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Evolution of the Microsoft Trash Icon

This infographic-style tech meme shows the evolution of Microsoft's Windows Recycle Bin (Trash) icon across different years from 1995 to 2023. The first five entries display the official progressively updated trash bin icons, going from pixelated 90s designs to clearer modern bin icons. The final 2023 entry replaces the trash bin shape with Microsoft's current gradient four-panel official logo, creating a sarcastic punchline that implies modern Microsoft itself is now trash.
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Evolution of the Microsoft Trash Icon

Overview

This infographic-style tech meme shows the evolution of Microsoft's Windows Recycle Bin (Trash) icon across different years from 1995 to 2023. The first five entries display the official progressively updated trash bin icons, going from pixelated 90s designs to clearer modern bin icons. The final 2023 entry replaces the trash bin shape with Microsoft's current gradient four-panel official logo, creating a sarcastic punchline that implies modern Microsoft itself is now trash.

Origin notes

This meme was originally posted to Reddit as a tech-focused joke, poking fun at Microsoft's design changes and the perceived direction of modern Microsoft products. It has circulated in online tech and meme communities since 2023 after Microsoft updated its brand identity and Windows icon designs.

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