Microsoft has released an emergency update for Windows 11 to fix a critical issue that disabled USB keyboards and mice within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), leaving some users unable to perform system repairs.
The issue, which originated from the October 2025 cumulative update (KB5066835), prevented users from navigating recovery tools if they relied on USB input devices. According to Microsoft, the bug affected Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, as well as Windows Server 2025.
“The issue causes USB keyboards and mice to stop working in the Windows Recovery Environment after installing update KB5066835,” Microsoft stated in its release health dashboard. “We have addressed this with update KB5070773.”
The new emergency patch, identified as KB5070773, restores full USB functionality in WinRE and is now available through Windows Update and the Microsoft Update Catalog. Microsoft noted that the problem did not affect standard Windows sessions, where USB peripherals continued to operate normally.
The company said it acted swiftly to limit disruption and advised users to install the patch immediately. “This update resolves the issue and ensures USB devices function correctly within the recovery environment,” the company added.
The rapid release of KB5070773 follows a series of minor update-related issues reported earlier this year, underscoring Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to stabilize recent Windows 11 builds.
Source: Microsoft