Microsoft has acknowledged the recent findings regarding a significant issue affecting the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) following the installation of the October 2025 cumulative update, KB5066835. This update has rendered WinRE largely ineffective due to a bug that prevents both mouse and keyboard functionality within the environment, complicating the recovery process for users encountering system failures.
WinRE is a critical component of the Windows operating system, designed to assist users when their systems fail to boot. It activates automatically in response to severe errors, such as the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), and provides essential recovery options. Additionally, WinRE facilitates configuration settings for systems with multiple OS installations across different partitions or USB drives.
To access WinRE, users typically navigate through Settings > System > Recovery, where they can select “Restart now” under the Advanced startup section. However, those who frequently rely on WinRE may find this month’s update particularly frustrating, as it disrupts their ability to select options or navigate through the recovery interface.
After installing the mandatory security update, many users have reported an inability to interact with WinRE, as neither USB keyboards nor mice respond. Microsoft has confirmed its awareness of the situation and is actively investigating the underlying cause. In a statement, the company noted, “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).” This limitation effectively prevents users from troubleshooting or resetting their systems when needed.
Despite this setback, Microsoft reassured users that USB devices continue to operate normally within the Windows operating system itself. The company is planning to release an out-of-band update aimed at resolving the WinRE issues in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 versions.
How to fix keyboard and mouse not working in WinRE after Windows 11 October 2025 Update?
For those eager to regain access to WinRE without uninstalling the problematic update, there is a workaround that involves reverting the WinRE image (winre.wim) to a previous, functional version. This process requires replacing the current winre.wim with a known-good version from an older Windows 11 ISO. However, users should proceed with caution, as modifying system files can lead to instability or prevent Windows from booting altogether.
- First, download and save a copy of a Windows 11 ISO, ensuring the build is 10.0.26100.5059 or older.
- Extract the winre.wim file from the ISO and save it securely.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the command: reagentc /disable to disable WinRE.
- In File Explorer, enable Hidden items and navigate to C:WindowsSystem32Recovery.
- Locate the winre.wim file, which will be hidden while WinRE is enabled, so ensure it is disabled first.
- Back up the existing winre.wim file, as it will be deleted in the next step.
- Delete the winre.wim file from C:WindowsSystem32Recovery and replace it with the older version extracted from the ISO.
- Close File Explorer.
- Finally, in Command Prompt (Admin), run: reagentc /enable.
If executed correctly, these steps should restore functionality to WinRE. Alternatively, users may choose to wait for Microsoft to release an official fix or consider uninstalling the KB5066835 update as a temporary measure.
