Deleted File Recovery

How to Recover Deleted Sticky Notes from a Plum SQLite File

Muhammad Talha Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to recover deleted Sticky Notes using a recovered plum.sqlite database file and understand how to properly open and read the file's contents.

How to Recover Deleted Sticky Notes from a Plum SQLite File

Product: Sticky Notes
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to open or restore a recovered plum.sqlite file to regain access to deleted sticky notes.
Observed behavior: The plum.sqlite file appears unreadable, scrambled, or filled with gibberish when opened directly in Word, WordPad, or Acrobat.

Before you start

Before attempting any restoration steps, make a secure backup copy of your recovered plum.sqlite file to a different folder or external drive, and ensure you do not modify the original recovered file.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore the plum.sqlite File to the Application Data Directory

To properly read a recovered plum.sqlite database, you must place it back into the official Sticky Notes system folder so the application can load it natively.

Because plum.sqlite is a specialized database file, standard text editors and word processors cannot parse its structure. The most reliable method is to let the Sticky Notes app read its own database.

Close the Sticky Notes Application

Right-click your taskbar to open the Task Manager (or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and ensure the Sticky Notes application is completely closed.

Navigate to the LocalState Folder

Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog, paste %LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState, and press Enter.

Replace the Existing Database

Locate the existing plum.sqlite file in this folder and rename it to 'plum.sqlite.backup' to preserve it. Next, copy your recovered plum.sqlite file and paste it into this directory.

Launch Sticky Notes

Open the Sticky Notes app from your Windows Start menu. Ensure you are logged into the same Microsoft account associated with the original notes to view your recovered data.

Restore the plum.sqlite File to the Application Data Directory

Account Synchronization: Once the application is open, allow a few moments for the app to sync with your Microsoft account to fully populate and display the recovered notes.

Solution 2

Extract Text Manually Using an SQLite Database Viewer

If restoring the file to the app directory fails or you cannot access the correct Microsoft account, you can manually extract the raw text using a dedicated SQLite database viewer.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Securely Manage and Save Your Important Notes with WPS Office

Instead of relying on fragile, easily corrupted app databases like plum.sqlite for critical information, consider saving your important notes and documents securely using WPS Office. It provides a reliable, easy-to-use platform with document backup options to prevent permanent data loss.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
2. Create a New Document: Open WPS Office and select the 'Writer' application to start a new, secure document for your important notes.
3. Enable Cloud Sync: Sign in to your WPS account and enable cloud synchronization so your notes are automatically backed up and accessible across devices.

Free, lightweight, and fast alternative to Microsoft Office.Full compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats for safe, readable note storage.Built-in cloud backup features keep your text and notes safe from accidental deletion.Familiar user interface makes transitioning from standard Microsoft tools seamless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my plum.sqlite file look like gibberish when opened in Word or Notepad?

The plum.sqlite file is a structured SQLite database rather than a standard plain text file. When standard word processors or text editors try to parse it, they read the underlying database code as text, which results in scrambled, unreadable characters.

Can I recover sticky notes if my plum.sqlite file is permanently deleted from my PC?

If you do not have a recent backup or Microsoft cloud synchronization enabled, your only option is to use professional data recovery software. You must scan your storage drive for the deleted plum.sqlite file as soon as possible before new data overwrites it.

Where is the plum.sqlite database file stored in Windows 10 and 11?

By default, the Sticky Notes database is located inside a hidden AppData folder. You can access it directly by navigating to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState.

Migration & Recovery