Skip to content
LogoTechnipages
LogoTechnipages
  • Topics
        • Android
        • Browsers
        • Gaming
        • Hardware
        • Internet
        • iPhone
        • Linux
        • macOS
        • Office
        • Reviews
        • Software
        • Windows
        • Definitions
        • All Recent Posts
  • Product Reviews
  • About

Windows 10: Change Recycle Bin Icon

Mel HawthorneMay 11, 2020 Comments (3)

Configuring your computer to look the way you want is an important part of making a new computer feel like it’s really yours. Changing the appearance of your desktop icons is a way to do this that few people know about. While most people are used to the default icons for apps like Recycle Bin on their desktop, you can change the icon.

Windows includes a set of default icons that you can choose from, it’s also possible to import your own icons if you prefer. This guide will walk you through the process of changing the icon for Recycle Bin in Windows 10.

To change the icon for Recycle Bin you need to open the Settings app to the Themes settings in the Personalisation section. To do so, press the Windows key, type “Themes, and related settings” and hit enter. The link to “Desktop icon settings” is on the far right of the page at the top of the “Related Settings” settings.

Click “Desktop icon settings” on the far right of the window.

The Desktop Icon Settings window allows you to configure which desktop icon is displayed on the desktop. To change the actual icon used to represent Recycle Bin, highlight one of the Recycle Bin icons, and click “Change Icon…”.

Tip: There are two different icons for Recycle Bin, “full” and “empty”. The “full” icon is used when the Recycle Bin has files in it, whereas the “empty” icon is used when there’s nothing in it.

Highlight one of the Recycle Bin icons and click “Change Icon…”.

The Change Icon window contains a list of default icons you can choose from. This list contains generic icons which are mostly designed for other purposes. If you don’t want to use any of those icons, you can import your own icon file by clicking “Browse…”.

Select the icon you want to use from the list or import an icon to use.

Once you’ve selected the icon you want to use, click “OK” to confirm your selection. You’ll need to click “Apply” in the Desktop Icon Settings window to apply the change.

Tip: You can disable the Recycle Bin desktop icon entirely if you want. You can do so by unticking the Recycle Bin checkbox at the top of the Desktop Icon Settings window and then clicking the “Apply” button.

Categories: Windows

Author Mel Hawthorne

You Might Also Like

  • windows-system-registry-file-missing-or-contains-errors

    Fix: System Registry File Is Missing or Contains Errors

    Madalina DinitaWindows
  • roll-back-from-windows-11-to-windows-10

    How to Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10

    Madalina DinitaWindows
  • How to Fix Windows Printer Error 0x0000011b

    How to Fix Windows Printer Error 0x0000011b

    Madalina DinitaWindows
  • Outlook: Your Digital ID Name Cannot Be Found

    Madalina DinitaWindows

Comments

  1. Ron says:
    December 29, 2022 at 2:03 pm

    When I follow these steps only the empty is changed and when I put something in the recycle bin the full icon does not appear, the empty still shows.

  2. Kathy Roman says:
    February 2, 2021 at 10:57 pm

    This was great. I knew it couldn’t be that hard but apparently, using Save As on the web page creates a shortcut that does not allow you to change the icon even though it is a better shortcut.
    I am attempting to create a shortcut for my staff to use to enter our new webpage url only accessible to us. If I use the Save As on the web page, I am stuck with the default browser icon. If I follow your guidelines, I get a shortcut only useable on the PC I created it on. What is the best method to create a shortcut with icon that I could make available to my staff no matter what machine they choose to use it on?

  3. Promise says:
    August 22, 2020 at 8:06 am

    This article help me.
    Please ignore my two previous comment.
    Thank you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • roblox error 280

    Having Trouble With Roblox Error 280? Here’s What to Do

  • hard disk smart command error

    Hard Disk SMART Command Failed – How to Fix 

  • files automatically deleted on click

    Files Getting Deleted Automatically? Here Are Some Reasons Why

  • error 400 when signing in

    Encountered Error 400 When Signing In to Microsoft? Here’s What You Can Do 

  • unable to create notebook error in onenote

    We Were Unable to Create Your Notebook Error in OneNote – Common Fixes 

profile pic

The Experts Behind Technipages

My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

Learn More

technipages logo white
linkedin icon

Technipages is part of Guiding Tech Media, a leading digital media publisher focused on helping people figure out technology. Learn more about our mission and team here.

© 2026 Guiding Tech Media All Rights Reserved

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

© 2026 Guiding Tech Media All Rights Reserved

Information from your device can be used to personalize your ad experience.
Do not sell my personal information.

Last Updated on May 11, 2020 by Mitch Bartlett