Windows 11 24H2/25H2 Update Breaks Mouse and Keyboard in Recovery Mode

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update, KB5066835, is causing major disruption by rendering USB keyboards and mice unusable in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) on 24H2 and 25H2 builds, as well as Windows Server 2025. The patch released on 14 October 2025 leaves input devices working in a normal Windows session but completely unresponsive when attempting to use WinRE, blocking access to System Restore, Startup Repair, and Reset this PC.

Microsoft acknowledged the bug on 17 October 2025, amid widespread reports from users troubleshooting failed systems. IT admins face a heightened risk of downtime as recovery tools may be inaccessible, with reports also noting further issues such as localhost connectivity problems and File Explorer preview pane hangs.

Workarounds include avoiding entering WinRE where possible or booting from separate installation media, and users can uninstall KB5066835 via View update history, though this reverts the latest security patches and leaves systems more vulnerable until a fix is released.