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Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Preview Update Breaks Cursors and Desktop Settings

Traced to code used in non‑English installs, the mouse reset has prompted Microsoft to recommend removing the optional preview until a repair is released.

Overview

  • Microsoft released the optional Windows 11 preview KB5120998 on August 27, 2026, which added a movable taskbar, a resizable Start menu, and the option to remove Bing from search.
  • Soon after the rollout users reported that mouse cursor customizations reverted or failed to load and that desktop backgrounds and other personalization settings could display as a solid black color.
  • Microsoft has confirmed two separate regressions: the mouse personalization reset was linked to code used in non‑English Windows installs and desktop settings can fail to load, preventing manual restoration.
  • The company also acknowledged that Microsoft Teams and the new Outlook may crash on some ARM devices after recent updates and said it will include a fix in an upcoming update cycle.
  • Because KB5120998 is an optional preview delivered via a phased Controlled Feature Rollout, Microsoft advises uninstalling the preview or avoiding it until a patch lands and warns that more machines could show problems as the rollout continues.