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Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.

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See also

Change how the Recycle Bin looks

The Recycle Bin has two different appearances: one when it is empty and one when it has files or folders inside. These are the icons that represent the Recycle Bin in its two different states:

Picture comparing the Recycle Bin when empty and fullComparison of the Recycle Bin when empty (left) and full (right)

You can customize the appearance of the Recycle Bin by changing one or both of these icons.

To change how the Recycle Bin looks

  1. Open Personalization by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, and then clicking Personalization.

  2. Click Change Desktop icons.

  3. In the list of desktop icons, click Recycle Bin (full) or Recycle Bin (empty), and then do one of the following:

    • To change the Recycle Bin to a new icon, click Change Icon. Select an icon from the list, and then click OK.

    • To change the Recycle Bin to its original icon, click Restore Default.

Note

Note

If you change your desktop theme, the appearance of your Recycle Bin icon might change accordingly.

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