How to fix the recycle bin allocation error in Windows 10

 Every day we work on something on our systems and then keep deleting files, folders or apps when our task is completed. All these deleted items go to the recycle bin and from there we can delete them permanently or restore them later if needed. The Recycle Bin is perhaps one of the most self-evident Windows features.

However, even the Recycle Bin can suddenly throw an error when you try to open it. For example, you may see an error message: " There is no program associated with this file to perform this action. Please install a program, or if one is already installed, create a shortcut in the Default Programs control panel ."

However, the good news is that this can be fixed. Let's see how.

Method 1: Delete all files from Recycle Bin

The first thing you can do is permanently delete all files from Recycle Bin and check if the error is resolved. The problem can sometimes occur due to the files in Recycle Bin , so it is recommended to permanently delete the deleted files from Recycle Bin.

Just open the Recycle Bin (if it opens) and either select all files manually or press Ctrl+A simultaneously on your keyboard to select all files one by one and click Delete . At the prompt, click Yes to permanently delete all files.

The error should now be resolved, but if it persists, try the second method.

Method 2: Install all the latest updates

Often the Recycle Bin error can be caused by not having the latest Windows update installed. Because of this, many problems can appear on your system and one of them is the error when you try to access the Recycle Bin. So the best thing you can do to stay away from these problems is to update your Windows 10 as soon as the update is available.

To check if you missed an update, you can check for updates manually.

Step 1: Go to the Start button on your desktop and click the context menu above the . on settings power option.

Step 2: In the Settings window , click Update & Security .

Step 3: Next, go to the right side of the window and under the Windows Update section, click the Check for updates button.

Step 4: Now it will check for updates. If updates are available, Windows will automatically download them in the background.

Once the download is complete, you will need to restart your PC for the updates to install. Now you can check if the error still appears. Try the third method.

Method 3: Run a full PC scan

The error can also be caused by a malware that may have infected your system. Malicious software can discreetly affect your system, change settings and thus corrupt certain Windows functions. The best thing to do here is to run a full PC scan. A full PC scan takes a few hours, so be patient.

You can use any trusted third party antivirus software and run a full scan. Once it detects malware, it will also quarantine your system. If that doesn't work, try the fourth method.

Method 4: Using Powershell

Step 1: Go to the Start button on your desktop and type powershell in the search box. Right-click the result ( Windows Powershell ) and select Run as administrator  to open Powershell  in administrator mode.

Step 2: In the Powershell window, run the following command and press Enter :

rd/s/q C:$Recycle.bin

Step 3: Next, you need to confirm whether you want to proceed with the removal. Enter Y to confirm.

This will remove the Recycle Bin directory and automatically create a new Recycle Bin. The error should go away, but if it still does, follow the 5th method.

*Note- You can also use Command Prompt in Administrator mode instead of Powershell to run this command.

Method 5: Using Command Prompt

Solution 1: By running SFC/SCANNOW

SFC/Scannow is known to repair corrupted installations that could be the reason for your Trash error.

Step 1: Go to the Start button on your desktop and type command prompt in the search box. Right-click the result and select Run as  administrator to open Command Prompt in administrator mode.

Step 2: Now run the following command in Command Prompt and press Enter :

sfc/scannow

Wait for the scanning process to finish as it will take some time. Once the scan is complete, close the Command Prompt window and check if the problem is resolved. If no then follow the second solution using Command Prompt .

Solution 2: By running a DISM scan

Step 1: Follow Step 1 of Solution 1 above to open Command Prompt with admin privileges. Now run the following command in the Command Prompt window and press Enter :

DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth

The DISM scan also takes longer than the sfc/scannow , so wait for the scan to complete. Once both scans are completed, the error should be resolved. You can also rerun both scans if they previously failed.

If this doesn't fix your problem, try the 6th method.

Method 6: By removing and adding the trash can icon

Step 1: Go to your desktop and right click on an empty space. Choose Personalize in the context menu .

Step 2: In the Settings window, click Themes on the left . Now on the right side, scroll down to the Related Settings section and click on Desktop Icon Settings .

Step 3 : In the Desktop Icon Settings dialog box, uncheck the box next to Recycle Bin .

Press Apply and then OK to save changes and exit.

This will remove the Recycle Bin icon from the desktop.

Step 4: Now return to the Desktop Icon Settings dialog box again by following Step 1 and Step 2 as above.

Now check the box next to Recycle Bin . Press Apply and then OK to save changes and exit.

This will add a new Trash icon to your desktop again .

Now your error should be fixed. If the problem persists, try the 7th method.

Method 7: By accessing Safe Mode

Step 1: Go to Settings app and click Update & Security as in Step 1 and Step in Method 2 .

Now click on Recovery on the left . Scroll right down to the Advanced startup section and click the Restart now button .

Once your PC restarts, you'll be presented with a list of options to choose from. Press the correct key to go to the safe mode version.

Method 8: By running System Restore

Step 1: Go to the Start button on your desktop and type restore in the search box. Click Create Restore Point .

Step 2: In the System Properties window , on the System Protection tab , go to the System Restore section and click on the System Restore button .

Step 3: On the System Restore window , click Next .

Step 4: Next, select the listed restore point and click Next .

After that, follow the instructions on each screen to complete the system restore process.

That's all. You can rest assured that each of these steps will surely solve your trash can problem.