A Critical Update Bug for Non-English Windows Users: What You Need to Know
A recently discovered bug in Microsoft’s KB5120998 update has left some Windows 11 users with a frustrating issue: their mouse settings are being reset or changed automatically after installing the update. But what exactly happened, who is affected, and why does it matter?
The KB5120998 update was released on August 27 as an optional preview update for devices running Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. While intended to improve the Start menu, taskbar, and Windows search functions, it appears that the bug has caused mouse cursor personalization settings to revert to default values. Users who have installed the update report that their custom mouse settings are being overwritten, leaving them unable to restore their previous configurations.
Microsoft confirmed that only non-English Windows devices are affected by this issue. According to an investigation, the problem is caused by code components used in non-English Windows installations, which fail to load and cause default settings to be applied instead. This means that users who have installed the KB5120998 update on their non-English Windows 11 systems may need to manually reset or recreate their custom mouse settings.
The fact that this bug affects only non-English devices might seem like a minor issue, but it highlights a larger problem: Microsoft’s software updates can sometimes have unintended consequences, especially for users with specific language settings. This incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous updates can have significant effects on system functionality and user experience.
For users who rely heavily on custom mouse settings, this bug may cause significant disruptions to their workflow or productivity. Moreover, the fact that Microsoft has acknowledged multiple issues related to mouse functionality in recent months suggests a need for more thorough testing and quality assurance measures.
So what can you do about it? If you’re running a non-English Windows 11 system and have installed the KB5120998 update, be aware of this potential issue. You may want to manually check your mouse settings after installing future updates or consider disabling automatic updates until Microsoft releases a fix for this bug. By being informed and vigilant, you can minimize the impact of such bugs on your productivity and system stability.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-09-03