How to Delete Files from a USB Drive to the Recycle Bin in Windows 10 and Windows 11

In Windows 10 and Windows 11, files deleted from a USB drive are typically removed permanently, bypassing the Recycle Bin. This can be inconvenient if you accidentally delete an important file and want to recover it. To change this behavior and enable sending deleted USB files to the Recycle Bin, there are several methods you can use. Let’s explore the main options for setting up file recovery when deleting from external drives.

Method 1: Using Third-Party Programs

Windows doesn’t natively support sending files deleted from a USB drive to the Recycle Bin, but you can add this functionality with third-party tools like USB Recycle Bin or iBin. These programs create a Recycle Bin on the USB drive itself, allowing you to recover deleted files if needed.

Example using USB Recycle Bin:

  1. Download and install USB Recycle Bin.
  2. After installation, the program will automatically run when a USB drive is connected and intercept file deletions.
  3. Deleted files will be moved to a Recycle Bin created on the USB drive, from where you can restore them if needed.

Method 2: Enabling File History

Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer the File History feature, which creates backup copies of files on removable drives. Although it doesn’t exactly replicate the Recycle Bin function, it can act as a backup solution and allow file restoration after deletion.

How to enable File History:

  1. Connect the USB drive to your computer.
  2. Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Backup”.
  3. Select “Add a drive” and set your USB drive as the storage device for file backups.
  4. Activate the File History feature.

Method 3: Manually Moving Files to the Recycle Bin

If you want to send files from a USB drive to the Recycle Bin, a simple approach is to move the files first to your desktop or another folder on your computer, and then delete them. This action will send the files to the Recycle Bin, allowing for recovery if needed.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Copy the file from the USB drive to your desktop or another folder.
  2. Delete the file from the USB drive.
  3. Then delete the file from your desktop — it will go to the Recycle Bin.