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This page was last updated on February 08, 2010

Windows Vista has a feature that allows you to delete even the Recycle Bin itself. Yes, you can just right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and select Delete as shown. This would delete the Recycle Bin. But how would you recover it? This article tells you how.

If you have accidentally deleted your Recycle Bin, you can recover it using the following process :

1. Right-click on an empty area on your desktop and select Personalize.
2. This would open the Personalization window. In this window, click on Change desktop icons on the left side as shown.
   
3. In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the checkbox labeled Recycle Bin as shown and click OK.
   
4. Close the Personalization window.

The Recycle Bin icon would immediately appear back on your desktop. If not, then right-click on an empty area on your desktop and select Refresh.