Microsoft’s latest optional Windows 11 update is causing problems with mouse cursor customization, wallpapers and, in some cases, text rendering.
The problems started appearing after users installed KB5120998, released on August 27 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. The update moves systems to builds 26100.9278 and 26200.9278, respectively.
Some users say their mouse cursor becomes unusually small or large after installing the update. Others report that customized pointers are replaced with the default white Windows cursor.
Changes made through Windows accessibility and personalization settings may also fail to stick, with the cursor returning to its default size, color, or design.
Microsoft has acknowledged reports of cursor personalization settings being changed or reset after recent Windows updates and is investigating the problem.
Wallpapers Can Turn Black
The cursor problem is not the only issue being reported.
Some users say their desktop wallpaper is replaced by a solid black background after installing KB5120998.
Changing the wallpaper manually can temporarily restore it, but some users report that the black background returns after signing out or restarting Windows.
Windows Latest also found reports from people experiencing both the cursor and wallpaper problems on the same PC.
Not every system appears to be affected, suggesting the bugs may depend on factors such as hardware, display scaling or Windows personalization settings.
Some Users Are Reporting Blurry Text Too
There are also reports of text appearing pixelated or blurry after installing the update.
Some affected users said running Windows’ ClearType configuration did not solve the problem.
A smaller number of users have also reported DISM error 0x800f0915 while repairing Windows. However, this error has appeared on older Windows builds as well, so it is not clear whether KB5120998 directly causes it.
KB5120998 is an Optional Update
KB5120998 is currently an optional preview update, meaning users do not have to install it immediately.
The update itself introduces several notable Windows 11 improvements, including more taskbar customization, a resizable Start menu, and changes to Search. Microsoft’s official support page currently still lists no formally recognized known issues for KB5120998.
Microsoft software engineer Jen Gentleman has also reminded users that the update is optional and asked affected users to submit detailed reports through Feedback Hub.
How to Fix It
Users who removed KB5120998 report that their cursor and wallpaper settings returned to normal.
Affected users can remove it by going to:
Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall updates
From there, select KB5120998, uninstall it, and restart the computer.
Removing the update will also remove the new features included with it until Microsoft releases them again through a future Windows update.
Microsoft is expected to address the problems in an upcoming Windows 11 update, but no specific fix date has been announced yet.
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