Published 2025-10-25 by TechNet New England
After installing the Windows security update released on October 14, 2025 (KB5066835), some users discovered that USB keyboards and mice don't work in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This is a critical problem because without working input devices, you can't navigate recovery options, select Safe Mode, or run system repair tools.
The Official Fix
Microsoft released an out-of-band update on October 20, 2025 (KB5070773) that fixes this issue. If your system is still bootable:
- Boot into Windows normally
- Open Settings > Windows Update
- Check for updates and install KB5070773 or any later cumulative update
- Restart your computer
After this update, USB devices will work normally in WinRE.
If You're Already Stuck in WinRE
If your system won't boot and you're stuck in WinRE with no working USB devices, try these workarounds:
Option 1: Use a PS/2 Keyboard
PS/2 keyboards (the old round connector) still work in WinRE. If you have access to one:
- Many older keyboards have PS/2 connectors
- USB-to-PS/2 adapters exist but don't always work
- Some motherboards still have PS/2 ports
Option 2: Boot from Windows Installation Media
Create Windows installation media on another computer, then:
- Boot from the USB installation drive
- USB devices typically work when booting from external media
- Click "Repair your computer" to access recovery options
- Navigate to Command Prompt
- Run:
wusa /uninstall /kb:5066835 /quiet /norestart - Restart and boot normally
Option 3: Use Command Prompt from Installation Media
If USB works from installation media but not built-in WinRE:
- Boot from Windows installation USB
- Press Shift+F10 to open Command Prompt
- Run the following to identify your Windows drive:
diskpart list vol exit - Note which drive letter has your Windows installation (often D: or E: in recovery)
- Uninstall the problematic update:
dism /image:D:\ /remove-package /packagename:Package_for_KB5066835~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.1.0 - Replace D:\ with your Windows drive letter
Preventing Future Issues
To avoid this problem in the future:
- Keep a PS/2 keyboard handy for emergencies
- Create Windows installation media and keep it accessible
- Enable the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" option to receive out-of-band fixes quickly
- Consider creating a recovery USB drive periodically
Why This Happened
The October 2025 update changed how USB drivers were loaded during the early boot process. In the WinRE environment, certain USB controller drivers weren't being initialized properly, leaving USB ports non-functional.
Microsoft's fix (KB5070773) corrected the driver loading sequence to ensure USB devices work throughout the boot process, including in recovery mode.
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