My sticky notes list is stuck in full-screen mode

Select the Notes List window and press Windows key + Shift + Down Arrow to restore it from its maximized state without dragging the title bar.

1. Use Alt + Tab until Sticky Notes – Notes List is active.
2. Press Windows key + Shift + Down Arrow once. Windows documents this shortcut as restoring a snapped or maximized window.^1^
3. If that has no effect, press Windows key + Down Arrow once or twice. This moves the focused window down through maximized, windowed, and minimized states.^2^
4. Once restored, resize the Notes List by dragging a border or corner.

Microsoft’s Sticky Notes instructions mention double-clicking the title bar or dragging it downward, but they specifically describe individual notes rather than the Notes List.^3^ Since dragging has already failed for the list, the keyboard restore command is the appropriate next step.

If the Notes List still will not restore

Repair Sticky Notes without resetting it:

• Windows 11: Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Sticky Notes → … → Advanced options → Repair
• Windows 10: Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Sticky Notes → Advanced options → Repair

Repair is the non-destructive option. Restart Sticky Notes afterward and test the Notes List again.^4^

If Repair is unavailable or unsuccessful, Reset is the next Windows option—but do not use it until the notes are synchronized or backed up. Microsoft warns that resetting or uninstalling Sticky Notes can delete local notes when the app was not signed in.^5^

References

1. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/accessibility/windows/keyboard-shortcuts-in-windows#windows-key-keyboard-shortcuts)
2. Windows keyboard tips and tricks
3. Troubleshoot Sticky Notes | Microsoft Support
4. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/apps/repair-apps-and-programs-in-windows#summary)
5. Where did my Sticky Notes go? | Microsoft Support