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Running Windows 11? Install this emergency patch before you use recovery mode - here's why

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Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

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ZDNET's key takeaways

A new Microsoft update patches a bug affecting Windows recovery.

The bug prevented the use of USB mice and keyboards in WinRE.

The new patch is available through Windows Update.

Microsoft has fixed a serious glitch that affected Windows 11 users who need to rely on the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to troubleshoot boot-up issues.

Out-of-band patch

Rolled out on Monday, KB5070773 patches a bug that prevented many people from using USB mice and keyboards in WinRE, essentially rendering it impossible -- or at least difficult -- to navigate and use. Microsoft itself introduced the flaw a week ago with the Windows October update, affecting Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2, as well as Windows Server 2025.

Also: Your Windows 11 PC has an emergency shutdown feature - here's where to find it

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