Windows 11's October update causes a serious recovery mode glitch - but there's a workaround

"What would a monthly Windows update be without at least one bug? That's the case with the October Patch Tuesday update rolled out by Microsoft almost a week ago. This one fixed more than 170 security flaws, but it also introduced a glitch that affects some Windows 11 users who turn to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to troubleshoot boot-up issues."

"WinRE is a recovery tool that can step in if Windows is unable to boot up properly. In some instances, the tool may automatically start and attempt to repair the issue; in others, you can manually select certain options, such as a recovery drive or Safe Mode, to try to repair or at least narrow down the problem. But without support for a USB mouse or keyboard, there's no way to navigate the environment. However, there is one workaround."

""After installing the Windows security update released on Oct.14, 2025 ( KB5066835), USB devices, such as keyboards and mice, do not function in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)," Microsoft revealed on its known issues page for Windows 11. "This issue prevents navigation of any of the recovery options within WinRE. Note that the USB keyboard and mouse continue to work normally within the Windows operating system." The issue affects Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2, as well as Windows Server 2025. Microsoft said it's aiming to roll out a resolution in the coming days."

After installing the Oct. 14, 2025 Windows security update (KB5066835), USB keyboards and mice stop functioning inside the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), preventing navigation of recovery options while continuing to work normally within the running Windows OS. The issue affects Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 and Windows Server 2025. WinRE normally assists with boot troubleshooting and can auto-run repair steps or let users manually choose options like Safe Mode or a recovery drive. Microsoft is planning a resolution in the coming days. A workaround exists for systems that can use legacy PS/2 keyboards or mice.

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