How to Transfer Sticky Notes Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sticky Notes might seem small, but they often store important reminders, passwords, and personal notes. So when you upgrade to a new PC or reinstall Windows, losing them can be stressful.

The good news? You can transfer Sticky Notes safely in Windows 11 — whether you’re moving from Windows 10 or transferring between two Windows 11 systems.

This guide covers:

✅ Cloud sync transfer (easiest & recommended)
✅ Manual backup of Sticky Notes local database
✅ Transfer from Windows 10 → Windows 11
✅ Transfer between two Windows 11 computers
✅ Backup when the old PC won’t boot
✅ Restore using the StickyNotes.snt / plum.sqlite files

No tech experience required — follow the steps and you’ll keep every note safe. ✔️

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✨ Understanding Sticky Notes Storage in Windows 11

Unlike older versions, Sticky Notes now syncs with the cloud when signed into a Microsoft account.

📌 Where notes are stored locally on Windows 11:

Inside, the most important file is:

• plum.sqlite → ✅ Stores all Sticky Notes content

Older versions stored notes in:

• StickyNotes.snt (Windows 7 / classic Win10)

This guide covers both formats ✅

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🚀 Method 1: Transfer Sticky Notes Using Cloud Sync (Fastest)

If your notes are already synced to your Microsoft account — you’re DONE!

How to enable syncing:

1. Open Sticky Notes

2. Click Settings (⚙️ icon)

3. Sign in using your Microsoft Account

4. Enable Sync

Now go to your new PC →

• Sign in to Sticky Notes with the same account

• Notes will automatically sync

✅ No manual copying
✅ Works across Windows 10, Windows 11 & OneNote mobile
✅ Notes are always backed up

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🧳 Method 2: Manually Transfer Sticky Notes From Windows 11

Use this if sync is not enabled (local notes only).

Step 1: Enable Hidden Files

1. Open File Explorer

2. Click View

3. Turn on:

   Show → Hidden items

Step 2: Navigate to Sticky Notes Folder

Go to:

Copy these files:

• plum.sqlite

• (Optional) plum.sqlite-wal and plum.sqlite-shm if available

Store them on:

• USB

• Cloud drive

• External SSD

Step 3: Transfer to New Windows 11 PC

1. Install Sticky Notes from Microsoft Store

2. Open once → CLOSE it completely

3. Replace newly created files with your backed-up files

4. Restart computer

✅ All notes restored 🎉

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🔄 Method 3: Transfer Sticky Notes Windows 10 → Windows 11

Windows 10 Sticky Notes uses a similar database system.

Use the same folder path on Windows 10:

Copy → Paste into same path on Windows 11.

💡 If you see StickyNotes.snt instead of plum.sqlite:
Move it into Windows 11 Sticky Notes LocalState folder.

Then restart Sticky Notes — Windows will convert it automatically ✅

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🖥️ Method 4: Restore Sticky Notes After Fresh Windows Install

If you formatted the drive or reinstalled Windows:

→ Restore plum.sqlite into the same location
→ Open Sticky Notes
→ Boom — notes are back!

Best practice ✅
Store your backup in OneDrive to avoid data loss.

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🛑 PC Won’t Boot? No Problem.

🧩 Method 5: Recover Sticky Notes from Dead PC Drive

If your PC is broken:

1. Remove the old drive → connect externally (USB enclosure)

2. Browse to:

   \Users\<UserName>\AppData\Local\Packages\
Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState


3. Copy plum.sqlite

4. Transfer to new PC’s Sticky Notes folder

✅ Saves notes even from unbootable systems

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📝 Backup Sticky Notes Automatically (Recommended!)

Create a recurring backup task:

Quick manual backup checklist ✅

• Copy plum.sqlite weekly

• Store a copy in OneDrive or Google Drive

• Ensure Sync is ON

Peace of mind: activated ✅

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⚠️ Fixing Common Sticky Notes Transfer Problems

📌 Tip: Restart Sticky Notes after every change.

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🔍 Verify Notes Synced Successfully

Open Sticky Notes → Settings → look for:
✅ “Connected”
✅ Notes count matches old PC
✅ No error badge on sync icon

Everything good? 🎉 Transfer complete.

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📦 Where Are Sticky Notes Stored in OneNote?

You can find them online at:

onenote.com/stickynotes

Cloud backup safety ✅

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🧠 Extra Tips for Sticky Notes Users

✅ Pin important notes to desktop
✅ Use Ctrl + Shift + L for bullet points
✅ Add tags (#todo, #important)
✅ Search notes instantly
✅ Dark theme available in settings

You can also format notes like a mini notebook 📝

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✅ Final Thoughts

Now you know exactly how to transfer Sticky Notes on Windows 11 — no matter the situation:

Keeping your notes safe is simple when you know where Windows stores them ✔️

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❓ FAQs About Transferring Sticky Notes in Windows 11

1️⃣ Where is Sticky Notes saved in Windows 11?

Here:

2️⃣ Can I transfer Sticky Notes without signing into Microsoft?

✅ Yes — copy plum.sqlite file manually.

3️⃣ Do Sticky Notes sync across devices?

✅ Yes — when signed in and sync enabled.

4️⃣ My notes disappeared after transfer — what now?

Restart Sticky Notes → Reset app → Try backup restore again.

5️⃣ Can I view Sticky Notes on my phone?

✅ Yes — in the OneNote app under Sticky Notes tab.

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📌 Summary: Key Takeaways

You’re now completely prepared to save and transfer Sticky Notes like a pro ✅