Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 KB5120998 Breaks Mouse Cursor Settings & Animation, Desktop Customization Also Affected

Microsoft has confirmed a new Windows 11 personalization issues following updates released on August 27. After installing the KB5120998 update, many Reddit users claimed that mouse settings and desktop backgrounds are being reset without warning. Now, Microsoft has officially confirmed both the issues by updating “Known issues” section and Windows Release Health Dashboard, respectively.

Windows 11 mouse settings are being reset

The mouse customization is apparently being reset on certain non-English Windows installations, according to Microsoft. After installing KB5120998 and later updates, personalized mouse settings may return to standard defaults. As reported earlier, the problem affects mouse cursor settings and cursor animations configured through Windows Mouse Properties.

Microsoft says code components used by non-English Windows installations are behind the problem. Affected settings fail to load correctly, forcing Windows to use default values instead.

Trying to manually restore the preferred mouse settings does not fix the problem. That means repeatedly changing the cursor options may not provide a lasting solution. As far as resolution is concerned, Microsoft says it is working on a permanent fix through a future Windows update.

Desktop backgrounds are also affected

A separate Windows 11 issue is also affecting desktop background settings after the same August 27 KB5120998 update. In an update to the Windows Release Health Dashboard, Microsoft notes that after installing the update, customized desktop backgrounds can fail to load, leaving affected desktops with a solid black background.

Other personalization options may also be affected, including slideshow settings and contrast themes. The company further confirmed that the users on Windows 11 version 25H2 and version 24H2 might come across these issues.

Microsoft has not provided a specific release date for either permanent fix. For now, affected users may need to tolerate default settings until another update releases.