If you've deleted a file from the Recycle Bin since the June update and seen a confusing name like $Rxxxxx.ext in the confirmation box, you're not imagining it — and your files are safe. Microsoft has confirmed the bug.
What's happening
After June's security update (KB5094126), the prompt that appears when you permanently delete an item from the Recycle Bin shows Windows' internal filename instead of the real one. Microsoft has confirmed this affects all supported versions of Windows, on both desktops and servers.
The important part: it's purely a display glitch. The Recycle Bin list still shows the correct names, restoring a file brings it back with its proper name, and deletion works normally. No files are lost or corrupted.
Why we're mentioning it
Two reasons. First, reassurance — a strange system filename in a delete prompt understandably makes people worry their files are at risk. They aren't. Second, it's a good illustration of why updates need managing: this same June update cycle also caused some Office launch issues and BitLocker recovery prompts on certain business laptops. Individually minor, but collectively the kind of thing that disrupts a workday if you're not on top of it.
What to do
- Nothing urgent. Microsoft is working on a fix that will arrive in a future update.
- Don't avoid deleting files out of worry — the operation is safe.
- Business customers who need the official temporary workaround can request it from Microsoft Support for Business.
We manage Windows updates across our clients' devices and servers — testing, rolling out and catching issues like this so our clients don't have to think about it. If update management is a headache for your team, get in touch.
Source: Microsoft confirms Recycle Bin bug on all supported Windows releases — BleepingComputer