If your desktop has no icons at all, right-click a blank spot and select View > Show desktop icons. If other icons are still visible, go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings, select Recycle Bin, and click OK.
01Start with the desktop itself
Section linkMinimize open windows so you can see the desktop. Right-click an empty area and open View. If Show desktop icons is unchecked, select it once. Check the desktop again. If other shortcuts return and the Recycle Bin is still missing, check its separate setting.
02Restore the Recycle Bin from Themes
Section linkOpen Settings, then choose Personalization and Themes. Look under Related settings for Desktop icon settings. In that dialog, tick Recycle Bin and click OK. Return to the desktop and double-click the icon to check that it opens.
03Separate a missing icon from missing personal shortcuts
Section linkIf the Recycle Bin returns but your own folders or shortcuts are still missing, check the Desktop folder in File Explorer. If you use OneDrive to back up Desktop, also look in the OneDrive Desktop folder for the expected account. The Recycle Bin checkbox controls the system icon, so use the folder check for anything you originally saved to the desktop.