My Sticky Notes have disappeared after reopening

Question

I searched for Sticky Notes using the Windows search bar. When I opened the last sticky note I used, it appeared briefly but then closed automatically.

I tried reopening Sticky Notes, but the same issue kept happening. Eventually, the notes list opened but only 2 notes were visible. All my other notes are missing.

I checked the file at plum.sqlite and opened it in DB Browser for SQLite, but the Note and UpgradedNote tables are empty.

These lost notes are very important to me.

Please let me know if there’s a way to recover the missing notes.

Answer 1

Hello, I’m Henry, and I’d like to share my insights on this issue.

If only two notes are visible while the database tables appear empty, the data may still be recoverable from previous versions or backup files. However, before proceeding, please first check whether the notes are truly missing by selecting the Notes list—this should display all your saved notes.

Recovery Steps:

1. If you're signed into Sticky Notes with a Microsoft account

• Open Microsoft Outlook (web or app) using the same account.
• Check the Notes folder in the left sidebar.
• Look in the Deleted Items folder—your notes might be there.
• If found, select them and click Restore.

2. If you're using Windows 10 (version 1607 or later). You can reference this link Sticky Notes Restore Windows 10: 4 Effective Methods

• Make sure the Sticky Notes app is completely closed.
• Press Windows + R, then paste: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\
• Locate the plum.sqlite file.
• Right-click it and select Restore previous versions or Properties > Previous Versions.
• Choose an earlier version from before your notes disappeared.
• Click Restore.

3. Check for Temporary Backup Files

• Sticky Notes may store temporary backups:
• Look for plum.sqlite-shm or plum.sqlite-wal files in the same folder.
• If they exist, try renaming them and restarting Sticky Notes.

4. If You Recently Updated Windows

• Navigate to: C:\Windows.old\Users[yourusername]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState
• Copy the plum.sqlite and plum.sqlite-wal files.
• Replace the current files in your active LocalState folder.

I hope this helps guide you toward recovering your missing notes.

Answer 2

check my deleted notes