Windows 11 is blocking me from restoring items in my recycle bin

Check and repair Windows​

1. Press Windows key + X.
2. Select Terminal (Admin).
3. Run this command and let it finish:

1. Then run:

1. Do not close the window before both processes finish.
2. Restart Windows.
3. Tell us the final message produced by each command.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Select the app’s three-dot menu.
3. Select Advanced options > Repair.
4. Use Reset only if Repair fails, because Reset can remove that app’s settings and local data.
5. Open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.

Lowercase r​

1. Type rrrrr in the forum’s search box and then in the reply editor.
2. Try the editor’s BB code/source/plain-text mode, if available.
3. Try a private/incognito browser window.
4. Try another browser.
5. Temporarily disable browser extensions if another browser works.

WindowsForum AI said:

Excellent progress. Skipping existing files was correct, and you should not take ownership of C:\Program Files\WindowsApps. Windows protects that folder deliberately; damaged Store apps should be repaired or reinstalled rather than manually copying files into it.

Check and repair Windows​

Because DLL, EXE, and SYS files were removed, run Microsoft’s built-in repair tools before emptying Recycle Bin:

1. Press Windows key + X.
2. Select Terminal (Admin).
3. Run this command and let it finish:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

1. Then run:

sfc /scannow

1. Do not close the window before both processes finish.
2. Restart Windows.
3. Tell us the final message produced by each command.

If a Microsoft Store app no longer works:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Select the app’s three-dot menu.
3. Select Advanced options > Repair.
4. Use Reset only if Repair fails, because Reset can remove that app’s settings and local data.
5. Open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.

Keep the remaining Recycle Bin files until DISM and SFC finish and you have tested your applications.

Lowercase r​

Since lowercase r works in Notepad2 and fails only here, this is almost certainly a browser/forum editor problem, not your keyboard or Windows account.

1. Type rrrrr in the forum’s search box and then in the reply editor.
2. Try the editor’s BB code/source/plain-text mode, if available.
3. Try a private/incognito browser window.
4. Try another browser.
5. Temporarily disable browser extensions if another browser works.

As an immediate workaround, compose replies in Notepad2 and paste them here. If lowercase r fails in multiple browsers but only in the reply editor, it should be reported as a WindowsForum editor bug.

Click to expand...

WindowsForum AI said:

Excellent progress. Skipping existing files was correct, and you should not take ownership of C:\Program Files\WindowsApps. Windows protects that folder deliberately; damaged Store apps should be repaired or reinstalled rather than manually copying files into it.

Check and repair Windows​

Because DLL, EXE, and SYS files were removed, run Microsoft’s built-in repair tools before emptying Recycle Bin:

1. Press Windows key + X.
2. Select Terminal (Admin).
3. Run this command and let it finish:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

1. Then run:

sfc /scannow

1. Do not close the window before both processes finish.
2. Restart Windows.
3. Tell us the final message produced by each command.

If a Microsoft Store app no longer works:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Select the app’s three-dot menu.
3. Select Advanced options > Repair.
4. Use Reset only if Repair fails, because Reset can remove that app’s settings and local data.
5. Open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.

Keep the remaining Recycle Bin files until DISM and SFC finish and you have tested your applications.

Lowercase r​

Since lowercase r works in Notepad2 and fails only here, this is almost certainly a browser/forum editor problem, not your keyboard or Windows account.

1. Type rrrrr in the forum’s search box and then in the reply editor.
2. Try the editor’s BB code/source/plain-text mode, if available.
3. Try a private/incognito browser window.
4. Try another browser.
5. Temporarily disable browser extensions if another browser works.

As an immediate workaround, compose replies in Notepad2 and paste them here. If lowercase r fails in multiple browsers but only in the reply editor, it should be reported as a WindowsForum editor bug.

Click to expand...

Run the repairs through Command Prompt​

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator using your usual method.
2. Confirm the title says Administrator: Command Prompt.
3. Enter this command:

1. Wait for it to finish, even if the percentage appears stationary.
2. Then enter:

1. Wait until verification reaches 100%.
2. Record the final message from both commands.
3. Restart the computer.

Repair Windows Terminal afterward​

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Search for Windows Terminal.
3. Select Install or Update.
4. Open Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > App execution aliases.
5. Find Terminal and toggle its alias off, then on again if necessary.

WindowsForum AI said:

Yes—an elevated Command Prompt is exactly what you can use. It is not technically DOS, but it is the familiar cmd.exe.
The wt.exe file in your user’s WindowsApps folder is an app execution alias for Windows Terminal. Such aliases can appear as zero-byte files. Do not manually copy anything into either WindowsApps folder; Microsoft explicitly advises against modifying C:\Program Files\WindowsApps.

Run the repairs through Command Prompt​

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator using your usual method.
2. Confirm the title says Administrator: Command Prompt.
3. Enter this command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

1. Wait for it to finish, even if the percentage appears stationary.
2. Then enter:

sfc /scannow

1. Wait until verification reaches 100%.
2. Record the final message from both commands.
3. Restart the computer.

Microsoft specifically supports running DISM followed by SFC from an elevated Command Prompt.

If DISM reports insufficient disk space or another error, stop and post the exact error code. Do not delete additional Windows or program files.

Repair Windows Terminal afterward​

Once DISM and SFC have completed:

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Search for Windows Terminal.
3. Select Install or Update.
4. Open Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > App execution aliases.
5. Find Terminal and toggle its alias off, then on again if necessary.

Windows Terminal is a Store application, while Command Prompt remains available independently.
Keep the remaining Recycle Bin contents for now and post the final DISM and SFC results before emptying it.

Click to expand...

WindowsForum AI said:

Yes—an elevated Command Prompt is exactly what you can use. It is not technically DOS, but it is the familiar cmd.exe.
The wt.exe file in your user’s WindowsApps folder is an app execution alias for Windows Terminal. Such aliases can appear as zero-byte files. Do not manually copy anything into either WindowsApps folder; Microsoft explicitly advises against modifying C:\Program Files\WindowsApps.

Run the repairs through Command Prompt​

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator using your usual method.
2. Confirm the title says Administrator: Command Prompt.
3. Enter this command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

1. Wait for it to finish, even if the percentage appears stationary.
2. Then enter:

sfc /scannow

1. Wait until verification reaches 100%.
2. Record the final message from both commands.
3. Restart the computer.

Microsoft specifically supports running DISM followed by SFC from an elevated Command Prompt.

If DISM reports insufficient disk space or another error, stop and post the exact error code. Do not delete additional Windows or program files.

Repair Windows Terminal afterward​

Once DISM and SFC have completed:

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Search for Windows Terminal.
3. Select Install or Update.
4. Open Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > App execution aliases.
5. Find Terminal and toggle its alias off, then on again if necessary.

Windows Terminal is a Store application, while Command Prompt remains available independently.
Keep the remaining Recycle Bin contents for now and post the final DISM and SFC results before emptying it.

Click to expand...

WindowsForum AI said:

Yes—an elevated Command Prompt is exactly what you can use. It is not technically DOS, but it is the familiar cmd.exe.
The wt.exe file in your user’s WindowsApps folder is an app execution alias for Windows Terminal. Such aliases can appear as zero-byte files. Do not manually copy anything into either WindowsApps folder; Microsoft explicitly advises against modifying C:\Program Files\WindowsApps.

Run the repairs through Command Prompt​

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator using your usual method.
2. Confirm the title says Administrator: Command Prompt.
3. Enter this command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

1. Wait for it to finish, even if the percentage appears stationary.
2. Then enter:

sfc /scannow

1. Wait until verification reaches 100%.
2. Record the final message from both commands.
3. Restart the computer.

Microsoft specifically supports running DISM followed by SFC from an elevated Command Prompt.

If DISM reports insufficient disk space or another error, stop and post the exact error code. Do not delete additional Windows or program files.

Repair Windows Terminal afterward​

Once DISM and SFC have completed:

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Search for Windows Terminal.
3. Select Install or Update.
4. Open Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > App execution aliases.
5. Find Terminal and toggle its alias off, then on again if necessary.

Windows Terminal is a Store application, while Command Prompt remains available independently.
Keep the remaining Recycle Bin contents for now and post the final DISM and SFC results before emptying it.

Click to expand...

WindowsForum AI said:

C: is your main Windows drive. C:\> means Command Prompt is currently at the top level of that drive.
You do not need C:\wf>. The wf shown in the example was merely a folder name and is irrelevant. Sorry for that confusion.
At your existing C:\> prompt, type only:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Do not type the C:\> portion. After DISM finishes, type:
sfc /scannow
These commands work from C:\>, provided the window title says Administrator: Command Prompt.

Click to expand...

Next steps​

1. Restart the computer now.
2. After restarting, open Command Prompt as administrator.
3. Run SFC once more:

1. Ideally, the second result should say:

1. If it repairs files again, restart and report that result before emptying Recycle Bin.

Restore Windows Terminal​

When to empty Recycle Bin​

1. The second SFC scan reports no integrity violations.
2. Windows Terminal opens normally.
3. Microsoft Store and your important applications open normally.
4. Your personal files have been checked.

WindowsForum AI said:

Excellent—the repair succeeded. DISM repaired the Windows component store, and SFC found and repaired corrupted system files. That confirms CCleaner had removed files Windows needed. Microsoft recommends restarting after these repairs. (support.microsoft.com)

Next steps​

1. Restart the computer now.
2. After restarting, open Command Prompt as administrator.
3. Run SFC once more:

sfc /scannow

1. Ideally, the second result should say:

Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.

1. If it repairs files again, restart and report that result before emptying Recycle Bin.

Restore Windows Terminal​

Since you prefer the command line, first test whether WinGet survived:
winget --version
If it displays a version, install Windows Terminal with:
winget install --id Microsoft.WindowsTerminal -e --source winget
WinGet works directly from cmd.exe, and Microsoft documents Microsoft.WindowsTerminal as the Terminal package. (learn.microsoft.com)
If WinGet reports that Terminal is already installed, use Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Terminal > Advanced options > Repair. Repair should preserve its data; Reset is the next option if Repair fails. (support.microsoft.com)

When to empty Recycle Bin​

Empty it only after:

1. The second SFC scan reports no integrity violations.
2. Windows Terminal opens normally.
3. Microsoft Store and your important applications open normally.
4. Your personal files have been checked.

Do not manually restore the remaining WindowsApps files. Once those checks pass, the protected leftovers can be removed by emptying Recycle Bin.
And yes—your DOS background shows. cmd.exe is not DOS internally, but the familiar command-line workflow remains perfectly useful.

Click to expand...

• Leave the remaining Recycle Bin contents untouched.
• Keep Storage Sense disabled.
• Do not run CCleaner.
• Next, we will repair Windows Terminal, test the Store apps, and then safely empty the Recycle Bin.

WindowsForum AI said:

Excellent—that confirms Windows system files are now healthy. No further DISM or SFC scans are needed.
Enjoy your dinner. Until tomorrow:

• Leave the remaining Recycle Bin contents untouched.
• Keep Storage Sense disabled.
• Do not run CCleaner.
• Next, we will repair Windows Terminal, test the Store apps, and then safely empty the Recycle Bin.

Click to expand...

• Press Windows key + X.
• Select Terminal (Admin)

Final checks​

1. Open Microsoft Store > Library and select Get updates.
2. Test several important applications, especially Microsoft Store apps.
3. Open Recycle Bin in Details view and check the Original Location column.
4. Confirm that the remaining files are only from C:\Program Files\WindowsApps or are files you skipped because replacements already exist.
5. If anything remains from another location, do not empty the bin yet—post that location here.
6. If applications work and only those protected leftovers remain, you may empty the Recycle Bin. That will finally release their occupied space on C:.

WindowsForum AI said:

Excellent—that confirms Windows Terminal and its wt.exe alias are working again. Seeing Windows PowerShell inside Terminal is normal: Terminal is the window, while PowerShell is the command shell running inside it.

Final checks​

1. Open Microsoft Store > Library and select Get updates.
2. Test several important applications, especially Microsoft Store apps.
3. Open Recycle Bin in Details view and check the Original Location column.
4. Confirm that the remaining files are only from C:\Program Files\WindowsApps or are files you skipped because replacements already exist.
5. If anything remains from another location, do not empty the bin yet—post that location here.
6. If applications work and only those protected leftovers remain, you may empty the Recycle Bin. That will finally release their occupied space on C:.

Do not manually restore anything to either WindowsApps folder. No further DISM or SFC scans are necessary.
For future cleanup, avoid CCleaner’s duplicate-file deletion for Windows and application folders. Use Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations instead, and limit duplicate searches to personal folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos.

Click to expand...

Remove unwanted apps correctly​

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Search for LinkedIn, Xbox, or other unwanted user-facing apps.
3. Use the three-dot menu and select Uninstall when available.
4. Leave components such as Microsoft.DirectXRuntime alone. Other programs may require them even if you never play games.
5. Do not delete DLLs or folders manually from C:\Program Files\WindowsApps.

WindowsForum AI said:

Excellent—that confirms Windows Terminal and its wt.exe alias are working again. Seeing Windows PowerShell inside Terminal is normal: Terminal is the window, while PowerShell is the command shell running inside it.

Final checks​

1. Open Microsoft Store > Library and select Get updates.
2. Test several important applications, especially Microsoft Store apps.
3. Open Recycle Bin in Details view and check the Original Location column.
4. Confirm that the remaining files are only from C:\Program Files\WindowsApps or are files you skipped because replacements already exist.
5. If anything remains from another location, do not empty the bin yet—post that location here.
6. If applications work and only those protected leftovers remain, you may empty the Recycle Bin. That will finally release their occupied space on C:.

Do not manually restore anything to either WindowsApps folder. No further DISM or SFC scans are necessary.
For future cleanup, avoid CCleaner’s duplicate-file deletion for Windows and application folders. Use Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations instead, and limit duplicate searches to personal folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos.

Click to expand...

Open Microsoft Store​

1. Press the Windows key.
2. Type Microsoft Store.
3. Select Microsoft Store from the search results.