A recent Microsoft update for Windows 11 has been resetting mouse settings on affected systems. The KB5120998 non-security preview update, released on August 27, 2026, is causing user reports of mouse cursor personalization settings being changed or reset to default values after installation. What’s more concerning is that users are unable to restore their previous customization settings even after attempting to do so.
According to Microsoft, the issue has resulted in appearance regressions and intermittent animation changes for some users. Specifically, high-DPI mouse cursors have been replaced with larger, white cursors, and custom cursor animations have reverted back to standard settings. Users who have attempted to restore their previous customization settings have reported that this is not possible.
The KB5120998 update was intended to improve the Start menu, taskbar, and Windows search functionality for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. However, it seems that some users are experiencing issues with their mouse settings instead. The fact that this is an optional non-security update means that only users who manually download and install the patch will be affected.
Microsoft has confirmed that they are investigating the root cause of the issue and have asked users to file a report via the Feedback Hub if they are experiencing this problem. Given that this is not a security-related issue, it’s possible that the problem may lie in the way the update interacts with Windows 11’s mouse customization settings.
This incident highlights the potential risks associated with installing non-security updates, even if they are optional. Users who have enabled the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option on their system will automatically receive the KB5120998 update without being able to opt-out. This may lead to unintended consequences such as the loss of customized settings.
As users become increasingly reliant on customization options for their mouse settings, any changes or resets can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve. Microsoft’s ongoing investigation into this issue demonstrates that even seemingly minor updates can have significant impacts on user experience.
For users who are affected by this issue, it’s essential to remember that you should exercise caution when installing non-security updates, even if they are optional. Make sure to carefully review the changes and fixes included in the update before proceeding with installation. If you do encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to file a report via the Feedback Hub to help Microsoft identify and resolve the problem more efficiently.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-08-31