Sticky Notes are one of Windows 11’s most underrated productivity tools. They’re perfect for quick reminders, jotting down ideas, or making a digital to-do list. But what happens if your PC crashes, Windows needs reinstalling, or you accidentally delete a note?
Losing your Sticky Notes can be frustrating — especially if they contain important information. The good news is that you can easily back up Sticky Notes in Windows 11 and restore them when needed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through several ways to back up, sync, and restore Sticky Notes, step by step, so you never lose your notes again.
Why Backup Sticky Notes in Windows 11?
Backing up Sticky Notes may sound like an extra chore, but it’s essential if you rely on them daily. Here’s why:
Avoid Data Loss: Prevent losing important reminders when reinstalling Windows.
Transfer to a New PC: Move your Sticky Notes to a different computer quickly.
Sync Across Devices: Access your notes on multiple PCs or even your phone.
Peace of Mind: Sleep better knowing your information is safe.
Where Are Sticky Notes Stored in Windows 11?
Before we can back them up, we need to know where Sticky Notes keeps your data.
Sticky Notes stores its content in a hidden folder under your Windows user profile. The main file is called plum.sqlite, which contains all your notes.
Here’s the typical path:
Replace <YourUserName> with your actual Windows account name.
Method 1: Manually Backup Sticky Notes
This is the most reliable method if you want a copy of your notes stored safely.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Open File Explorer
Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer.Show Hidden Files
Click View > Show > Hidden items in File Explorer.
This ensures the AppData folder becomes visible.
Navigate to Sticky Notes Folder
Go to:Copy the Backup File
Copy the plum.sqlite file and paste it into a safe location — such as an external hard drive, USB stick, or cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox).
That’s it! You now have a backup of your Sticky Notes.
Method 2: Use OneDrive to Sync Sticky Notes Automatically
If you want your notes to stay in sync across multiple devices, OneDrive integration is the easiest solution.
Steps to Sync
Open Sticky Notes.
Sign in with your Microsoft account (same account used for OneDrive).
Your notes will sync automatically and be available on any device where you log in with the same account.
You can even access them from the web at:
https://www.onenote.com/stickynotes
Method 3: Backup Sticky Notes Using Command Prompt
For tech-savvy users, Command Prompt can quickly copy your Sticky Notes file to a backup location.
Steps
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:
Replace D:\StickyNotesBackup with your desired folder path.
Method 4: Backup Sticky Notes Using PowerShell
PowerShell offers another automation-friendly way to back up your notes.
Steps
Open PowerShell as Administrator.
Run:
This will copy the file to the chosen backup folder.
Method 5: Backup Sticky Notes with Third-Party Backup Software
If you use a backup tool like Macrium Reflect, AOMEI Backupper, or EaseUS Todo Backup, you can add the Sticky Notes folder to your scheduled backups.
This ensures your notes are included every time your system is backed up, so you never have to think about it.
How to Restore Sticky Notes from Backup
Backing up is only half the job — here’s how to restore your notes if you ever need them.
Steps
Close the Sticky Notes app if it’s running.
Navigate to the same folder where plum.sqlite is stored.
Replace the existing file with your backup copy.
Open Sticky Notes again — your notes should reappear exactly as they were.
How to Transfer Sticky Notes to a New PC
Moving to a new computer? Here’s how to bring your notes along:
Copy the plum.sqlite file from your old PC (as shown in Method 1).
On your new PC, install Sticky Notes from the Microsoft Store if it’s not already installed.
Navigate to the same folder on the new PC and paste the backup file.
Launch Sticky Notes — all your notes will be restored.
Tips for Keeping Sticky Notes Safe
Create Regular Backups: Schedule monthly reminders to copy your notes.
Use Cloud Sync: Signing in with a Microsoft account gives you automatic backups.
Export Important Notes: Copy/paste crucial notes into a text file as an extra safety measure.
Common Issues When Backing Up Sticky Notes
Problem: Can’t Find the Sticky Notes Folder
Make sure hidden items are enabled in File Explorer.
Double-check you’re using the correct user profile.
Problem: Sticky Notes Won’t Open After Restore
Ensure the file name is still plum.sqlite.
Try reinstalling Sticky Notes from Microsoft Store before restoring.
Best Practices for Sticky Notes Users
Keep notes organized — delete ones you no longer need.
Use titles or keywords in notes for easy searching.
Enable cloud sync to minimize the risk of losing data.
Table: Backup Methods Comparison
| Method | Difficulty | Automation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Copy (File Explorer) | Easy | No | Beginners who want a quick copy |
| OneDrive Sync | Very Easy | Yes | Users with multiple devices |
| Command Prompt | Medium | Yes (script) | Power users & IT admins |
| PowerShell | Medium | Yes (script) | Automation enthusiasts |
| Backup Software | Easy | Yes (scheduled) | Users already doing full PC backups |
Official Resources
For further details, check Microsoft’s official documentation:
Conclusion
Sticky Notes are incredibly handy, but losing them can be a nightmare. Thankfully, backing up Sticky Notes in Windows 11 is easy — whether you do it manually, sync with OneDrive, or automate the process with PowerShell or third-party software.
Take a few minutes today to back up your notes and set up a regular routine. The next time you reinstall Windows or move to a new PC, you’ll be glad you did.
FAQs
Q1: Can I access Sticky Notes online?
Yes, go to onenote.com/stickynotes to view your synced notes online.
Q2: Do Sticky Notes automatically back up in Windows 11?
Only if you’re signed in with a Microsoft account — otherwise, you must back them up manually.
Q3: Can I recover Sticky Notes after deleting them?
If you haven’t backed them up, recovery is difficult. Use File History or restore points if available.
Q4: Can I move Sticky Notes to another user account on the same PC?
Yes, copy the plum.sqlite file to the new account’s Sticky Notes folder.
Q5: Is there a limit to how many Sticky Notes I can have?
No hard limit, but too many notes can slow the app slightly. Keep them organized for best performance.