GoKawiilMicrosoft confirms KB5120998 update wipes desktop wallpaper and theme settings
Microsoft has acknowledged that its optional KB5120998 preview update, released August 27, 2026, causes desktop backgrounds to reset to solid black on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices. The company says the bug prevents desktop settings like wallpaper, slideshow options, and contrast themes from loading correctly, and affected users cannot manually restore their previous customizations. The same update was already flagged a day earlier for resetting mouse settings with similar restoration problems.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This is the second known settings-corruption bug tied to the same optional update within days, raising questions about Microsoft's testing process for preview updates before wider rollout. Users who enabled automatic installation of the latest updates could be affected without any warning, and since manual fixes don't work, they may be stuck waiting for an official patch.
- KB5120998 causes desktop wallpaper and theme settings to reset to black on Windows 11 24H2/25H2.
- Manual attempts to restore custom desktop settings fail due to a loading bug, not user error.
- The same update also broke mouse settings a day earlier, suggesting broader configuration-loading issues.
Samsung ViewFinity S8 4K Monitor — If your wallpaper is going to go black, at least let it happen on a gorgeous 4K panel. The ViewFinity S8 gives Windows 11 desktops crisp resolution and solid color for themes, slideshows and everyday work once Microsoft patches the settings bug.
See Samsung ViewFinity S8 4K Monitor on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: bleepingcomputer.com, 2026-09-03
Published there as: “Microsoft says KB5120998 Windows update resets desktop settings”
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