Windows 11 Update KB5120998 Erases Custom Mouse Settings

Microsoft has acknowledged a widespread issue with its latest non-security preview update for Windows 11, KB5120998, released on August 27, 2026. The update is reportedly causing user-customized mouse settings, including cursor appearance and animations, to revert to default configurations. Critically, affected users are finding it impossible to reapply their previous personalized settings after the update.

The company stated in an official notice, "Microsoft has received reports indicating that mouse cursor personalization settings are being changed or reverted to certain standard settings. This occurs following installation of Windows updates released August 27 2026 (KB5120998) and later." The problem manifests as visual regressions and intermittent animation changes, with some users observing high-DPI cursors being replaced by larger, white alternatives and custom animations defaulting to standard options. Microsoft further noted that "Attempts to restore the previous cursor customization are reported to be unsuccessful." The software giant is actively investigating the root cause of this unexpected behavior and has encouraged users experiencing the problem to submit reports through the Feedback Hub.

Troubleshooting and Background

The KB5120998 update, which targets Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, also introduced improvements to the Start menu, taskbar, and Windows search functionality. As an optional, non-security patch, it is typically installed only when users manually initiate the process via the "Download and install" option, unless the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're they're available" setting is enabled, which then automates the installation. This current issue with mouse settings is not an isolated incident for Microsoft. In October of the previous year, the company had to release an emergency patch to address a critical bug that rendered USB mice and keyboards inoperable within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), significantly hindering troubleshooting efforts. Such recurring glitches highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining the stability and user experience of the Windows 11 operating system, particularly concerning hardware peripheral configurations.

This latest bug, while not as severe as the WinRE issue, still impacts user experience by disrupting personalized setups. For many users, custom mouse cursors and settings are a matter of preference, productivity, or even accessibility. The inability to restore these settings after an update can be a significant frustration. Microsoft's commitment to investigating and resolving the problem is crucial, but the current lack of a solution leaves many users in a state of inconvenience. The company's reliance on user feedback through the Feedback Hub, while a standard procedure, underscores the challenges of widespread testing for all possible user configurations before a general release.

The incident serves as a reminder of the complex ecosystem of software and hardware that comprises a modern PC. Updates, while essential for security and new features, can sometimes introduce unforeseen conflicts. As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, users and the company alike will be hoping for more stable update cycles that preserve rather than disrupt existing user configurations. The focus now shifts to how quickly Microsoft can identify the specific code causing the mouse setting reversion and deploy a reliable fix.