Microsoft’s October 20, 2025, out-of-band update KB5070773 fixes a specific Windows 11 problem: USB keyboards and mice could stop working inside the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) after the October 14 update KB5066835. Microsoft says those devices continued to work normally in Windows itself. The update applies to Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.
What problem does KB5070773 fix?
After installing KB5066835, some users could find that a USB keyboard or mouse did not function in WinRE. Without working input, they could not navigate the recovery options. Microsoft’s release note describes the failure as limited to WinRE and explicitly says the devices continued to work normally within the Windows operating system. It does not report how many devices or installations were affected.
WinRE is the recovery environment used to access troubleshooting and recovery options when Windows needs repair. The documented issue concerns input while using that environment; it is not evidence of a general USB failure in Windows.
What is KB5070773, and which Windows versions does it cover?
KB5070773 is an out-of-band (OOB) cumulative update dated October 20, 2025. Microsoft lists it for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, all editions, with OS builds 26100.6901 and 26200.6901, respectively. It fixes the WinRE USB-input problem and includes the security fixes and improvements from KB5066835.
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Microsoft’s release note describes the fix as follows: “Fixed: After installing the Windows security update released on October 14, 2025 (KB5066835), USB devices, such as keyboards and mice, do not function in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This issue prevents navigation of any of the recovery options within WinRE. Note that the USB devices continue to work normally within the Windows operating system.”
See Microsoft’s KB5070773 release notes for the update details and installation guidance.
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How to install KB5070773
Use Windows Update
Microsoft lists Windows Update and Microsoft Update as channels through which the update downloads and installs automatically. For most users, this is the straightforward route; check Windows Update for applicable updates rather than downloading a package manually.
Download a standalone package
If you need a standalone package, Microsoft directs users to the Microsoft Update Catalog. The release page includes administrator guidance for installing MSU packages, including installing multiple files with DISM or installing them individually in a specified order. Follow Microsoft’s instructions for the package and servicing situation; command-line servicing is generally intended for administrators.
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Does the update fix every USB or recovery problem?
No. Microsoft documents a particular regression affecting USB input in WinRE after KB5066835. It does not establish that all Windows 11 computers were affected, nor does it claim that KB5070773 resolves unrelated USB, keyboard, mouse, or recovery failures. If your devices work in Windows but fail only in WinRE after the October 14 update, this is the issue KB5070773 addresses.
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