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Microsoft’s October 20, 2025 out-of-band update KB5070773 fixed a specific Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) failure caused by the October 14 security update KB5066835. On affected Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 systems, USB keyboards and mice stopped working inside WinRE, so users could not select recovery options. USB input continued to work normally after Windows itself started.
What broke, and where
KB5066835 introduced a USB-input problem in WinRE. The failure affected navigation of recovery menus, including options such as Startup Repair, Reset this PC, Command Prompt and update removal. It did not disable USB keyboards or mice throughout Windows; the same peripherals continued to function in the regular operating system.
Microsoft’s release-health documentation listed Windows 11 client versions 24H2 and 25H2. The KB5070773 support article applies to all editions of those versions. Microsoft’s 24H2 record also lists Windows Server 2025.
Incident timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2025 | Security update KB5066835 introduced the WinRE USB keyboard and mouse failure. |
| October 17, 2025 | Microsoft’s release-health record opened the incident at 22:18 Pacific Time. |
| October 20, 2025 | Microsoft released out-of-band update KB5070773 and marked the issue resolved. |
Microsoft has not published a number of affected computers or users in the documentation for this incident.
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How to fix an affected computer that still starts Windows
- Sign in to Windows normally.
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates and install the offered updates, including KB5070773 or a later cumulative update.
- Restart when Windows requests it.
KB5070773 is cumulative: Microsoft says it includes the security fixes and improvements from KB5066835 together with the WinRE USB correction. Microsoft documents the package through Windows Update and Microsoft Update, with standalone packages also available from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
After installation, entering WinRE should restore USB keyboard and mouse input. Later updates also contain the fix, so a computer that is fully patched does not remain subject to this October 2025 incident.
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If Windows will not boot
If the affected PC cannot reach Windows, it cannot install the update through the normal Settings path. Microsoft lists these alternatives, depending on what is available:
Use a touchscreen keyboard
On a device with a working touchscreen, use its touch keyboard to operate WinRE menus and reach a bootable Windows session or other repair option.
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Connect a PS/2 keyboard or mouse
If the computer has a PS/2 port, a PS/2 peripheral avoids the USB-specific failure and can be used to select recovery options.
Boot from a prepared recovery drive
A USB recovery drive created before the failure can boot the computer into WinRE with USB functionality restored. The drive must already contain Windows recovery or installation media; plugging in a newly purchased blank flash drive does not repair the problem.
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Use organizational deployment methods
Microsoft lists PXE through Configuration Manager for OEM and enterprise scenarios. Organizations can also deploy push-button reset capabilities using the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) together with its WinPE add-on.
What WinRE is used for
Windows Recovery Environment is a built-in set of troubleshooting and recovery tools. Windows can launch it automatically after repeated unsuccessful starts, or an administrator can open it through several paths:
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- Settings: Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup.
- From the sign-in or Start menu: hold Shift while selecting Restart.
- A device-specific hardware recovery button, where provided.
- A prepared recovery drive or Windows installation media.
Available tools can include Startup Repair, Reset this PC, Startup Settings, Command Prompt, uninstalling updates, firmware settings and System Image Recovery. Some actions on encrypted systems require the BitLocker recovery key.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing the right response
| Computer state | Recommended action | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Windows starts normally | Install KB5070773 or any later Windows update from Windows Update. | The fix is a software update; no paid utility is required. |
| Windows does not start, but a touchscreen is available | Use the touchscreen keyboard in WinRE. | Only applies to devices with a functioning touchscreen. |
| Windows does not start, but the PC has PS/2 | Use a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. | Most newer systems do not include PS/2 ports. |
| A recovery drive was created earlier | Boot from that recovery drive. | The USB media must be prepared as recovery or installation media. |
| Managed OEM or enterprise fleet | Use PXE or deploy push-button reset with ADK and WinPE. | These are deployment solutions for organizations, not ordinary consumer steps. |
Preparing for future recovery problems
Once Windows is working, create recovery media rather than waiting for a boot failure. Microsoft’s Recovery Drive guidance explains how to create a bootable USB recovery drive. Windows installation media on a bootable USB drive can also provide a route into WinRE. Label and store the media safely, and test that the computer can boot from it according to the device maker’s instructions.
System Image Recovery is another WinRE capability for systems that maintain a system image, but external backup storage is preparation rather than a remedy for the KB5066835 incident. A flash drive sold for Windows recovery is useful only after it has been configured as recovery or installation media.
Why reports can be misleading
A report that “USB stopped working after the update” lacks the key distinction. In this incident, the failure was limited to the recovery environment. If a keyboard or mouse is also unusable after Windows has loaded, that points to a different hardware, driver or system issue and should not automatically be attributed to KB5066835.
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