4 Ways to Fix Recycle Bin Corrupted Error on Windows 11

Quick Fixes

• Delete all hidden files in the Recycle Bin app and restart your PC to fix the ‘Recycle Bin is corrupted’ error.
• Repair corrupt Recycle Bin app files using the System File Checker (SFC) scan.

Basic Fixes

• Run a Windows security scan: Malware in your Windows 11 system can easily corrupt the Recycle Bin. Open the Windows Security app, select ‘Virus & threat protection’, and click ‘Quick scan’ to remove the malware and fix the recycle bin corruption.
• Unplug the connected external drive: An external connected disk can malfunction the Recycle bin app and corrupt its contents. Unplug it and reboot the system.
• Restart the Windows Explorer: Restarting Windows Explorer is an effective way to resolve issues with the Recycle Bin, such as its contents not displaying properly or failing to refresh.
• Perform a System Restore: If you’re getting the ‘Recycle Bin is corrupted’ error or it suddenly fails to open, restore your Windows 11 system using the System Restore utility. Open the Run dialog using the Windows + R shortcut, type ‘rstrui’, and press Enter. Pick an old restore point and follow the on-screen instructions to complete it.

Fix 1: Repair Recycle Bin With CHKDSK Utility

CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a system tool to scan and fix all disk-related errors. You can run it with a single command on Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell to fix Recycle Bin errors.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Windows PowerShell, and click to open it.

Step 2: Paste the below command in the console, replace ‘X‘ with the Drive letter you’re facing issues with, and press Enter.

chkdsk X: /R

Step 3: Wait for the CHKDSK scan to complete and reboot your Windows 11 system.

Fix 2: Delete Hidden Files and Restore the Recycle Bin Icon

You might face the ‘Recycle Bin is Corrupted’ error on Windows if it contains hidden files that aren’t deleted. Clearing all the data in the Recycle Bin and restoring its icon manually should restore its normal functioning.

Step 1: Open the File Explorer app using the Windows + E shortcut. Click the three-dot menu at the top, and select Options.

Step 2: Open the View tab, enable Show hidden files, folders, and drives, and click Apply followed by OK to view all hidden items.

Step 3: Paste the below path into the File Explorer’s address bar and hit Enter to view all Recycle Bin app contents.

C:\$Recycle.Bin

Step 4: Delete all the contents and restart your PC to apply changes.

Step 5: Next, press the Windows + I shortcut to open Settings, select Personalization from the sidebar, and click Themes.

Step 6: Scroll down and select Desktop icon settings.

Step 7: Finally, enable Recycle Bin to reinstate its icon on your Desktop. If already enabled, disable and re-enable it. Click Apply followed by OK to save changes.

Fix 3: Reset Recycle Bin Using Command Prompt

If clearing the Recycle Bin contents manually doesn’t resolve its error, you can reset it using Command Prompt to restore normalcy.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.

Step 2: Paste the below command in the console, replace ‘X‘ with your system installation drive letter, and press Enter to reset the Recycle Bin.

rd /s /q X:\$Recycle.bin

Fix 4: Repair Corrupt System Files

Lastly, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) to scan and repair corrupt system files causing the ‘Recycle Bin is corrupted’ error.

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt with administrative permissions (check the above steps).

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow in the console and hit Enter. Reboot your system once the scan completes.