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Quick Answer

Click the Start button, search for Sticky Notes, and open the app. Click the + (plus) icon in the top left of the note list to create a new colored note that stays on your desktop.

How to Use Sticky Notes on Windows ​

Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-09

Summary ​

Sticky Notes is a built-in Windows app that lets you create quick, colorful notes right on your desktop. Notes sync with your Microsoft account so you can access them from any device — including Outlook on the Web and the Microsoft 365 mobile app. This article explains how to create, format, and sync your notes.

Prerequisites ​

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11.
  • A Microsoft account (optional, for syncing across devices).

Instructions ​

1. Open Sticky Notes ​

Launch the app from the Start menu.

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Type Sticky Notes and click the app to open it.
  3. A note list window and your first note appear.

2. Create and Format a Note ​

Write and style your note content.

  1. Click the + New note button (or press Ctrl+N).
  2. Type your note text.
  3. Use the formatting toolbar at the bottom of the note:
    • Bold (Ctrl+B), Italic (Ctrl+I), Underline (Ctrl+U), Strikethrough.
    • Bulleted list — organize items.
    • Insert image — add a photo or screenshot.
  4. The note saves automatically as you type.

3. Change Note Color ​

Personalize notes with different colors for quick visual organization.

  1. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top-right corner of a note.
  2. Select a color from the palette (blue, green, pink, purple, yellow, grey, charcoal).
  3. The note updates immediately.

4. Sync Notes with Your Microsoft Account ​

Access your notes from any device.

  1. Open Sticky Notes and click the Settings gear icon.
  2. Click Sign in and enter your Microsoft 365 or personal Microsoft account credentials.
  3. Your notes sync automatically.
  4. Access synced notes at:
    • Outlook on the Web — click the Notes icon in the sidebar.
    • Microsoft 365 mobile app — open the Sticky Notes section.
    • OneNote — synced notes appear in the Sticky Notes tab.

5. Delete a Note ​

Remove notes you no longer need.

  1. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) on the note.
  2. Click Delete note.
  3. Click Delete to confirm.

Troubleshooting ​

TIP

Use different note colors to categorize your Notes — for example, yellow for personal, blue for work, and pink for urgent tasks. This provides an at-a-glance overview.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Notes not syncing across devicesNot signed inOpen Sticky Notes settings and sign in with your Microsoft account.
Sticky Notes app not foundApp was uninstalledOpen the Microsoft Store, search for "Microsoft Sticky Notes", and install it.
Notes disappeared after updateSigned into a different accountCheck that you are signed in with the same Microsoft account where the notes were created.