Microsoft has acknowledged a known issue with KB5120998
Microsoft has acknowledged a known issue with KB5120998 (Windows 11 24H2/25H2 preview update released August 27, 2026) that can cause desktop personalization settings to fail to load. Symptoms include:
- Desktop wallpaper changing to a solid black background.
- Themes being reset.
- Slideshow and contrast theme settings being affected.
- Changes not sticking even when you manually restore them.
Microsoft is investigating and has stated that a fix will be delivered in a future Windows update. Currently, there is no official workaround other than removing the update if the issue is impacting users.
Check if KB5120998 is installed
Settings > Windows Update > Update HistoryLook for KB5120998.
Remove KB5120998
Settings > Windows Update > Update History >Uninstall Updates > KB5120998 > UninstallMany affected users report that uninstalling the update restores wallpaper and cursor settings.
Enterprise/Admin Notes
- KB5120998 is an optional preview update, not a required security update.
- If you manage Windows Update rings, consider pausing or declining KB5120998 until Microsoft releases a fix.
If you're seeing this in your environment, I can also provide a PowerShell script to detect machines with KB5120998 installed.

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