Microsoft has released optional Windows 11 update KB5120998, bringing several changes to Windows Search and other parts of the operating system.
The update improves search by reducing clutter from Bing, Copilot, and MSN results, while also making local results easier to identify. It is currently optional, so you have to install it manually if you want the changes before they arrive more broadly in September.
However, the update is also linked to cursor and wallpaper problems for some people, so waiting for the regular September update may be the safer choice if stability matters more than getting the new features immediately.
Windows Search Gets a Cleaner Layout
One of the biggest changes in KB5120998 is how Windows Search handles web and local results.
Searches should no longer mix Bing, Copilot, and MSN content as aggressively as before. Instead, Windows will prioritize more relevant results and make it clearer whether an item is an app, setting, file, web page, or Microsoft Store suggestion.
The update also improves typo handling and incomplete searches, which should make it easier to find files or settings even when the search term is not entered perfectly.
| Change | What it does |
|---|---|
| Cleaner Search results | Reduces Bing, Copilot, and MSN clutter |
| Better result priority | More relevant results appear first |
| Clearer categories | Distinguishes apps, files, settings, web pages, and Store suggestions |
| Typo handling | Better results from incomplete or misspelled terms |
| Taskbar changes | Includes broader improvements such as taskbar repositioning |
| Update type | Optional |
| Wider rollout | Expected with September update |
The change is mainly a quality of life improvement rather than a complete redesign, but it addresses one of the more common complaints about Windows Search.
You Have to Install the Update Manually
Because KB5120998 is an optional update, it will not install automatically on every Windows 11 PC.
If you want it now, the update can be found under Settings, Windows Update, Advanced options, and Optional updates.
If you do nothing, the same changes are expected to become part of the larger September Windows update.
Microsoft is also using a gradual rollout for some of the features. That means installing KB5120998 does not guarantee that every new feature will appear immediately.
Some people may receive the changes over the following one or two weeks.
Cursor and Wallpaper Issues Are a Reason to Wait
The main concern is stability.
Some people are reporting cursor and wallpaper bugs after installing KB5120998, and the exact cause has not yet been identified.
Because of that, there is little reason to rush if your current Windows 11 installation is working well. The Search improvements are useful, but they are not essential enough to justify installing an optional update if you want to avoid potential problems.
Waiting until September also gives Microsoft more time to address the reported issues before the changes become part of a wider release.
KB5120998 Is Useful but Not Urgent
The update brings meaningful improvements to Windows Search, particularly by cutting down irrelevant web content and making local results easier to understand.
It also adds better typo handling and clearer result categories, while other parts of Windows 11 receive additional improvements.
Still, KB5120998 remains optional, and the reported cursor and wallpaper bugs make waiting a reasonable choice.
If you want the cleaner Search experience immediately, the update is available now. If stability is more important, waiting for the September rollout is the safer option.
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