black background Archives

Winsage

September 10, 2026

Microsoft fixes bug that wiped Windows desktop settings

Microsoft announced that the September 2026 Patch Tuesday updates resolved an issue affecting desktop settings on certain Windows devices, which caused desktop wallpapers to revert to a solid black background after the installation of the KB5120998 August 2026 preview update. This bug impacted Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 systems, preventing the correct loading of desktop settings and also affecting mouse settings. Microsoft recommended users update their devices to the latest security update released on September 8, 2026 (KB5124008) to benefit from the fix.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

Google Maps on Android Auto To Get a New Interface and New Colors

Google is refining Google Maps for Android Auto with a new user interface designed to enhance the driving experience. The update includes two modes: a light visual mode and a dark theme, both featuring a streamlined design that minimizes distractions. The UI eliminates unnecessary visual elements and replaces the traditional white background with dark gray for better comfort. In dark mode, the background is fully black, maintaining a consistent theme for indicators and panels. Additionally, a significant overhaul of Google Maps is underway, introducing 3D navigation, enhanced turn-by-turn directions, and more detailed maps, with the rollout already in the U.S. and Canada. These updates will be available on Android phones and Android Auto.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Are Vibe-Coding and AI-Slop the cause of Windows 11 issues (desktop background, mouse pointer, etc.)?

The preview update KB5120998 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, released on August 27, 2026, has caused issues such as erratic mouse pointer behavior and disappearing desktop backgrounds, particularly in non-English versions. Microsoft has acknowledged these problems, indicating that they stem from coding practices that fail to load certain settings correctly. Specific issues include a "black desktop background" due to desktop settings not loading and mouse customization resetting to default configurations. The problems may be related to translation issues within the registry, as registry keys have been altered post-update. Users have suggested that manually adjusting these registry keys could restore normal functionality.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Microsoft says KB5120998 Windows update resets desktop settings

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting some Windows devices after the installation of the KB5120998 preview update released on August 27, 2026. This issue primarily impacts Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, causing desktop settings, including wallpaper and themes, to reset or be lost, often resulting in a solid black background. Users are unable to manually restore their customized settings due to the issue preventing the correct loading of settings. The KB5120998 update was intended to enhance the Start menu, taskbar, and Windows search but inadvertently introduced complications, including changes to mouse settings that cannot be restored. The update is optional but installs automatically for users with the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" feature enabled. A similar bug occurred in February 2020 with the KB4539602 update, which disrupted desktop wallpaper functionality.

Winsage

September 3, 2026

Windows 11 update sends some desktops into an unwanted goth phase

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11 has caused some users to experience a default black background due to issues with personalization settings in the August update preview for versions 24H2 and 25H2. Users are unable to restore their preferred desktop backgrounds, and the update may also affect other desktop settings like slideshow configurations and contrast themes. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and is working on a fix for a future update.