Want to access Sticky Notes on Windows 11? Follow this step-by-step guide to easily create, customize, and pin notes to your desktop for quick reminders and to-do lists.
In this guide, I’m going to explain what Sticky Notes are in Windows 11 , what functions this tool includes, and how you can get more out of it in your day-to-day life. Of course, I’ll also show you the different ways you can interact with Windows sticky notes, as well as the most convenient methods to access them. Don’t miss it!
Sticky Notes in Windows 11: What exactly are they?
Sticky Notes in Windows 11 are a quick note-taking tool that will allow you to save ideas, texts and other content very easily . Their name has to do with the idea that they act like sticky notes, as they remain visible on the screen as if they had been pasted on a board. For example, they are visually identical to the famous Post-It notes.
It is important to mention that Windows 11 currently includes two versions of Sticky Notes. On the one hand, one called Quick Notes , which is the classic version of this application. Additionally, it has Sticky Notes , which is labeled New , which is a newer version with improved features. Both applications depend on OneNote , although later I will talk more in depth about the integration of both tools with the rest of the Windows 11 applications.
From now on, everything I’m going to explain to you has to do with the new version of Sticky Notes. This is the tool that comes with more features and, in addition, has a more powerful integration into the system.
At first glance, they seem to be very similar applications. However, the truth is that in terms of functionality, Sticky Notes is much more interesting . In terms of the design of the application, the latter seems to be a web implementation, while Sticky Notes is a native app. As with the new Outlook , it seems that this is a difficult trend to change.
How to access Sticky Notes on Windows 11?
Sticky Notes is an app linked to OneNote, so you’ll need to install this tool on your computer if you don’t have it already. Since it’s a notes app linked to Microsoft 365, if you already have Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, chances are OneNote is on your computer.
The previous version of Sticky Notes, which in Spanish we know as Quick Notes , worked as a standalone application that you could download from the Microsoft Store. However, to access the new version you will have no choice but to do so from OneNote.
However, it does appear as a standalone tool in the Start menu , but opening it will also launch a full instance of OneNote. And this is the first way to access Sticky Notes. Just open the Start menu and type in the name of the app. You can then pin it to the taskbar so you always have it handy.
Once the app is open, you can close it without any further complications. The interesting thing is that OneNote will run in the background , which allows you to access the Sticky Notes quickly thanks to a keyboard shortcut . It is the combination Windows + Alt + S . As long as OneNote is open, even if it is hidden in the system tray, this shortcut will serve to open Sticky Notes. Once you have the window active and visible on the desktop, press the Note button to quickly create a new note.
Then, start writing whatever you want to save in the note.
How to get the most out of Sticky Notes
Sticky Notes is a fairly complete solution . Although it is designed for quick notes, the truth is that it has some interesting functions. Knowing them will allow you to get more out of it in your daily life.
Format notes
Unlike other more basic apps like Notepad , Sticky Notes has formatting options . This means that you can mark text as bold, italic, underlined, and struck through. To add formatting, you can press each of the buttons on each note or use the typical keyboard shortcuts. For example, to make text bold, just press Control + N .
Add notes from your active apps
Another interesting feature is the one that allows you to create notes from the content you have in your PC’s applications . This way, if you are browsing the web and you have a website open, the title of the active window will be added to the note, as well as the program icon. For example, you can add a website, an email or any other window. It is important to mention that what is added is not a link, but a reference.
Change the color of the notes
Notes can be coloured. Choosing between different shades allows you, among other things, to better organise the content of your notes. Simply press the three dots next to each note to change the colour.
Add a screen clipping
Clicking this button will attach a screenshot of the active window to the note. This allows you to more easily review the content related to the notes.
Attach Sticky Notes to the side of the screen
If you click on the three dots at the top of the window, you will see the option Dock to desktop . When you click on it, the Sticky Notes window will move to the right side of the screen and will also be docked. This will allow you to always have your notes at hand, although you will not be able to move the window.