The digitalnomad recently asked me if it was possible to remove the Recycle Bin from the Desktop, it is possible with a simple Registry Hack!

As always, please read this important information on editing the System Registry.

How To

  1. Hit the Windows Key+R, type regedit into the run dialog and hit OK.
  2. Now that you’re in the the Registry, navigate to this key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace
  3. Under NameSpace, right-click the {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} key and click “Delete”.
    Right-click The Key And Click Delete

The changes will be immediate (if not, you may need to restart the machine).

Optional

Now, you really should export the key. This way, if you want to replace the Recycle Bin, you can!

Instead of clicking “Delete”, click “Export” and save the key in a safe place.

Help!

If you didn’t save the key and you want it back, follow these instructions:

  1. navigate to this key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace
  2. Right-click on NameSpace, click “New” and then click “Key”
  3. Name the new key:
    {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
  4. Close the Registry and the Recycle Bin will appear!