Microsoft’s latest security update has rendered USB keyboards and mice inoperable within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Released on October 14, 2025, as KB5066835 for OS Build 26100.6899, the patch affects Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, as well as Windows Server 2025.
The glitch emerged shortly after installation, leaving users unable to navigate recovery options during system troubleshooting.
The problem surfaces specifically in WinRE, a critical boot mode for repairing boot failures, resetting PCs, or restoring from backups. USB input devices function normally in everyday Windows sessions but fail entirely in this environment.
Reports indicate that affected users see their mice and keyboards go unresponsive, blocking access to menus and commands. This issue was confirmed and publicly acknowledged by Microsoft on October 17, 2025, highlighting the urgency for those relying on stable recovery tools.
Beyond the recovery issues, KB5066835 has triggered a flood of other problems. Network diagnostics reveal localhost connections refusing to establish, complicating local development and testing workflows.
Installation attempts often fail with cryptic errors, forcing some users to roll back the update manually. File Explorer’s preview pane, a handy feature for quick file inspections, now displays blank or unresponsive previews, hampering productivity.
User forums and social media buzz with complaints of sluggish performance, including delayed app launches and erratic multitasking. These reports span consumer laptops to enterprise servers, underscoring the update’s wide-reaching effects.
For IT administrators, the WinRE blockage poses a real risk during outage responses, potentially escalating minor issues into major downtime.
Microsoft’s Response and Workarounds
Microsoft has acknowledged the flaws and is actively developing fixes, with a resolution expected in the coming days. In the interim, the company advises avoiding WinRE entry if possible and using alternative recovery methods, such as booting from installation media with working peripherals.
For those already impacted, uninstalling KB5066835 via Settings > Update & Security > View update history offers temporary relief, though it reopens security vulnerabilities.
This incident echoes past Windows update woes, reminding users to pause automatic patches during critical periods. As patches roll out, affected individuals should monitor official channels for updates to restore full functionality.
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