How can I prevent @Recycle from appearing in the network folder on my QNAP NAS?

Last modified date: 2026-09-03

Applicable Products

QNAP NAS models that running with QTS / QuTS Hero 5.2.x and later

Scenario

When I access my QNAP NAS shared folders via SMB (Windows Network Neighbor / macOS Finder) or File Station, a folder named @Recycle appears in the root directory.

How can I prevent the @Recycle folder from showing up for regular users, or completely disable it?

Solution

The @Recycle folder is created by the Network Recycle Bin feature on QTS / QuTS hero. Its purpose is to temporarily hold files deleted via SMB, AFP, or File Station to prevent accidental data loss.

@Recycle can't be hidden but we can set it accessible for administrators only. The regular users will not be able to access it in SMB, while preserving your ability as an administrator to recover accidentally deleted files.

Method 1: Restrict `@Recycle` Access to Administrators Only (Recommended)

Log in to QTS / QuTS hero as an Administrator.
Open Control Panel > Privilege > Shared Folders.
Locate the target shared folder and click Edit Properties (pencil icon) under Action.
Check Enable Network Recycle Bin (if not already enabled).
Check Restrict the access of Network Recycle Bin to administrators only for now.
Click OK.

Note: Once enabled, non-admin users connecting via SMB will no longer see or have access to the @Recycle folder in their mapped network drives.

Method 2: Disable Network Recycle Bin Entirely

If you have Snapshots enabled and scheduled on your NAS, you may not need the Network Recycle Bin at all. You can turn it off globally or for specific shared folders.

Option A: Turn Off Globally

Go to Control Panel > Privilege > Shared Folders.
Click Global Settings or open the Network Recycle Bin section.
Uncheck Enable recycle bin.
Click Apply.

Option B: Turn Off for a Specific Shared Folder

Go to Control Panel > Privilege > Shared Folders.
Locate the shared folder you want to modify and click Edit Properties (pencil icon).
Uncheck Enable recycle bin.
Click OK.