Notes that Stick Around

If you're anything like me you find that during your day you need to write quick bits of information down—a phone number, an address, a URL or some other quick information. If you're like a vast majority of people you tend to reach for your closest Post-Its or scratch piece of paper to write your note down. This works great, but you wind up with a bunch of little pieces of paper everywhere. Windows 10 has an alternative that is quite handy and helpful called Sticky Notes. Sticky Notes allows you to add all of your notes on virtual Post-Its and keep track of all the information you want.

To get started with Sticky Notes, press the Windows button and type (without quotes) "Sticky Notes," then press Enter. This will open the Sticky Notes application. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The Sticky Notes app at initial launch.

The first time you launch Sticky Notes, you are given the option of logging in with your Microsoft account to sync your note across devices. If you wish you can log in this way, you can also log in with another account, or you can click on "Not Now" and use Sticky Notes without any syncing. If you choose to start without using an account, you can always sync later.

Once you have chosen your desired method, Windows will open the Sticky Notes app. By default, the app will open with the Note List and a blank Note. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. The Sticky Notes app default view.

Enter the information you need to track in the note. If you need to add another note, click on any of the plus symbols in the top-left window. As you create new notes you will see the note added to the Note List. The Note List organizes your notes and allows you to search through your notes. The Note List also allows you to close a note and then open it again later. To close a note, click on the "X" in the top right corner of any note. (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3. A Sticky Note with information added.

Now with organized and searchable notes thanks to Sticky Notes, you can replace the mess of little papers scattered all over your desk and monitor.

 This tip (13620) applies to Windows 10.