Windows 11 Preview Update KB5120998 Resets Mouse Cursor Settings
Microsoft is investigating a bug in an optional preview update that wipes personalized cursor configurations for Windows 11 users.
A Windows 11 optional preview update released on August 27 is causing significant UI regressions for early adopters. The update, identified as KB5120998, has triggered a bug that resets personalized mouse cursor settings, disrupting the user interface for those on the Release Preview channel.
The glitch specifically affects Windows 11 builds 26100.9278 (24H2) and 26200.9278 (25H2). According to ZDNET, the update causes users to lose their custom cursor configurations, often replacing high-DPI or personalized pointers with a large, default white cursor. Microsoft has officially acknowledged the issue, describing it as resulting in "appearance regressions and intermittent animation changes," and confirmed that the company is currently investigating a fix.
Testing the September Rollout
This update was released as an optional preview intended to stress-test features ahead of the September Patch Tuesday mandatory rollout. Among the new additions included in KB5120998 are a resizable Start menu and a movable taskbar, which allows users to position the bar at the top, left, or right of the screen. Because the update is part of the Release Preview channel, it is not automatically pushed to all users but is available for manual installation via Windows Update for those wishing to test new features early.
Impact on Accessibility and Usability
UI regressions in core personalization and accessibility settings, such as the mouse cursor, can significantly hinder productivity and system usability. For users who rely on specific cursor sizes or colors for visibility, the sudden reset to a default pointer creates a tangible barrier to navigation. The incident highlights the inherent risks of preview builds, where new feature implementations—like the taskbar overhaul—can inadvertently break legacy UI components.
Path to Resolution
Microsoft must resolve these regressions before the features are integrated into the wider, mandatory Patch Tuesday release to avoid widespread system instability across the general user base. While the cursor issue is the primary confirmed glitch, users are encouraged to avoid the optional update if they rely on specific accessibility settings. Further updates on a permanent fix are expected as Microsoft continues its investigation into the build's stability.