Microsoft Issues Fix for Windows 11 USB Bug in Recovery Mode
Microsoft has released a fix for a Windows 11 bug that prevented USB devices from working in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). The issue surfaced after users installed the KB5066835 security update earlier this month, causing keyboards and mice to become unresponsive in recovery mode. To address the problem, Microsoft rolled out an out-of-band (OOB) update with improvements designed to restore full functionality. The new update is available in builds 26200.6901 and 26100.6901.
Problems Reported by Users
Following the KB5066835 update on October 14, many users reported issues on Reddit and Microsoft’s support forums, stating that USB peripherals like mice and keyboards no longer worked in WinRE. The bug posed a significant problem for those needing to troubleshoot or repair their PCs, effectively limiting access to critical recovery tools. Microsoft acknowledged the complaints and began working on a solution immediately.
Emergency Out-of-Band Update
To resolve the issue, Microsoft released the emergency KB5070773 update, which is cumulative and includes both the fixes for the USB bug and the security improvements from the original KB5066835 update. The update ensures that devices connected via USB are now fully recognized in WinRE, allowing users to access recovery tools without disruptions.
Workarounds for Affected Users
For users who still cannot boot into Windows due to the WinRE USB problem, Microsoft has recommended a few temporary workarounds. These include using alternate input methods, such as PS/2 peripherals if available, or performing offline updates via installation media. With the new OOB update, Microsoft has effectively restored normal functionality for affected Windows 11 users and reinforced the importance of timely patch deployment.