Windows Server 2019: Sticky Notes App

Warning: This method is unsupported by Microsoft. It may break after a Windows Update. Use only in lab environments or isolated VDI sessions.

If you are determined to get the exact "Sticky Notes" aesthetic on Windows Server 2019, here is the unofficial walkthrough.

You can install Sticky Notes using PowerShell. Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:

Get-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online | Where-Object $_.FeatureName -eq "Microsoft-Windows-StickyNotes" | Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online

Let's be honest. Most server administrators don't need a GUI sticky note. They need a persistent command-line reminder that survives logoff/logon cycles.

The "Console Sticky Note" Script

Save the following as ServerNote.ps1 on your Windows Server 2019 desktop: sticky notes app windows server 2019

# Server Console Sticky Note - Creates a persistent text file on the desktop
$notePath = "$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\_SERVER_NOTE.txt"
# Check if note exists, if not, create it
if (!(Test-Path $notePath))  Out-File $notePath
# Open the note in Notepad
notepad.exe $notePath

Place this script in your Startup folder (shell:startup). Every time you log in, Notepad opens with your server-specific sticky notes.

Why this beats a sticky notes app:

Do not store passwords or privileged credentials in any sticky notes app on a shared Windows Server 2019 machine. Sticky notes store data in plain text or local databases. Use a proper password manager (e.g., KeePass, Bitwarden) for credentials.

Sticky notes are for:

Instead of bloating your server with the Desktop Experience, use a portable third-party sticky notes app. Warning: This method is unsupported by Microsoft

Our recommendation for Server 2019: SimpleSticky or Notezilla Lite.

Why this is better:

Quick setup:

If you manage Server 2019 via RDP, you don’t need the notes on the server at all.

Use the Local Resources tab in your RDP client: Let's be honest

This keeps your server pristine while maintaining your workflow.

Pro Tip for Admins: Create a scheduled task that runs StikyNot.exe at user login. You can also map the StickyNotes.snt file to a network share for rudimentary roaming.

Introduction: The Digital Desk Dilemma

For decades, IT administrators and power users have faced a peculiar challenge. You are logged into a powerful Windows Server 2019 machine—managing Active Directory, spinning up Hyper-V containers, or configuring SQL Server. On your physical desk, you have a stack of yellow sticky notes with IP addresses, PowerShell commands, and server maintenance schedules. But on your digital desktop? Nothing.

You search for the classic Windows Sticky Notes app, only to find it’s missing. You try to install it from the Microsoft Store, but Windows Server 2019 (LTSC) doesn't include the Store by default. You attempt to run the Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes_8wekyb3d8bbwe package, but you are met with dependency errors.

If you are managing Windows Server 2019 and need a native, reliable sticky notes app, you have entered a gray area of compatibility. This article provides a definitive, technical deep dive into why Sticky Notes doesn't work out of the box on Server 2019, and the five best ways to achieve the same functionality—ranging from hacked installs to enterprise-grade alternatives.