Mouse cursor is using old icon that cannot be changed

bees05 85 Reputation points
2026-08-26T10:59:15.5833333+00:00

My mouse cursor changed itself to the old one with a long "tail" and i cant change it to use the new one. Additionally some icons that are animated (like waiting) can be changed but the static ones (like normal or link) as stated above cannot.

I've tried restarting computer, changing icons to default ones but nothing has worked.

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Personalization and accessibility
Answer accepted by question author and recommended by moderator
CrazyKats 19,245 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-08-28T02:27:33.86+00:00

Hi Johnson,

Apparently there have been reports that

the build you are currently on has cursor

and wallpaper issues.

Please report the issue in the Feedback

Hub using WIN+F. If you can't wait for

a fix, then you could uninstall the update

and Pause Updates until the next build

is released.

Was this answer helpful?

10+ people found this answer helpful.
Answer accepted by question author
Lychee-Ng 28,115 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-08-26T12:20:00.2433333+00:00

Hi bees05,

I can understand how confusing it is when some cursor states suddenly change while the main static pointers remain stuck on the old style. Just wondering, do you recall any notable events shortly before this started, such as a Windows update, a new application, a customization, etc.? Either way, there's a few things that may narrow this down:

1 - Force Windows to rebuild the cursor scheme

  • Press Win + R > type control > press Enter.
  • Open Mouse > Pointers tab > under Scheme
  • Change to a different built-in scheme > Apply.
  • Switch back to Windows Default > Apply and OK.

2 - Check for corrupted (cursor) files

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  • Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • After it completes, run: sfc /scannow > restart and test again.

3 - Test with a new user profile

  • Open Settings > Accounts > Other accounts > create a local Windows account.
  • Sign into that account and see whether the cursor still shows the old "tail" style.
  • If it works correctly there, the issue is likely limited to your user profile settings.

Just wondering, does the problem persist if you switch to another built-in Windows cursor scheme, or do the static pointers remain regardless? Since you're running an Insider build, there is also a possibility this is an Insider-specific regression. Please report it via Feedback Hub (press Win + F) to push for early investigation!

If you think the answer is helpful to you, please mark this as accepted. If you have extra questions about this answer, feel free to click "Add Comment" and ask!

Note: Follow the steps in our documentation if you want to enable and receive the related email notifications for this thread.

Was this answer helpful?

2 people found this answer helpful.

5 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Lovely Bastard 0 Reputation points
    2026-09-11T16:58:41.13+00:00

    the KB5124008 update, fix the problem. install it manual if windows update don't do it.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Samara Brito 40 Reputation points
    2026-08-30T05:08:58.45+00:00

    Ola, pessoal! Estava acontecendo comigo depois que o Windows fez sua ultima atualização no dia 28. Segui a dica de desinstalar o pacote KB5120998 e funcionou

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.