The Recycle Bin acts as a safe fallback when you delete a file or folder and need to restore that file or folder. Whether you accidentally deleted it or need to review it, the recycle bin is there to save you time. That is until you can’t access it because the Recycle Bin is grayed out in Windows 10 computers.
That will lead to a bunch of problems like you can’t empty the recycle bin, can’t access the recycle bin or recover deleted files/folders and can’t access the recycle bin settings because they are also colored grey. We are here to help.
Let’s get started.
1. Re-add the trash can icon
Right-click anywhere on the desktop to select Personalize.
Select Theme from the sidebar in the Settings window that opens next, scroll a bit, and click Settings desktop icon here.
Uncheck the Trash option here and save everything. Now select again and save. Check if the trash can icon is grayed out on the desktop.
2. Restart
Restarting your Windows 10 computer can resolve a lot of common and minor errors like the one you’re experiencing right now. I also recommend updating your OS while you’re at it. Press Windows key + I to open Settings and click Update & Security.
You can check for updates here and download and install them.
Once done, reboot and check if the recycle bin is grayed out.
3. Empty the Trash
If you are worried that someone might access the files/folders that you just deleted, there is another way to empty the recycle bin. Open Settings and click on System Storage.
The computer will take some time to calculate the storage resources, then you need to click on the Temporary files option.
Select Recycle Bin here along with any other options you think you need to delete and click Delete Files at the top of the list.
4. Admin User Account
Does your user account have admin rights? Ask your administrator if you are unsure. If you are an individual, switch to an administrator account now if using a guest user account.
If you are still facing the same problem when the recycle bin is grayed out, create a new user account with administrator privileges. Open Settings again and go to Accounts > Family & other users. Select Add someone else to this PC.
Click I don’t have this person’s login information.
Click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Follow the on-screen instructions afterwards to create a new account and make sure to grant administrator permissions. When done, restart your computer once and sign in with the new account. Check again if the recycle bin is grayed out.
5. Third-party apps
Are you using Rainmeter to manage and access the recycle bin? For that reason, some users have reported facing accessibility issues. Disable the app once and see if the problem is resolved. Disable or uninstall any other apps you’re using to replace or manage the recycle bin.
Did you install some apps recently or maybe updating an old app could be causing a conflict? Usually that’s not a problem when it comes to the recycle bin, but if you’re in doubt, do a clean boot to find out.
6. The trash can is broken
Files, folders, and even system apps can get corrupted at any time. Some common reasons include malware, viruses, and direct or no system shutdown. I wrote another detailed guide on how to fix a broken recycle bin a while ago. Check it out.
7. Registry Editor
Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run prompt and type re-edit before pressing Enter.
See detailed directory structure below.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\NonEnum
In my case the folder NonEnum didn’t exist and if that’s your case, skip this step. Otherwise you will see a DWORD file named:
{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
If not, right click anywhere in the right window pane and create a 32-bit DWORD file named above. Don’t forget the curly braces.
Double-click the file to open it and set the Hexadecimal value to 0.
Save everything and then drill down into the underlying folder structure.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\NonEnum
Again, check the filename above. If there isn’t one, create one with the same name and give it the same value. Save everything and check if the recycle bin is grayed out or you can access it now.
8. Group Policy Editor
GP Editor is only available in Windows Pro and Enterprise editions. If you are using the Home version, skip this step. Open the Run prompt again as you did before and type gpedit.msc before pressing Enter.
Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop and search for the file named Remove Trash icon from desktop in the right window pane.
Double-click the file to open it and set the status to Enabled.
Save everything and check again if the trash is visible or grayed out.
Recycle it
Recycling waste, whether files and folders or plastic, is a healthy habit. It reduces wasted storage space, keeps disks clutter-free and provides a safe solution in case of accidental deletion. Trash is a great little app, but only as long as it works. Did you know that pressing the Shift key when deleting a file/folder will bypass the Recycle Bin? It will be permanently deleted.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
