Microsoft Windows 11 users are experiencing broken desktop wallpapers and oversized mouse cursors after installing an optional August software update, according to technology news outlet Windows Latest.
The technical issues stem from update KB5120998, an optional patch distributed by Microsoft during its August release cycle for personal computer owners running the operating system.
According to user reports highlighted by Windows Latest, one of the most common glitches causes the mouse pointer to reset automatically to a larger white cursor designed in the style of Microsoft's legacy Windows 98 operating system.
In addition to the cursor alterations, multiple computer owners reported that their chosen desktop wallpaper disappeared following the update, leaving behind a solid black screen. Readers of the publication noted that customized background images vanished immediately after the system restarted following installation.
Widespread complaints on Microsoft Feedback Hub
Technical specialists from Windows Latest reviewed user submissions on the official Microsoft Feedback Hub and concluded that the glitches are widespread rather than isolated incidents.
Due to the high frequency of these errors across different computer configurations, specialists recommended that users refrain from installing the KB5120998 update until Microsoft addresses and resolves the underlying software bugs.
The Microsoft Feedback Hub is a built-in application in Windows that allows computer owners to report technical glitches, submit system telemetry and upvote active software issues. Microsoft uses Knowledge Base catalog numbers, prefixed by KB, to categorize and track individual patches, security fixes and feature previews released through Windows Update.
Windows 11 was launched by Microsoft in October 2021 as the successor to Windows 10, bringing a modern interface, updated system typography and refined navigation tools. In contrast, Windows 98 was released in 1998 and relied on a classic graphical user interface featuring larger, higher-contrast white mouse pointers that differed significantly from modern pointer designs.
Earlier August update degraded PC gaming performance
The desktop wallpaper and cursor failures follow separate performance complaints tied to an earlier software release distributed during the same month.
Users who previously downloaded update KB5121003, another August software patch for Windows 11, reported noticeable drops in overall computer performance.
According to reporting by Windows Latest journalists, computer gamers suffered the most severe impact from the performance degradation caused by the KB5121003 update.
Microsoft regularly offers optional cumulative updates near the end of each month, allowing users and system administrators to preview upcoming non-security fixes before mandatory updates roll out during Patch Tuesday cycles. However, optional preview builds can occasionally introduce unforeseen graphical bugs or system stability issues prior to final public distribution.
