Microsoft has improved Sticky Notes With Windows 10, it maintains the simplicity of note-taking that came with the classic version. It's no wonder it's a popular way to jot down quick notes that you can easily delete later. I've used it for a long time, but recently switched to Google KeepSticky Notes don't have an archive feature, which means clicking the delete button will delete them immediately. So how do you recover deleted notes in Windows 10?
It can be a cause for concern. If you're experiencing similar issues, here are some ways to recover deleted Sticky Notes and some workarounds to ensure you don't encounter the same situation again.
1. Check the forecast
Yes, that's right. I'm guessing you don't use the web version of Outlook very often, because if you did, you probably wouldn't be here. Note that every time you delete a note, a copy of it is stored in the Trash folder in Outlook.
Click the link below to open Outlook in your favorite browser and sign in with the same Microsoft account you use on your computer. Click "Deleted Items" in the left sidebar, and you'll see all your notes there, waiting for you to recover them!
How long these deleted notes stay depends on your Outlook settings, but if you never use them, they're likely still there.
2. Restore it
Microsoft has made this feature difficult to find, but it's there and easy to use. You can restore Sticky Notes to a previous version, which will recover any deleted notes the next time you launch Sticky Notes.
Look for Sticky Notes , right click above it And choose Properties. You can also use Alt + Enter shortcut If you have a desktop shortcut for the application to launch Properties dialog box Directly. Within Previous Versions tab, You will find older versions of sticky notes With dates. If there is a previous version, select it and click "Recovery" و "Application" و "OK".
In my case, there isn't a previous version because I stopped using Sticky Notes last year, which I'll share in the guide later. Now close Sticky Notes and relaunch it, and you'll see all the deleted notes from that day listed.
3. Hidden file
Your computer doesn't display all visible files and folders. Some files are hidden to protect them from accidental deletion—mostly system files. There is one folder where you can find the contents of a deleted note. However, you must unhide it first. Search for "Show hidden files in Windows" and locate it.
within View tab , Locate Show hidden files, folders, and drives And click "Application" و "OK". You'll now see hidden files that weren't visible before, and they'll be slightly dimmed compared to other folders/files. Navigate to the folder below:
C:\Users\ \AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Sticky Notes
This is where you will see StickyNotes.snt file. Right click on this file and open it with a program. Notepad Because it is a file format that Windows does not recognize.
Once opened File You'll notice that there's a lot of meaningless verbiage and that's ok. Don't change anything.
Use the feature Search (Ctrl + F) To find the contents of deleted notes. This file will contain text from notes you accidentally deleted. So, if your note contains the word "call" , look for it.
4. Enable deletion confirmation
Sticky notes in previous versions before arrival Windows 10 operating system To delete notes directly when you click The small 'x' button. Thank God Microsoft is getting better at it.
in Windows 10 operating system Which is running the latest version of Sticky Notes Clicking on it will result in "X" To close the note only. A pinned note will only delete the note when you click the trash icon.
But if you move to Settings By enabling the Confirm Before Deleting option, you'll get a pop-up asking for permission before deleting the note. This will serve as a safety net in case you end up clicking. Delete button by mistake.
5. Backup notes
If you use Sticky Notes to store important information, it's important to back up these notes just in case. Tap Windows key + R On the keyboard to run Command Prompt Type the following command before pressing: enter
%LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState
You will notice a file called plum.sqlite Which you need to copy and paste into Secure folder.
I recommend using a flash drive or your favorite cloud storage service. To restore, paste the backup file back into the folder where you found it and replace the old file. I suggest backing up the old file you're replacing to prevent losing these notes.
6. Use Google Keep
I started using Google Keep because it completely replaces sticky notes. Google Keep was designed with sticky notes in mind. You can color-code notes, create lists with checkboxes, and use labels to group them.
One feature you'll love is the ability to archive notes you no longer need instead of deleting them. This way, you can always refer back to them if needed. Another advantage of using Keep is that it works across all platforms, including Windows, Android, and iOS. You can also open Keep in any browser.
Forget it
The idea of digitizing sticky notes is excellent. You can carry them anywhere you want, and they offer a wealth of features while maintaining simplicity and visual appeal. If you continue using Sticky Notes, these helpful tips will help you stay on top of things.