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Microsoft's latest Windows update breaks cursors, wallpaper, and more - what to do if you're affected
Winsage
August 31, 2026

Microsoft’s latest Windows update breaks cursors, wallpaper, and more – what to do if you’re affected

Windows 11 users who installed the September preview update (KB5120998) are experiencing a bug that alters or erases personalized mouse cursor settings, resulting in cursors that may be too large, too small, or invisible. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue, describing it as causing "appearance regressions and intermittent animation changes." High-DPI cursors have been replaced with larger, white cursors, and attempts to revert to previous settings have failed. Additionally, users have reported issues with wallpapers reverting to a black screen and blurry fonts, although Microsoft has not formally acknowledged the font issue. Users can uninstall the update by navigating to Settings, selecting Windows Update, clicking on Update History, and finding the option to uninstall the update labeled 2026-08 Preview Update (KB5120998). Microsoft is investigating the cursor problem and plans to provide updates by September 8.
AltTabby makes Windows 11's window switcher do things I didn't think were possible
Winsage
August 31, 2026

AltTabby makes Windows 11’s window switcher do things I didn’t think were possible

Stardock has introduced AltTabby, a customizable app-switching tool for Windows 11 that enhances the traditional Alt + Tab experience. It offers various styles, including thumbnail views, icon layouts, a list format, and a 3D carousel style reminiscent of Windows Vista. Users can customize the number of columns, thumbnail sizes, and themes, as well as utilize a built-in search bar for quick access to applications. Additional features include right-click options for pinning windows, color labeling, grouping similar applications, and hiding certain apps. AltTabby allows hotkey customization, enabling users to replace default shortcuts and create specific ones for different functionalities. It is available for a lifetime license or during a beta period, with a 30-day free trial for users to evaluate its features.
Improve your Android Auto experience by doing these simple things
AppWizard
August 31, 2026

Improve your Android Auto experience by doing these simple things

Android Auto is used in over 250 million vehicles worldwide and offers extensive customization options to enhance usability, safety, and personalization. Key features include the ability to clean up the home screen by selecting relevant apps, accessing hidden developer settings for wireless connectivity and video resolution adjustments, manually setting a consistent theme, enabling automatic launch when entering the vehicle, controlling automatic media playback, and utilizing Google's Gemini AI assistant for personalized commands and shortcuts. These adjustments can improve the overall driving experience without requiring advanced technical skills.
Windows 11 is accused of using AI to slow your PC, but it's not what you think
Winsage
August 30, 2026

Windows 11 is accused of using AI to slow your PC, but it’s not what you think

Windows 11's privacy settings have caused confusion among users regarding the Text and image generation feature, leading to misconceptions that AI processes are actively running and draining system resources. Screenshots showing "zero" requests in the Recent activity section indicate that these features are not consuming RAM. The privacy page is intended to inform users about which applications can use on-device generative AI models, but it does not imply that these applications are currently using AI. The processing occurs on a specialized chip, ensuring that it does not burden the CPU, GPU, or standard RAM. Users can disable the feature by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Text and image generation. The terminology used in the operating system has contributed to misunderstandings, and the setting was enabled by default, which has led to skepticism among users due to Microsoft's history of implementing features without clear communication.
Your GPU's scheduling toggle was pointless in 2020, and a growing list of Windows features now need it
Winsage
August 30, 2026

Your GPU’s scheduling toggle was pointless in 2020, and a growing list of Windows features now need it

For over a decade, Windows managed graphics card operations through a single CPU thread. In May 2020, Microsoft introduced Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling (HAGS), allowing users to transfer scheduling tasks to the GPU. HAGS shifts scheduling from the CPU to a dedicated processor on the GPU, reducing CPU overhead. The introduction of WDDM 3.0 with Windows 11 21H2 requires HAGS for the basic hardware flip queue, which reduces power consumption. The advanced hardware flip queue, which addresses presentation latency, also requires HAGS. With Windows 11 24H2 and WDDM 3.2, native GPU fences were introduced, allowing the GPU to manage dependencies without CPU intervention. Nvidia's frame generation features require HAGS, while Intel's Arc B-series cards do not. The state of HAGS is determined by GPU drivers, and applications like OBS have shown caution towards HAGS due to historical issues.
Microsoft Confirms Windows 11's KB5120998 Update is Breaking Mouse Cursors
Winsage
August 30, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11’s KB5120998 Update is Breaking Mouse Cursors

Microsoft's optional update for Windows 11, KB5120998, is causing issues with mouse cursor settings, reverting them to default configurations after installation. Users are experiencing frustrations as personalized cursors are replaced by an oversized default version, and adjustments to color and size often do not persist. This problem appears to be linked to specific hardware configurations or display scaling setups. Microsoft is investigating the issue, and users can uninstall the update to resolve the problem without affecting access to essential security patches.
Can All Android Phones Use Android Auto?
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

Can All Android Phones Use Android Auto?

Android Auto allows users to integrate their smartphones with their vehicle's dashboard, enabling functionalities like messaging, calling, music playback, and navigation. Most modern Android smartphones released in the last decade are compatible with Android Auto if they run Android 9 or later. Android 10 comes with the app pre-installed, while users of Android 9 can download it from the Google Play Store. Over 500 vehicle models support Android Auto, but compatibility can vary based on the vehicle's age and specifications. Wireless functionality is available for devices running Android 11 or later. Compatibility issues may arise with older phones, devices without Google services, or those using custom ROMs. Connection quality can also affect performance, with recommendations for using a data-transfer-capable cable shorter than six feet. Users may need to reset connections or disable VPNs to resolve issues. For those with compatibility problems, updating software or using a wireless adapter may be necessary.
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