How to Empty Trash on Windows 11
If you’re a Windows 11 user and have been wondering how to empty the trash on your computer, you’ve come to the right place. Emptying the trash is an essential task that helps free up storage space and keep your system running smoothly. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to empty the trash on Windows 11.
Step 1: Open the File Explorer
The first step in emptying the trash on Windows 11 is to open the File Explorer. You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar, or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Navigate to the Recycle Bin
Once the File Explorer is open, you’ll need to navigate to the Recycle Bin. This is typically found on the left-hand side of the File Explorer window under the “Quick Access” section. Double-click on the Recycle Bin to open it.
Step 3: Empty the Recycle Bin
With the Recycle Bin open, you’ll see a list of deleted files and folders. To empty the Recycle Bin, click on the “Empty Recycle Bin” button located at the top of the window. A confirmation dialog box will appear, asking you to confirm that you want to delete all items in the Recycle Bin.
Step 4: Confirm the Deletion
Click “Yes” on the confirmation dialog box to confirm that you want to empty the Recycle Bin. This will permanently delete all the files and folders in the Recycle Bin, and they will no longer be recoverable.
Alternative Method: Use the Command Prompt
If you prefer using the Command Prompt, you can also empty the Recycle Bin on Windows 11. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt, type “rmdir /s /q C:\$Recycle.Bin” and press Enter. Replace “C:” with the drive letter where your Recycle Bin is located if it’s not on the C: drive.
Conclusion
Emptying the trash on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. Whether you prefer using the File Explorer or the Command Prompt, following these instructions will help you free up storage space and keep your system running efficiently.
