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October Update Breaks USB Functionality in Windows Recovery Mode

October Update Breaks USB Functionality in Windows Recovery Mode

Microsoft has confirmed that its October security update disables USB input devices in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), rendering wired mice and keyboards unusable during system recovery.

What Happened

The issue stems from the October 2025 cumulative update KB5066835, which introduces a bug that prevents USB peripherals from functioning inside WinRE. Affected users report that while their devices continue working normally inside Windows, they fail to respond once the system enters recovery mode — precisely when keyboard and mouse access is most critical for troubleshooting.

What Is WinRE

The Windows Recovery Environment is a lightweight subsystem designed to operate independently from the main operating system. It allows users to reset, repair, or recover Windows even when the primary installation is unbootable.
Losing USB support inside WinRE effectively blocks users from interacting with diagnostic tools unless alternative input options are available.

Affected Versions and Scope

According to Microsoft, the problem affects both:

  • Windows 11 (versions 24H2 and 25H2)
  • Windows Server 2025

The company is developing a fix expected to roll out “in the coming days.” No interim patch or configuration change currently resolves the issue.

Temporary Workarounds

Until the official update is released, users can:

  • Use Bluetooth mice and keyboards, which remain functional in WinRE
  • Rely on older PS/2-based peripherals, which are unaffected by the USB bug

These methods allow temporary access to the recovery console for urgent system repairs.

This is the second significant bug linked to Microsoft’s October 2025 updates. Last week, the company patched a separate issue that broke HTTP/2 connections to localhost (127.0.0.1) in Windows 11, disrupting local web server functionality for developers.

Summary

While the October patches addressed several security vulnerabilities, they inadvertently introduced a flaw that disables wired USB input in recovery mode — an especially inconvenient moment for users already facing system boot problems.
Microsoft’s engineers are working on a fix, and administrators are advised to keep an eye on future updates or KB advisories for resolution.

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