Disabling the Windows Recycle Bin

Disabling the Recycle Bin is useful when you have to delete large files or folders such as game installs, virtualized images of discs or media. For example, you can manually back up your music folder periodically and simply delete the old one. This process can take 30 minutes while your computer sends the individual files to the Recycle Bin. However, it only requires a few moments if you disable the Recycle Bin and you don't have to empty the bin later

You'll see that you can change Recycle Bin settings for every drive connected to your computer. This enables you to always directly delete files from an external hard drive. However, you should remember to enable the Recycle Bin once more if you're at all worried about accidentally deleting data that you might need in the future. Otherwise, that data will become permanently erased, and you will not be able to retrieve it. Any files already in the Recycle Bin will remain there even while it's turn off, so you can restore them or permanently delete the data.


Disable the Recycle Bin

. Right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop

. Select "Properties."

. Click "Don't move files to the recycle bin."

. Click "Apply." Then click "Ok." 

Delete any data that you need to bypass the Recycle Bin. Repeat the process for additional drives connected to your computer. The same steps will allow you to enable your Recycle Bin, but you will need to select "Custom Size" to re-enable the Recycle Bin. The default size will remain selected when you enable the bin, so you have to make no changes. You can increase or decrease the size of the Recycle Bin to adjust the capacity of your hard drive that you dedicate to the bin.

These steps apply to Windows 7 and may vary with other versions of the operating system. When using a touchscreen without a mouse, long-press the Recycle Bin icon rather than right-clicking.