How to remove recycle bin icon from desktop?

Question

Is it possible to remove the recycle bin icon on desktop?

Answer 1

Using Tweak UI is one way (on Windows XP).

What OS did you have in mind ?

Answer 2

Using Windows 7 (this applies to win xp/vista as well)

• right click on the desktop
• select personalize (properties)
• Click on Change desktop icons (select desktop, customize desktop)
• uncheck Recycle bin and you're done

edit: updated with more detailed instructions for windows xp.

Answer 3

If you are aiming for a completely icon-free desktop, just right click the desktop, go to "View", then un-select "Show Desktop Icons"

Answer 4

if you're using Windows XP, the most elegant way to do this is to add the option Show Recycle Bin icon on the desktop to the Folder Options

Copy the following code into notepad save the file as Recycle.reg and then double-click it.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\RecycleBinOnDesktop]
"RegPath"="Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\HideDesktopIcons\\NewStartPanel"
"Text"="Show Recycle Bin icon on the desktop"
"Type"="checkbox"
"ValueName"="{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}"
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000000
"UncheckedValue"=dword:00000001
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000000
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001

To hide or show the Recycle Bin icon using Folder Options, follow these steps:

1.In Windows Explorer, in the Tools menu (or in the Control Panel), click Folder Options.

2.On the View tab, under Advanced Settings, do one of the following:

Clear the Show Recycle Bin icon on the desktop check box to remove the icon from your desktop.

Select the Show Recycle Bin icon on the desktop check box to show the icon on your desktop.