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Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open it as an administrator.

Step 2: Clear the Recycle Bin

To remove all contents from the Recycle Bin, run the following command:

rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.Bin

Explanation:

• rd — Removes directories.
• /s — Includes all subdirectories.
• /q — Quiet mode; no confirmation prompt.

This command instantly deletes all files from the Recycle Bin on all drives.

Step 3: Disable the Recycle Bin (Make it Hidden)

To prevent users from using the Recycle Bin, you can change its attributes:

attrib +s +h C:\$Recycle.Bin

Explanation:

• attrib — Modifies file/folder attributes.
• +s — Sets the system attribute.
• +h — Hides the directory from users.

This makes the Recycle Bin system folder hidden and less accessible.

Step 4: Verify the Changes

To check if the Recycle Bin is cleared or hidden, you can try accessing it manually:

1. Press Win + R, type shell:RecycleBinFolder, and press Enter.
2. If successful, you should see an empty folder or restricted access.

Important Considerations:

• Permanent Deletion: Once disabled, deleted files bypass the Recycle Bin and cannot be recovered.
• Administrator Rights Required: Ensure you have proper permissions to run these commands.
• Use with Caution: Test in a non-production environment first to avoid unintended data loss.

Conclusion: Using Command Prompt to disable or clear the Recycle Bin provides a quick and effective way to manage file deletion on Windows. Whether you’re looking to enhance security or free up disk space, this method is ideal for advanced users and system administrators. Just remember to proceed carefully to avoid losing important data permanently.