Corrupted Recycle Bin in Windows 11: 6 Quick Fixes 🛠️🗑️
According to one user, opening the Recycle Bin in Windows 11 displays an error saying, "The Recycle Bin on C:\ is corrupted. Do you want to empty the Recycle Bin on this drive?" This error message prevents users from accessing the Recycle Bin and restoring their files. 🗑️🚫
If you've been receiving the same or a similar error when trying to open the Recycle Bin in Windows 11, continue reading this guide. Below, we share some simple methods to fix the corrupted Recycle Bin issue in Windows 11. 🔧💻
1. Restart your Windows PC
The first thing you should do to resolve the corrupted Recycle Bin error is to restart your computer. A simple restart can help fix issues related to the Recycle Bin. 🔄✨
You may be receiving the error simply due to a bug or glitch in the operating system. You can clear any such error by restarting your PC.
Then, click the Windows Start button and select the Shut Down menu. In the Shut Down menu, choose Restart to restart your computer.
2. Reset the Recycle Bin
You can use the Command Prompt utility to reset the Recycle Bin in Windows. Here's how to reset the Recycle Bin in Windows 11 using Command Prompt.
1. Type "Command Prompt" in Windows 11 search. Then, right-click on CMD and select Run as administrator.
2. When the Command Prompt opens, run the following command:
rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.bin
Important: You can replace the letter 'C' in the above command with the letter of the drive that is causing the error.
Note that the above command will delete all files and folders in the Recycle Bin; it won't even ask for confirmation. ⚠️❌
3. Run the CHKDSK command
If you're still receiving the Recycle Bin corruption error in Windows, it's best to run the CHKDSK command. Here's what to do.
1. Type "Command Prompt" in Windows 11 search. Then, right-click on CMD and select Run as administrator.
2. When the Command Prompt opens, run the following command:
chkdsk /re:
The command will take a while to complete. So be patient and don't close Command Prompt until the scan is complete. ⏳🖥️
Once the scan is complete, restart your computer. This will likely resolve the corrupted Recycle Bin error in Windows.
4. Run SFC and DISM commands
If you're still receiving the corrupted Recycle Bin error message, it's best to also run the SFC and DISM commands. These commands will find and fix corrupted system files. Here's how to perform the scans.
1. Type “CMD” in the Windows 11 search. Then, right-click CMD and select “Run as administrator.”
2. When Command Prompt opens, run the System File Checker tool with this command:
sfc /scannow
3. Once the scan is complete, or if it returns with an error, run the DISM command:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
After running both commands, restart your Windows 11 PC. This should fix the Recycle Bin issues you're facing.
5. Perform a system restore
If none of the above worked, your best option is to perform a system restore. System Restore rolls your PC back to the date the restore point was created. ⏪💾
This way, you can go back to when the Recycle Bin was working properly. Here's how to perform a system restore in Windows.
1. Type "Recovery" in Windows Search. Then, open the application. Recovery from the list of most relevant results.
2. On the Recovery screen, click Open System Restore.
3. On the next screen, select Choose a different restore point.
4. Select a restore point from a previous date and click Following.
5. In the confirmation message, click Finish.
This will return your Windows PC to the date when the Recycle Bin was working properly and without errors. 📅✅
6. Perform a full antivirus scan
Sometimes, malware and viruses can prevent the Recycle Bin from opening. So, if the problem is viruses or malware, you should perform a full antivirus scan. Here's how to do it.
1. Type "Windows Security" in the search box. Then, open the app. Windows Security from the list of most relevant results.
2. When the Windows Security app opens, select Protection against viruses and threats.
3. On the next screen, click on Scanning options.
4. Select Full Scan and click the button Scan Now.
Here's how to perform a full virus scan on a Windows 11 computer. After the scan is complete, try accessing the Recycle Bin again. 🦠🛡️
These are some simple and effective methods to solve The Recycle Bin corruption error on Windows 11 computers. Let us know if you need more help troubleshooting the Recycle Bin! 💬🤗
