Microsoft has confirmed that this month's security updates disable USB mice and keyboards in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), making it unusable.
WinRE is a minimal Windows-based environment that operates independently of the main operating system, allowing users to repair, restore, or troubleshoot the operating system even when Windows fails to start.
However, as Microsoft revealed in a Windows release health dashboard update on Friday, after installing the KB5066835 October 2025 security updates, users will no longer be able to use their USB-wired mouse and keyboard while in recovery mode.
The company added that the input devices will still work while using the Windows operating systems, although if the users need to use WinRE they might already experience issues which require troubleshooting or repairing the OS.
"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)," Microsoft said.
"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."
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
This known issue impacts both client (Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 11 25H2) and server (Windows Server 2025) platforms.
Until Redmond resolves this bug, users should be able to switch to Bluetooth wireless mice and keyboards or input devices that use old PS/2 connectors which shouldn't be affected.
Microsoft noted that the Windows team is working on a fix for this Windows Recovery issue, which will likely be available over the coming days.
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