Windows 11 latest update broke my cursor and desktop wallpaper

Joanne 40 Reputation points
2026-09-06T13:34:45.4133333+00:00

Hello to all,

A while ago I updated to the latest update of Windows 11 (KB5120998) and after update, I realized my cursor had changed to an old Windows cursor (not the default Windows 11 one) and my desktop wallpaper turned into a solid color!

I have tried changing cursor and it won't change back AFTER updating to KB5120998. The desktop wallpaper appears as is, the cursor is the only broken thing and it wears me out.

Any solution is welcome!

Thank you in advance!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Other
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  1. DaveM121 936.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-06T14:07:08.1833333+00:00

    The problems with the wallpaper and cursor are widely reported to be caused by a bug in the optional preview update (KB5120998) released at the end of August.

    Uninstalling the update should fix the problems.

    Also, in the Windows updates section in the settings app, disable this setting to stop the optional preview update re-installing on your system - 'Get the latest updates as soon as they are released'.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-06T13:35:01.0533333+00:00

    This matches two confirmed Windows 11 issues associated with updates released on or after August 27, 2026, including KB5120998:

    • Mouse customization is reset on non-English Windows devices. Cursor and cursor animation settings can revert to standard settings, and manually changing them does not work because the settings fail to load.
    • Desktop background settings are lost or reset on some devices. The desktop background can become a solid black color, and manually restoring wallpaper or related desktop settings does not work for the same reason.

    What is currently supported:

    1. Check whether the device is a non-English Windows installation if the cursor issue is the main symptom. That is the confirmed affected scenario for the mouse customization problem.
    2. Do not rely on reapplying the cursor scheme or wallpaper settings as a fix. For both issues, the documented behavior is that manual restoration does not succeed.
    3. Wait for a future Windows update. Microsoft states that a resolution is being worked on for both issues and will be delivered in a future Windows update.
    4. Use Feedback Hub to report the issue. Similar Microsoft Q&A guidance recommends submitting a report with Win + F so the issue can be tracked with affected devices.

    If the device is ARM-based and Teams or new Outlook also fail to open after recent August 2026 updates, there is a separate workaround:

    1. Open Microsoft Store.
    2. Select Downloads > Check for updates.
    3. Install the latest Auto Super Resolution Package update, version 1.0.19.0 or later.

    That workaround applies only to the ARM-based Teams/New Outlook launch issue, not to the cursor or wallpaper problems.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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