Search guides

Fix Windows that has recycle bin that will not empty

We'll close programs, run as Administrator, and force empty via Command Prompt—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–25 min
What you'll need
  • Administrator account
Step 1 of 5

Quick triage — pick your path

Get started

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

Show full guide

Steps

Goal: Close programs, run as Administrator, and force empty via Command Prompt.

  • Close all programs. Run File Explorer as Administrator. Empty Recycle Bin.
  • Good: Bin empty. You are done.
  • Bad: Use rd /s /q C:$Recycle.Bin from Command Prompt.

Close programs

Goal: Release files so the Recycle Bin can empty.

  • Close all programs. Task Manager, end related processes. Try empty.
  • Good: Bin empties.
  • Bad: Run Explorer as Administrator.

Force empty

Goal: Remove the Recycle Bin folder so Windows recreates it empty.

  • Command Prompt as Administrator. rd /s /q C:$Recycle.Bin. Repeat for D:, etc.
  • Good: Bin is empty. Windows recreates the folder.
  • Bad: Run chkdsk C: /f for disk errors.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • The Recycle Bin still will not empty.
  • You see disk errors from chkdsk.
  • You are unsure about these steps.

Verification

  • Recycle Bin shows empty or “No items.”
  • No error when emptying.
  • Each drive’s Recycle Bin is empty if you have multiple drives.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Close programs End processes that may be using files.
  2. Run as Administrator Run Explorer as Admin; empty.
  3. Force empty rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.Bin.
  4. Disk check chkdsk C: /f.
  5. Call a pro Disk errors; still will not empty.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Exact error message
  • Which drive(s) affected
  • Steps already tried

Are programs using files in the Recycle Bin?

Open files block empty.

Close all programs. Task Manager, end related processes. Good: Try empty—may work. Bad: Run Explorer as Administrator.

No Yes

You can change your answer later.

Close the program

End the process. Try empty again.

Done

Did empty work?

After closing, empty may succeed.

Right-click Recycle Bin, Empty. Good: Bin empty—you are done. Bad: Run Command Prompt: rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.Bin.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Force empty

Command Prompt as Admin. rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.Bin. Repeat for other drives. Run chkdsk if still failing.

Done

Recycle Bin empty

The Recycle Bin is empty. Check each drive if you have multiple.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would Recycle Bin not empty?
Files in use, permission issue, disk error, or corrupted Recycle Bin. Close programs and run as Administrator first.
What is $Recycle.Bin?
Hidden system folder on each drive that stores deleted files. Each drive has its own. Command Prompt can empty it directly.
When should I run chkdsk?
When empty fails and you suspect disk errors. chkdsk /f repairs the drive. Restart may be required.

Rate this guide

Was this helpful?

Continue to