Desktop Background Turns Solid Black After KB5120998

Affected products and symptoms

Product

Windows 11

Versions and conditions

Windows 11 25H2/24H2 (OS build 26100.9278, KB5120998 or later)

Error codes and identifiers

KB512099826100.9278

Symptoms

• Custom desktop background does not load and becomes solid black
• Other desktop settings may also be affected, such as slideshows and contrast themes.
• Even if you manually restore the settings, the correct values ​​are not loaded and cannot be restored.

Causes and conditions

After KB5120998 released on 2026-08-27, some Windows desktop settings cannot be loaded correctly. Microsoft has confirmed the issue as of 2026-09-02, but has not disclosed a more detailed cause.

Before you start

• Check for KB5120998 or later in Windows Update > Update history
• Note the source file and theme name of the current background image
• Check with winver if OS build is 26100.9278 or later

Checks you can make now

These steps collect diagnostic information. They do not constitute a confirmed fix.

1. 01

   Check the affected area

   #

   Open [Settings] > [Personalization] > [Background] and check whether image, slideshow, or solid color is selected. Also note the impact on contrast themes.

   Record 24H2/25H2 build and KB5120998 or later with winver. Also note the time when the background was respecified and the reason it returned to black.

   Check before continuing

   Verdict: Go to Settings > Personalization > Background and check whether Image, Slideshow, or Solid Color is selected. Also note the impact on contrast themes. Record 24H2/25H2 build and KB5120998 or later with winver. Also note the time when the background was respecified and the reason it returned to black.

2. 02

   Check the original image

   #

   Check whether the image file you plan to display can be opened from Explorer. If the file itself is missing, treat that as a separate issue.

   Open the image in Photos. If it's for OneDrive online only, select [Always keep on this device] and don't confuse missing files with known issues.

   Check before continuing

   Verdict: Check whether the image file to be displayed can be opened from Explorer. If the file itself is missing, treat that as a separate issue. Open the image in Photos. If it's for OneDrive online only, select [Always keep on this device] and don't confuse missing files with known issues.

3. 03

   Distinguish from display disorder

   #

   If the taskbar and windows are not visible, it is a display problem rather than a background-setting problem. Switch to Microsoft's blank screen diagnostics, such as Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B.

   Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B is used only to isolate when the entire screen disappears. If only the background is black, do not press repeatedly.

   Official links for this step

   • Windows 11, version 25H2 known issues and notifications ↗

     Review the official requirements, screen names, and limitations for this procedure.

   Check before continuing

   Verdict: If the taskbar and windows are not visible, it is a display problem rather than a background-setting problem. Switch to Microsoft's blank screen diagnostics, such as Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B. Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B is used only to isolate when the entire screen disappears. If only the background is black, do not press repeatedly.

4. 04

   Check for subsequent updates

   #

   Apply only subsequent updates suggested by Microsoft in Settings > Windows Update and check if the background is retained after rebooting.

   Apply only the updates that Microsoft presents to your device, set the image after reboot, and see if it persists after signing out/in.

   Check before continuing

   Verdict: Apply only subsequent updates suggested by Microsoft in Settings > Windows Update and check whether the background remains set after reboot. Apply only the updates that Microsoft presents to your device, set the image after reboot, and see if it persists after signing out/in.

5. 05

   Record the status and wait

   #

   If the background returns to black after you set it again, save the operation time and setting screen. Since there is no official workaround, do not edit the registry or removing updates.

   If no official solution has been published, do not edit the registry or remove updates. Save the OS build, background type, and time and wait for the Release Health update.

   Even when temporarily selecting a single color or a different image, the location and settings of the original image are recorded. When the official information is updated, check the target KB, resolution status, and target build, and apply it via Windows Update on the device.

   Check before continuing

   Judgment: If the background returns to black after you set it again, save the operation time and setting screen. Since there is no official workaround, do not edit the registry or removing updates. If no official solution has been published, do not edit the registry or remove updates. Save the OS build, background type, and time and wait for the Release Health update.

Check the result

• Background image file can be opened
• Background settings are retained even after signing out/restarting after subsequent updates

If the problem continues

• If you need visibility for work purposes, consult with your administrator and temporarily choose a single color or standard theme. However, it may not be retained
• If the entire screen is black, use the official blank screen diagnostic

Fix status

Investigating — unresolved. Microsoft says it is working on providing a fix in a future Windows update (Updated 2026-09-02 18:30 PT).

Frequently asked questions

Official sources and dates

• Windows 11, version 25H2 known issues and notifications ↗
• Windows release health ↗
• Recovery options in Windows ↗

Source publication or resolution date: 2026-09-02. Sources checked: 2026-09-05. The check date is not the date the problem first occurred. Interface labels can vary between versions and display languages.

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