Microsoft’s optional KB5120998 update for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 is causing personalized desktop backgrounds not to load and the screen to turn black. Slideshow wallpapers and high-contrast themes are also affected, while users’ attempts to change the settings manually produce no results.
Microsoft has acknowledged the issues, which were previously reported to also affect mouse settings and Defender alerts. The company said it is working on the problem but has not yet shared a workaround, adding that the fix will be delivered in an upcoming Windows update.
Why it matters
The fact that this is an optional update means that the issue does not affect all Windows 11 users; however, it affects access to desktop personalization for users who install the package. Settings that rely particularly on slideshow wallpapers or high-contrast themes cannot be restored through user intervention, meaning the problem is not limited to a temporary display preference. The fact that issues involving mouse settings and Defender alerts were also reported earlier means that the update’s impact on different system components needs to be monitored. Microsoft’s failure to provide a workaround yet shows that affected users currently have no verified option other than waiting for an official fix; the date on which the fix will be released has not been announced.
Background
Windows is not a new name in the FikirPilot archive: we published 2 articles mentioning the name in the last 90 days; the latest was dated September 2, 2026.