Microsoft Admits Windows 11 KB5120998 Update Breaks Mouse Cursors, With Wallpapers Turning Black Until You Uninstall It

Live updates

1. 11d ago

   Microsoft confirms KB5120998 update resets desktop and mouse settings

   Microsoft confirmed that the KB5120998 August 2026 preview update resets or deletes desktop settings on some Windows 11 devices. The update also causes mouse cursor glitches and reverts mouse settings, though Microsoft specifies this particular bug only affects non-English systems. To fix these issues, including wallpapers turning black, users must uninstall the update. The update was released on August 27, 2026, for versions 24H2 through 25H2, intending to remove search ads and Bing clutter to prioritize local file results.

   Why it matters

   This preview update targets search functionality by disabling web suggestions. The resulting bugs force a trade-off between a cleaner search experience and basic system stability.

   What is confirmed

   • Microsoft confirmed the KB5120998 August 2026 preview update resets or loses desktop settings on some devices.
   • The mouse settings reset bug affects only non-English Windows 11 systems.
   • Users must uninstall the KB5120998 update to resolve black wallpapers and cursor glitches.
   • The update was released on August 27, 2026, for Windows 11 24H2-25H2.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The update causes false antivirus warnings.
   • Vibe-coding and AI-slop may be the cause of the desktop and mouse pointer issues.

   What to watch next

   • Release of a patched version of KB5120998
   • Microsoft confirmation of a fix for English-language system bugs
   • Official guidance on recovering lost desktop settings
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.broadwayworld.com — The Turning at Mark Taper Forum
   2. www.bleepingcomputer.com — Microsoft says KB5120998 Windows update resets desktop settings
   3. www.bleepingcomputer.com — Microsoft: KB5120998 mouse reset bug affects only non-English PCs
   4. borncity.com — Are Vibe-Coding and AI-Slop the cause of Windows 11 issues (desktop background, mouse pointer, etc.)?
   confidence 95%
2. 15d ago

   Microsoft Confirms KB5120998 Update Breaks Windows 11 Mouse Cursors

   Microsoft confirmed that the KB5120998 optional August 2026 preview update causes mouse cursor glitches and resets mouse settings on Windows 11 systems. While the update removes Bing clutter and search ads to prioritize local files, it also causes wallpapers to turn black. Users must uninstall the update to resolve these issues. Other reported problems include false antivirus warnings. Despite these bugs, the update is intended to improve search results by disabling web suggestions and removing search clutter.

   Why it matters

   This update targets long-standing user complaints regarding search clutter and integrated Bing ads. It arrives as Windows 11 version 26H2 enters its final preview phase before a general mass rollout.

   What is confirmed

   • Microsoft confirmed the KB5120998 August 2026 non-security preview update resets mouse settings on Windows 11.
   • The KB5120998 update removes Bing clutter, disables web suggestions, and prioritizes local PC files and apps.
   • The update causes mouse cursor bugs.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The KB5120998 update causes wallpapers to turn black until uninstalled.
   • Windows 11 updates are triggering false antivirus warnings.

   What to watch next

   • Release of a patched version of KB5120998 to fix cursor and wallpaper bugs.
   • General mass rollout date for Windows 11 version 26H2.
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. Windows Central — Windows 11 version 26H2 enters final preview phase before general mass rollout begins
   2. PCWorld — Windows 11’s optional August update has a cursor bug. Skip it for now
   3. TechPowerUp — Microsoft Confirms Windows 11's KB5120998 Update is Breaking Mouse Cursors
   4. Digital Foundry — Windows 26H2 Is Nearly Here: 7 Features Worth Knowing About
   5. Wccftech — Microsoft Admits Windows 11 KB5120998 Update Breaks Mouse Cursors, With Wallpapers Turning Black Until You Uninstall It
   6. Windows Latest — Windows 11’s faster, Bing-free Search released, enable it using these steps
   7. www.pcworld.com — Windows 11’s latest optional update finally fixes search clutter
   8. www.zdnet.com — Microsoft's latest Windows update breaks cursors, wallpaper, and more - what to do if you're affected
   9. www.bleepingcomputer.com — Microsoft says Windows 11 KB5120998 update resets mouse settings
   10. lifehacker.com — Why You Might Need to Roll Back Windows' Latest Update
   11. hothardware.com — Windows 11 Updates Trigger False Antivirus Warnings & Cursor Glitches
   12. pc-tablet.com — Microsoft Rolls Out Windows 11 Update KB5120998 to Remove Search Ads and Bing Clutter
   confidence 90%