Sticky Notes for Windows 11

The new Sticky Notes has been around for some time and Microsoft has made some more improvements to it on Windows 11 (and Windows 10). Unlike the legacy/old Sticky Notes, the new version is based on Win32 platform. Whether you like the Win32 app or not, it is here to stay. Let’s discuss its new features.

Firstly, you get the pinning ability in the Sticky Notes. So, your note can stay in the “Always on top” mode, even while using other apps. It is an excellent feature that was missing when Microsoft first introduced it.

Until now, we had to stack one window to a side and keep the note on the other side. The “always on top” mode is similar to Windows Calculator’s pin it on top feature, and it works really well in our tests.

always on top feature in sticky notes app new version

Microsoft has also recognized the pain of copying the notes and added a copy button for it. Click on the three dots button on any note and select the Copy note option to select and copy everything in one go.

This is helpful because you can now add screenshots and text in the note, and adding a dedicated button comes in handy.

copy note option in sticky notes app windows 11

Lastly, you’ll find a dedicated shortcut for the new Sticky Notes app in the Start menu. The icon has a pink artwork in the center to differentiate it from the old app that still exists in Windows 11.

Note that you need to install OneNote to use the new Sticky Notes app. It’s not available as a separate download like before. We rarely use OneNote but Microsoft might have some “genius” reasoning to bundle it with Sticky Notes.

The app hasn’t replaced the old one, but its support document suggests it won’t receive any touchups.

So, you’ll have to move to the new Sticky Notes if you want the OCR, screenshot, and source-remembering capabilities. Many users have qualms with the latest version, which makes it less appealing.

“Sticky” performance

Windows Latest observed that the scroll feature wasn’t as smooth as the old version.

Microsoft assured us to fix the problem, but we didn’t see any improvements after the latest update. Users also faced sync issues with the app, which forced them to log in to get the sync to work properly.

Sticky notes scroll lag
Sticky notes scroll lag | GIF Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

The app no longer bears the Preview label. If Microsoft wants everyone to use the app, it should stop making excuses and resolve these issues.

Or it will disappear from the Store like the Paint 3D app, which was useful to many but neglected by the company.

About The Author

Abhishek Mishra

Abhishek Mishra is a skilled news reporter working at Windows Latest, where he focuses on everything about computing and Windows. With a strong background in computer applications, thanks to his master's degree, Abhishek knows his way around complex tech subjects. His love for reading and his four years in journalism have sharpened his ability to explain tricky tech ideas in easy-to-understand ways. Over his career, he has crafted hundreds of detailed articles for publications like MakeUseof, Tom's Hardware, and more in the pursuit of helping tech enthusiasts.