bin on your Windows machine. Here’s how to do it:

Note: It’s important to note that Storage Sense is only available for Windows 1809 and later versions. If you’re running an older Windows version, proceed to the next method.

Step 1. Press Win I to open Windows Settings and select System.

Step 2. In the Storage section, scroll down to find Temporary Files and click on it.

Step 3. Check Recycle Bin and click Remove files.

How to Empty the Recycle Bin Using Command Prompt?

Command Prompt is one of the most useful tools in the Windows system. By simply entering certain commands, you can perform advanced administrative functions like emptying the Recycle Bin. To do so:

Step 1. Press Win S to bring up the search bar.

Step 2. Type cmd to locate Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 3. In the command window, type rd /s %systemdrive%$recycle.bin and press Enter.

Step 4. Type Y to confirm this action and wait for the process to finish.

How to Empty the Recycle Bin Using Windows PowerShell?

As a successor to Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell can achieve the same functionalities. Therefore, you can also permanently delete files from the Recycle Bin using it. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

Step 2. Type Clear-RecycleBin -Force and remember to press Enter.

We Welcome Your Feedback

In this guide, we’ve covered several methods for emptying the Recycle Bin on Windows 11/10. We’ve also introduced a tool called MiniTool System Booster to help free up more disk space. To make your computer run faster and smoother, give it a try now!

Do you encounter any issues while using our product? If so, feel free to contact us via . We’ll respond as quickly as possible.

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