This is definitely one of the strangest Windows bugs I've ever encountered. It runs from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Here I show you the cause and a workaround.
What is this "Fir Tree" Problem?
To understand the problem, it is best to look at a picture:
This is what the mouse cursor looks like when the error occurs (sometimes it looks slightly modified). This is usually accompanied by certain features:
- The error disappears (if necessary for a short time) after a reboot.
- Reinstalling the operating system does not help - error reappears immediately or after a short time.
- The bug does not affect all types of cursors (for example, it can affect only the hand icon or the normal cursor but the hand icon looks normal).
The cause: Windows "forgets the icon" - whether this is fixed in the meantime, I can not say. I have seen the bug at a work colleague on his Windows 10 computer. I myself had this in Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
How to Verify the Error
Follow these steps to confirm you're experiencing this bug:
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Open the Windows Control Panel and select the Mouse option.
Step 2: Navigate to Mouse Pointer Tab
In the Mouse Properties dialog, select the "Mouse Pointer" tab.
Step 3: Check for Missing Icon
The field at the affected mouse pointer will be empty here. Windows "forgets" in live mode that this icon exists. If you click on the "Browse" button and scroll through the menu, you will not find the icon file either.
The Workaround
Simple Fix
The workaround is to simply select a different mouse pointer. The error will no longer occur after that, since it really only affects this one specific icon. So pick one that fits for you and that's it.