Windows 11 KB5120998 Update Reportedly Breaks Mouse Cursor Settings as Microsoft Investigates
Microsoft’s latest optional Windows 11 update is causing frustration for some users, with reports claiming that the KB5120998 update is breaking mouse cursor behavior and resetting personalization settings.
The Windows 11 KB5120998 update was released as a major optional update with changes affecting key parts of the operating system, including the Taskbar, Start Menu, and Windows Search. While the update brings several improvements and interface-related changes, it has also introduced unexpected bugs that are now affecting everyday usability.
One of the most widely reported problems involves the mouse cursor. After installing the KB5120998 update, some Windows 11 users say their cursor disappears, becomes unusually large, shrinks to a very small size, or reverts to default settings. In several cases, users reported that custom cursor size, color, and appearance settings were reset even after they tried to apply their preferred changes again.
Microsoft has now acknowledged the issue and confirmed that it is investigating reports related to mouse cursor personalization problems.
According to Microsoft, it has received reports that mouse cursor personalization settings may be changed or reverted to certain standard settings after installing Windows updates released on August 27, 2026, including KB5120998 and later updates.
The issue appears to be directly connected to the latest optional Windows 11 update, as affected users have reported that the problem began immediately after installation. Since mouse cursor visibility and customization are important accessibility features, the bug can be especially disruptive for users who rely on larger pointers, custom colors, or specific cursor settings for comfortable navigation.
The cursor bug is not the only problem being linked to KB5120998. Some users have also reported wallpaper issues after installing the update. In certain cases, Windows 11 may display a black background instead of the selected wallpaper. Even when users change the wallpaper manually, the system may return to a black screen again after a restart.
At the moment, uninstalling the KB5120998 update appears to resolve both the mouse cursor and wallpaper problems for affected users. Since Microsoft has already acknowledged the cursor-related bug, a future Windows 11 update or patch is expected to address the issue.
If your mouse cursor has disappeared, changed size, reverted to default settings, or your wallpaper has turned black after installing Windows 11 KB5120998, you may want to remove the optional update temporarily. To do this, open Windows Settings, go to Windows Update, select Update history, choose Uninstall updates, and remove KB5120998 if it appears in the list.
Because KB5120998 is an optional update, users who have not installed it yet may want to wait until Microsoft releases a fix. Optional Windows updates often include early improvements and feature changes, but they can also introduce bugs that are later corrected in cumulative updates.
For now, the safest option for users experiencing these Windows 11 issues is to roll back the KB5120998 update and monitor future patch releases from Microsoft.
