Microsoft fixes Windows 11 black desktop bug but reports new audio and virtual machine issues

Microsoft has addressed a bug in Windows 11 where desktop backgrounds would turn black and personal settings would reset. This issue was caused by the optional update KB5120998, released in late August. A fix has been deployed via the September security update, KB5124008, which is recommended for all Windows 11 users.

However, the same September security update, KB5124008, has introduced new technical issues. Microsoft has acknowledged problems affecting USB audio devices that support USB Audio Class 1.0, resulting in no sound or device errors. Additionally, a bug is preventing Hyper-V-based Linux virtual machines from accessing shared host folders. This specific issue impacts applications such as the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Anthropic’s AI agent, Claude Cowork.

Anthropic has confirmed degraded functionality for Claude Cowork on Windows. While Microsoft is working on a fix for these newer issues, users may experience connectivity problems with Remote Desktop Services (RDS) as well. Microsoft recommends installing the latest security updates to address the initial desktop background bug and the numerous vulnerabilities addressed in the September patch.