How to Fix Recycle Bin Corrupted Error on Windows

One of the most useful utilities in Windows is the recycle bin; it stores data that you inadvertently remove and allows you to restore them later. Nonetheless, a lot of Windows 10/11 users have encountered issues lately while trying to open the Recycle Bin folder.

The customer claims that when they open the Recycle Bin in Windows 11, they receive an error message stating that “The Recycle Bin on C:\ is corrupted.” For this drive, would you like to empty the recycle bin? Users are unable to enter the Recycle bin and restore the files because of this error notice.

How to Fix Recycle Bin Corrupted Error on Windows
Therefore, keep reading the tutorial if you have been seeing this or a similar issue whenever you try to enter the Recycle Bin on Windows 11. We’ve included a few easy fixes for Windows 11’s Recycle Bin Corrupted issue below. Now let’s get going.

1. Turn on your Windows computer again.

Restarting your computer is the first step you should take to resolve the Recycle Bin Corrupted problem. To solve most Recycle Bin issues, all you need to do is restart the device.

It’s possible that an issue in your operating system is the only reason you’re seeing it. Restarting your computer can get rid of any issues or glitches like this.

So, click on the Windows Start button and select Power Menu. On the Power Menu, select Restart to restart your PC.

2. Reset the Recycle Bin
You can utilize the Command Prompt utility to reset the Recycle Bin on Windows. Here’s how to reset the Recycle Bin on Windows 11 using the Command Prompt.

1. Type in Command Prompt on the Windows 11 search. Next, right click on the CMD and select Run as administrator.

2. When the Command Prompt opens, execute the given command:

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

Important: You can change the letter of the drive that is generating the problem for the letter “C” in the command above.

Please be aware that the aforementioned command will remove every file and folder in the Recycle Bin without even prompting you for confirmation.

3. Execute the CHKDSK Program
It is recommended that you run the CHKDSK Command if you continue to receive the Recycle Bin Corrupted issue on Windows. This is what you should do.

1. In Windows 11 search, type Command Prompt. Next, choose Run as administrator from the menu when you right-click the CMD.

2. Run the specified command when the Command Prompt appears.

chkdsk /r e:

The command will take time to complete. So, be patient and don’t close the Command Prompt until the scan is complete.

Once the scan is completed, restart your computer. This will possibly fix the Recycle Bin corrupted error in Windows.

4. Run the SFC and DISM Commands
If you still get the Recycle Bin corrupted error message, it’s best to run the SFC and DISM Commands as well. SFC and DISM commands will find and fix corrupted system files. Here’s how to run the scans.

1. Type in CMD on the Windows 11 Search. Next, right click on the CMD and select Run as administrator.

2. When the Command Prompt opens, run the System File Checker tool with this command:

sfc /scannow

3. Once the scan is complete, or if it returns with an error, execute the DISM command:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After executing both commands, restart your Windows 11 PC. This should fix the Recycle Bin problems you’re facing.

5. Perform a System Restore
If nothing has worked until now, the next best option is to perform a system restore. System Restore rolls back your PC to the date the restore point was created.

You can therefore go back to the time when the Recycle Bin operated as intended. Here’s how you use Windows to accomplish a system restore.

1. Open Windows Search and type in Recovery. Next, select the Recovery app from the results list that shows the best match.

2. Select the option to Open System Restore from the Recovery screen.

3. Choose Choose an alternate restore point from the screen that appears next.

4. Click Next after selecting the Restore point of a previous date.

5. Select Finish from the confirmation prompt.

This will restore your Windows computer to a time when the recycle bin worked flawlessly and without any errors.

6. Run a Full Antivirus Scan
Sometimes malware & viruses can prevent the Recycle Bin from opening. So, if virus & malware is the issue, you must perform a full antivirus scan. Here’s what you need to do.

1. In the Search field, type Windows Security. The Windows Security app can then be accessed from the list of best-match results.

2. Choose Virus & Threat Protection once the Windows Security software starts.

3. Select Scan Options from the menu on the following screen.

4. Select Complete Scan now, then press the Scan Now button.

Here’s how to run a complete virus scan on a Windows 11 PC. Try entering the recycle bin one more after the scan is finished.

Thus, these are a few easy & efficient ways to resolve the Windows 11 Recycle Bin Corrupted problem. learn more 


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About ugamasontech

Welcome to UgamasonTech! I’m Ugama Stanley Chinedu, the passionate blogger behind this tech haven. With a deep-rooted love for technology and innovation, I explore the latest trends, reviews, and insights to keep you informed and ahead of the curve. Join me on a journey through the ever-evolving tech landscape as we uncover the future together.

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