Windows 11 KB5120998 Update Resets Mouse Cursor Settings

Microsoft has confirmed that the KB5120998 August 2026 preview update for Windows 11 can reset mouse cursor and personalization settings.

After installing KB5120998, some Windows 11 users report that their customized mouse pointer preferences are automatically changed or reverted to default settings.

In some cases, affected users are unable to restore their previous cursor settings, even after manually selecting their preferred pointer size, color, appearance, or animation.

“Microsoft has received reports indicating that mouse cursor personalization settings have been changed or reverted to certain standard settings. This issue occurs after you install Windows Update (KB5120998) or later released on August 27, 2026,” Microsoft explains.

According to the company, the bug can affect the appearance and animation of mouse pointers. Some reports indicate that high-DPI cursor designs are replaced with larger white pointers, while customized cursor animations revert to standard Windows settings.

Attempts to reapply the original mouse cursor customizations may not work, leaving users unable to restore their previous pointer configuration.

Microsoft is investigating the underlying cause of the Windows 11 mouse settings bug. The company recommends that affected users submit reports through the Windows Feedback Hub, including details about their device and cursor configuration.

Released on August 27, KB5120998 is an optional, non-security update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The preview update includes improvements to the Start menu, taskbar, and Windows Search.

Because KB5120998 is an optional update, it is not installed automatically. Users must open Windows Update and select the Download and install option to apply it. Users who have not installed the update can avoid the issue by waiting for a future release.

Microsoft has addressed several other mouse-related problems affecting Windows devices in recent months.

For example, the company previously released an emergency update for an issue that disabled USB mice and keyboards in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), preventing users from interacting with recovery tools.

Microsoft is also investigating a separate bug affecting some Classic Outlook users. The issue can cause the mouse pointer to disappear while moving it around the Outlook interface.

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