Microsoft has confirmed that its latest optional Windows 11 update, KB5120998, is causing problems with mouse cursor personalization. According to TechPowerUp, the company updated its release health notes to state that cursor personalization settings are "being changed or reverted to certain standard settings" after the update is installed.
The update, released August 27, 2026, brought welcome features such as a movable taskbar and a resizable Start menu, per TechPowerUp. However, it has also been resetting custom cursors to an oversized default appearance, with some users reporting that cursor color and size settings simply don't stick no matter how many times they are changed.
PCWorld reports that the issue extends beyond cursors to desktop wallpapers as well, citing Windows Latest's description of the two most common complaints: the mouse pointer resetting to "a bigger, white, Windows 98-style cursor that refuses to change back," and desktop backgrounds being "wiped out and replaced with a flat black color." PCWorld also cites a Reddit user who said the update turned their wallpaper into a single black color and appeared to enlarge their cursor.
Both outlets note that the bug is not affecting all Windows 11 PCs. TechPowerUp suggests the issue may be tied to specific hardware or display scaling configurations, while PCWorld says the exact source of the problem is currently unknown. TechPowerUp adds that despite not everyone being affected, the volume of reports on Feedback Hub and Reddit suggests the problem is widespread enough to be more than isolated incidents.
Microsoft says it is investigating the issue, according to TechPowerUp. In the meantime, both outlets agree that the only reliable fix is to uninstall the update via Settings > Windows Update > Update History. TechPowerUp notes that because the update is optional, removing it will not affect that month's security patches. PCWorld recommends holding off on installing KB5120998 for now, despite the new customization features it introduces.