Microsoft just released optional update KB5120998 for Windows 11, an important one that brings back a long-missed feature in the operating system. However, take caution before installing it—some users are reporting that this update can cause serious damage.
According to Windows Latest, this update removes custom settings for the cursor and wallpaper: “The most common complaint is the mouse pointer resetting to a bigger, white, Windows 98-style cursor that refuses to change back.” And later, they continue: “The second major complaint is a desktop background wiped out and replaced with a flat black color.”
And yes, some people are being hit with both issues, as one user described on Reddit: “This update set my desktop wallpaper to single-color (black) and I am pretty sure it changed my mouse cursor to be slightly larger in its normal state.”
Note: These issues aren’t occurring on all Windows 11 PCs, and many users have said they haven’t noticed any problems after installing this optional update. However, the source of the issue is currently unknown, so it’s probably best to refrain from installing KB5120998 for now. It’s a shame because the update introduces several new customization options for Windows 11, which would be worth installing otherwise.
If you’ve already installed KB5120998 and you’re hit by one or both of these issues, the only current fix is to uninstall the update altogether, as reported by some users who noticed the problem disappear post-uninstallation. Learn more about reverting a problematic Windows update.
