Windows 11 KB5120998 can reset custom mouse cursors and animations to standard settings, Microsoft says, with some users reporting larger or missing pointers after installing the optional update.
The issue affects Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft lists it as a reported problem in its Windows 11 release health notes, which say the problem began after updates released on 27 August 2026. The update produces OS Build 26100.9278 on 24H2 and 26200.9278 on 25H2.
Windows 11 KB5120998 loses cursor customisation
Microsoft says cursor personalisation settings may be changed or reverted to standard settings. The reported symptoms include high-DPI cursors being replaced by larger white pointers, custom animations reverting to standard behaviour, and changes failing to save when users try to restore their preferred settings.
The company is investigating whether Windows Update caused the problem and asks affected users to submit reports through Feedback Hub. TechPowerUp reports that some users also saw their wallpaper replaced by a plain black background, although that symptom is not included in Microsoft’s current release-health notice.
Should you install KB5120998?
KB5120998 is an optional preview update, so Windows 11 users do not need it to receive the month’s security fixes. PCWorld’s report recommends holding off until Microsoft identifies the cause. If the update is already installed and the cursor is broken, open Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, select KB5120998 and remove it. Affected users cited by TechPowerUp and PCWorld reported that uninstalling the update restored their cursor settings.
The UAE has no separate version of this Windows update. The same optional-release advice applies to UAE PCs: wait for a fix if you have not installed KB5120998, and remove it through Update History if it has caused the problem.
Related coverage: Windows 11’s August update is breaking games and Windows 11’s August update makes apps launch faster.
Is KB5120998 a mandatory Windows 11 update?
No. It is an optional preview update, so you can skip it without missing the month’s security fixes.
Which Windows 11 versions are affected?
Microsoft lists Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 as affected.
How do I remove KB5120998?
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, select KB5120998 and choose Uninstall.
Has Microsoft fixed the cursor problem?
Not yet. Microsoft lists the issue as Reported and says it is investigating.
