How to Open Sticky Notes in Windows 11

Physical sticky notes plastered around the edge of a computer monitor are a staple of many office environments. However, Windows 11 offers a cleaner, digital alternative built right into the operating system. The Microsoft Sticky Notes app allows you to type quick reminders, jot down phone numbers, or save temporary snippets of text directly on your desktop. These digital notes can be color-coded, formatted with basic text options, and even synced across multiple devices if you sign in with a Microsoft Account. Finding and opening the app is simple and requires only a few clicks.

Method 1: Open Sticky Notes Using the Start Menu Search

The fastest way to launch almost any application in Windows 11 is by utilizing the powerful search function built into the Start menu.

1. Click the Start button located on your taskbar (or press the Windows key on your keyboard).
2. Click inside the search bar at the top of the Start menu.
3. Type the words Sticky Notes.
4. The search results will populate instantly. Look under the “Best match” section for the app icon, which looks like a yellow square with a folded corner.
5. Click on the Sticky Notes app to open it.

Method 2: Open Sticky Notes from the “All Apps” List

If you prefer browsing through your installed software alphabetically, you can find the application in the master list.

1. Click the Start button on your taskbar.
2. Look at the top-right corner of the pinned apps section and click the button labeled All apps.
3. Scroll down the alphabetical list until you reach the letter “S”.
4. Locate Sticky Notes and click on it to launch the application.

How to Create Your First Note

Once you have opened the application for the first time, getting started is intuitive.

1. When the app launches, you will typically see a main “hub” window listing your existing notes (if any), alongside a blank, yellow square note on your desktop.
2. If a blank note does not appear automatically, click the + (plus) icon located in the top-left corner of the main hub window.
3. Click anywhere inside the new yellow square and begin typing your reminder.
4. Customization: Look at the top bar of the note itself. Click the Menu icon (the three horizontal dots) to change the color of the note from yellow to green, pink, purple, blue, or grey.
5. Formatting: Look at the bottom bar of the note to find standard text formatting options, including bold, italic, underline, strikethrough, and bulleted lists. You can also insert images directly into the note.

Your notes save automatically as you type. If you close a note by clicking the “X”, it is not deleted; it is simply hidden from the desktop but remains saved in your main Sticky Notes hub window.