Microsoft has confirmed a new Windows bug that causes confusing file names to appear in Recycle Bin delete prompts after installing the June 2026 security updates, though the company says users’ files remain safe.
Quick Summary – TLDR:
- Microsoft has acknowledged a Recycle Bin bug introduced by the June 2026 security updates.
- The issue causes internal file names to appear in delete confirmation dialogs instead of the original file names.
- The bug affects Windows 10, Windows 11, and several Windows Server versions.
- Microsoft is working on a fix and offers a workaround for business customers.
What Happened?
Microsoft has officially confirmed a Recycle Bin filename glitch affecting supported Windows versions after the June 2026 security updates. The bug changes the filename shown in the delete confirmation prompt, displaying an internal system generated name rather than the file’s original name.
While the behavior may appear alarming, Microsoft says the issue is limited to the confirmation dialog and does not impact file deletion, restoration, or data integrity.
Microsoft confirms a new Recycle Bin bug affecting all supported Windows versions, as the delete confirmation dialog can display an “internal” filename instead of the usual🗑️
— Windows Central (@WindowsCentral) June 19, 2026
It won’t impact your actual files, and a fix is already in development.https://t.co/Ui2OH032H8
Microsoft Confirms Recycle Bin Filename Issue
The problem surfaced after users installed the June 2026 Patch Tuesday updates, including update KB5094126. When users attempt to permanently delete a file from the Recycle Bin, Windows may display an internal Recycle Bin filename such as $Rxxxxx.ext instead of the file’s actual name.
The company has since documented the issue on its Windows Release Health dashboard and confirmed that its engineers have identified the problem.
In testing reported by multiple outlets, users deleting files with normal names noticed that the confirmation prompt displayed a completely different system generated filename. However, selecting “Yes” still removed the intended file and not any hidden system file.
Files Remain Safe Despite the Confusing Prompt
Microsoft emphasized that the bug does not affect the underlying functionality of the Recycle Bin.
Users will continue to see the correct filename inside the Recycle Bin list view. Likewise, restoring a deleted item returns it with its original filename intact.
According to Microsoft, the issue only impacts the text shown in the confirmation window before permanent deletion. The actual file management process continues to work normally.
That means users do not need to worry about accidentally deleting the wrong file because of the bug, provided the file has not already been permanently removed from the system.
Wide Range of Windows Versions Affected
Unlike some Windows bugs that affect only a specific release, this issue has a much broader reach.
Affected client versions include:
- Windows 11 version 26H1
- Windows 11 version 25H2
- Windows 11 version 24H2
- Windows 11 version 23H2
- Windows 10 version 22H2
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016
Affected server versions include:
- Windows Server 2025
- Windows Server 2022
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2012
The widespread impact means both consumer and enterprise environments could encounter the issue after applying the June security updates.
Another Problem for Microsoft’s June Update
The Recycle Bin bug is not the only issue linked to Microsoft’s June 2026 updates.
The company recently acknowledged another bug that prevents third party applications from launching Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and other Office apps. Users attempting to open Office files through external software may experience crashes or failed launches.
Reports have also highlighted problems involving BitLocker recovery prompts and Blue Screen of Death errors, making the June update cycle one of Microsoft’s more problematic releases in recent months.
Microsoft has already addressed a separate issue that blocked some Windows Server 2016 systems from successfully installing the June security updates.
Fix Is on the Way
Microsoft says a permanent fix is currently in development and will be delivered through a future Windows update. The company has not yet confirmed whether the solution will arrive through the next Patch Tuesday release or as an earlier update.
For organizations affected by the issue, Microsoft Support for Business can provide a temporary workaround. Consumer users, however, will likely need to wait for the official patch rollout.
SQ Magazine Takeaway
I think this is one of those bugs that looks much scarier than it actually is. Seeing strange system generated file names inside a delete prompt can easily make users think their files are at risk. Thankfully, Microsoft has confirmed that the bug is purely visual and does not affect deletion or restoration. The bigger concern is that this issue adds to a growing list of problems tied to the June 2026 updates, raising questions about Microsoft’s quality control before major releases reach millions of devices.
